The following are a list of frequently asked questions about the on-campus masters of science program in Applied Math department. For FAQs about other degree programs, please see the M.S. On-Campus FAQs or the Online Masters FAQs.
- What funding can you offer me?
- Financial support for Doctoral studies is limited to five years after admission to the Ph.D. program in the Department of Applied Mathematics. Support for an additional period may be granted upon approval of a petition, endorsed by the student's thesis supervisor, to the Graduate Program Coordinator.
- What research opportunities does your program offer?
- Our faculty research page can give you an idea of what opportunities are available, as will our current PhD students’ pages. We offer many different opportunities within the AMATH department, and with our adjuncts in other departments.
- How many students do you accept in the PhD program?
- Out of the 300 applications we normally review, we make an average of 15 offers per year. We usually have an average incoming class of 8 students.
- I am interested in a multidisciplinary degree. Can I do my research with another department?
- Certainly; however, we do suggest that you discuss your plans with AMATH faculty.
- How do I apply for funding?
- When you fill out your application, you will fill out the Fellowship and Assistantship application so that we determine eligibility for different forms of support. Some students enter our department with external fellowships; most students continue to apply for fellowships during their program.
- How long is this degree going to take me?
- On average, students take 5 years to finish their PhD in AMATH.
- What GPA am I expected to maintain?
- We expect students to maintain a 3.4/4.0 during their program.
- How long do I take classes?
- Generally, students take courses for the first two years of their program.
- What classes do I need to take?
- The courses required for the Ph.D. are as follows:
- AMATH 567, 568, 569
- AMATH 581 or 584, and 585, 586
- Three of AMATH 570, 571, 572, 573, 574, 575
- Two relevant courses not from the AMATH Curriculum
- AMATH 600 (Reading during the first year) (2x2 credits, each with a separate faculty member)
- Do I need to learn a second language?
- No. Other PhD programs have required this, but we do not.
- How do I find an advisor?
- Upon arrival, incoming students will be assigned two faculty mentors. Until a student settles on a thesis advisor, the faculty mentors aid the student in selecting courses, and they each guide the student through a 2-credit independent reading course on material related to the student's research interest. The faculty mentors are not necessarily faculty in the Department of Applied Mathematics.
- Who should be on my supervisory committee/ reading committee?
- The full Supervisory Committee should have a minimum of three regular members plus the Graduate School Representative, and will consist of at least two faculty members from Applied Mathematics, one of whom is to be the Chairman of the Committee. The Dissertation Reading Committee, consisting of three members, is usually formed from the Supervisory Committee. Two members of the Dissertation Reading Committee must be from the Applied Mathematics faculty.
- When do I take the qualifying exams?
- Information on the qualifying exams can be found here.
- When do I take my general exam?
- Information on the general exam can be found here.
- When can I defend my thesis (take my final exam)?
- Information on the final exam can be found here.
- How can I find out about more fellowship opportunities?
- We make it a priority to inform students of fellowship opportunities via email, postings on the 4th floor of Guggenheim, or via word of mouth. We also encourage students to find opportunities with their advisor or through funding sources such as the National Science Foundation or the Department of Energy. The graduate school keeps a list of possible fellowships and their deadlines. Many fellowships have deadlines in either November or January/March.
- How do I publish my thesis?
- Information on publication requirements can be found on the Graduate School webpage.