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Top 10 Best PhD in Mathematics Programs

Lisa Marlin

A PhD in mathematics is an invaluable qualification in many sectors, but particularly academia. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, mathematicians and statisticians will see a 33% growth in jobs  from 2020 to 2030, especially with the growing need for data and cybersecurity  professionals.

Mathematics PhD programs equip you with the advanced skills and knowledge you need to progress to the highest levels of the field.

Table of Contents

Best PhD in Mathematics Programs

Stanford university, school of humanities & sciences.

Ph.D. in Mathematics

Stanford University logo

Stanford is a renowned Ivy League university known for its high-quality programs in several areas, including mathematics. Its faculty includes eminent figures in the field, and the school features a dedicated mathematics research center on campus. Students must pass two exams, one in algebra and the other in real analysis, by the second year to remain in the program. Progressing students are fully funded for five years.

  • Courses : Multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and applied matrix theory.
  • Duration : 5 years
  • Delivery : On-campus
  • Tuition : Refer tuition page
  • Financial aid : Teaching/research assistantships and fellowships
  • Acceptance rate: 5.2%
  • Location : Stanford, California

Harvard University, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Harvard University logo

Harvard’s Department of Mathematics is one of the world’s most acclaimed centers for research and education in pure mathematics. You’ll need to complete four courses for each term of your PhD, though there are no compulsory courses. As one of the most impressive mathematics doctoral programs, this PhD emphasizes the love of the subject for its own sake, curiosity, creative ability, and the research process.

  • Courses : Advanced real analysis, commutative algebra, and geometry & complexity theory.
  • Credits : 16 half-courses
  • Duration : 2-5 years
  • Financial aid : Grants and fellowships
  • Acceptance rate: 5%
  • Location : Cambridge, Massachusetts

Brown University, Graduate School

Brown University logo

Brown University is known for its flexible yet rigorous approach to education that gives students the intellectual freedom to apply creative thinking to their work. Its PhD in Math program encourages close student-faculty relationships and collaboration. This program doesn’t ask for GRE scores or foreign language courses for international students.

  • Courses : Complex functions, topology, and algebraic geometry.
  • Tuition : $7,835 per course
  • Financial aid : Fellowships and teaching assistantships
  • Acceptance rate:  7.7%
  • Location : Providence, Rhode Island

The University of Pennsylvania, School of Arts & Sciences

Penn State logo

UPenn is a world-renowned university that boasts the first medical school in the country. It has a very active mathematics department committed to serious research, and its faculty includes recognized figures from the mathematics community. In its doctorate in mathematics program, students can take courses from other departments in the university. Full-tuition scholarships for all five years of the program are available.

  • Courses: Geometry-topology, mathematical physics, and combinatorics.
  • Duration: 5 years
  • Delivery: On-campus
  • Tuition: Full funding
  • Financial aid: Fellowships, teaching assistantships, and scholarships.
  • Acceptance rate: 9%
  • Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Rochester Institute of Technology, School of Mathematical Sciences

Ph.D. Mathematical Modeling

Rochester Institute of Technology logo

The School of Mathematical Sciences at RIT is world-renowned for mathematical and statistical research. It focuses on creative approaches to solving real-world problems using mathematical and statistical knowledge. Its doctorate degree in mathematics is the country’s first  mathematical modeling PhD  and offers five concentrations, including Biomedical mathematics, applied inverse problems, and dynamical systems & fluid dynamics.

  • Courses : Numerical analysis, mathematical modeling, and high-performance computing for mathematical modeling.
  • Credits : 60 minimum
  • Duration : 7 years maximum
  • Financial aid : Scholarships and graduate assistantships
  • Acceptance rate : 73.9%
  • Location : Rochester, New York

Princeton University, The Graduate School

Ph.D. Applied and Computational Math

Princeton University logo

Princeton University is one of the world’s most famous universities, scoring the top ranking in the US News & World Report’s Best Universities list for 2022 . Its PhD program in Applied and Computational Math is flexible with few central requirements: students can work with their advisers to build their own program.

  • Courses : Differential equations, numerical algorithms, and applied dynamical systems.
  • Credits : 12 hours/semester
  • Duration : 4 years
  • Tuition : $56,010 per year
  • Financial aid : Fellowships, research/teaching assistantships, loans, grants, and federal work-study.
  • Acceptance rate : 5.6%
  • Location : Princeton, New Jersey

The University of Arizona, Department of Mathematics

Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics

University of Arizona logo

The University of Arizona is well-known for its contributions to scientific research. Its PhD in Applied Mathematics is an interdisciplinary program that emphasizes mathematical modeling and computer simulation. The teaching staff is drawn from various disciplines, including engineering, computing, social, and biological sciences.

  • Courses : Real analysis, algebra, and topology-geometry.
  • Tuition : $13,400 per year
  • Financial aid : Teaching assistantships, research assistantships, fellowships, and grants.
  • Acceptance rate:  85%
  • Location : Tucson, Arizona

Portland State University, Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics &         Statistics

Ph.D. Mathematical Sciences

Portland State University logo

PSU’s innovative Mathematics Department has a joint research project  with Ohio University to make the theoretical science of math more relevant and practical. Its PhD program focuses on mathematics and statistics, with separate primary and secondary-level courses in both subjects.

  • Courses : Mathematics, statistics, and mathematical/statistical literature problems.
  • Credits : 81 minimum
  • Tuition : $509 per credit
  • Financial aid : Scholarships, fellowships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and veteran benefits.
  • Acceptance rate : 95.2%
  • Location : Portland, Oregon

Rice University, Wiess School of Natural Sciences

Ph.D. in Computational and Applied Mathematics

Rice University logo

Rice University works closely with many prominent research, education, and science institutions in Houston, translating into exciting student opportunities. Its Computational and Applied Mathematics department only accepts 5-9 students into its PhD program, assuring a low student-faculty ratio. The program allows students to conduct high-impact research with the help of professors from diverse fields such as energy, mathematical biology, healthcare delivery, and sustainability.

  • Courses : Advanced numerical analysis, computational science , and modeling mathematical physics.
  • Duration : 4-6 years
  • Tuition : $2,893 per credit
  • Financial aid : Scholarships, fellowships, teaching assistantships, and loans.
  • Acceptance rate : 10.9%
  • Location : Houston, Texas

Florida Institute of Technology

Applied Mathematics, Ph.D.

Florida Institute of Technology logo

Florida Institute of Technology is the only independent technological university in the Southeast. It is a private institution encouraging a hands-on approach to students’ learning. This PhD is one of the only 30 Applied Mathematics programs in the country and accommodates a wide range of specializations, including non-linear analysis, scientific computing, and optimization. The highly flexible program also allows students to choose their research areas.

  • Courses : Partial differential equations, real analysis, and numerical methods for partial differential equations.
  • Credits : 72 post-bachelor’s or 42 post-master’s
  • Tuition : $1,241 per credit
  • Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, awards, loans, graduate assistantships, and veteran benefits.
  • Acceptance rate: 70.4%
  • Location : Melbourne, Florida

What Do You Need to Get a PhD in Mathematics?

Exact entry requirements vary from program to program, but often you’ll need a master’s in a related field as a basic prerequisite. Some programs will accept graduates with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or a related subject, though you’ll probably need to complete extra credit hours compared to students with a master’s.

You’ll need to submit an application, typically involving a research proposal and/or personal statement , academic resume , and letters of recommendation . You may need to present GRE  scores , but these aren’t required for every program.

Equally, the requirements to earn your doctorate will depend on the specific program, though there are several commonalities. Most PhD in mathematics programs include:

  • Qualifying examinations and a final exam
  • Teaching hours
  • A research dissertation

If you want to prepare thoroughly for a math PhD program, it can be helpful to:

  • Study qualifying exam subjects  such as real analysis and algebra
  • Working with proof of math problems
  • Participate in u ndergraduate research experience programs
  • Build your network  and identify mentors

What to Consider When Choosing a Mathematics PhD Program

With so many strong math PhD programs on offer, it can be hard to know which is the right program for you.

While this is a very individual decision, here are some key factors to consider:

  • Courses, specializations, and concentrations
  • Funding options
  • School and faculty reputation
  • Mode of delivery: online, on-campus, or hybrid

Why Get a Doctorate in Mathematics?

Today’s world desperately needs data in every field to improve and grow. So, mathematics is now highly relevant across many fields. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates impressive job growth of 33%  for mathematicians and statisticians from 2020 to 2030.

A PhD in mathematics equips you with a range of skills, including critical and analytical evaluation, logical reasoning, mathematical solutions for real-life issues, verbal and written communication skills, and dedication.

According to the American Mathematical Society , the number of math PhD graduates has been increasing steadily over the last two decades, and is currently around 2,000 a year. In total, there have been more than 30,000 PhD graduates in mathematics over the last two decades.

Common Jobs for Doctor of Mathematics Grads

With a doctorate in mathematics, you may work in various roles, including:

  • Assistant Professor ( $61,252  average annual salary)
  • Professor ( $88,951 )
  • Data Scientist ( $97,358 )
  • Mathematician ( $70,920 )
  • Postdoctoral Research Associate ( $51,968 )

Key Takeaways

The best PhD mathematics programs are offered by renowned universities across the country, including the most prestigious schools. While some are expensive, various funding options and even fully-funded Mathematics doctorate programs offer some relief.

If you have a real taste for the subject, a PhD in mathematics can take your career to unimaginable heights. It will also let you build high-level skills and in-depth knowledge that could make you a leader in your field.

If you’ve found this guide useful, take a look at our posts on the best online Master’s in Mathematics programs , the top online PhD programs , and the highest-paying PhDs .

PhD in Mathematics FAQs

How long is a phd in mathematics.

A PhD in Mathematics may take 3-7 years to complete, depending on program requirements. If you have a master’s degree , the program will likely be shorter in duration.

How Much Does a Math PhD Cost?

A math PhD costs anywhere from $13,000 to $45,000 per year, including tuition and other fees, based on various factors. You can also find fully funded PhD programs in Math, including from some of the most prestigious schools in the country.

Are Math PhDs in Demand?

A PhD in math is a qualification that has always had a demand in the academic world. With the increasing importance of mathematical principles and concepts in emerging technologies and disciplines, we’re also seeing a range of opportunities for mathematicians in other fields.

Is a PhD in Mathematics Difficult?

Mathematics is an abstract and mostly theoretical subject. Therefore, it’s best to have a certain degree of flair, or at least interest in the subject, otherwise, you may struggle. However, anyone can excel in a math PhD program with a little dedication and hard work.

What Do I Need to be Eligible for a PhD in Mathematics?

At a minimum, you’ll need a bachelor’s in math or another STEM field. However, some programs require a master’s or at least an honors undergraduate qualification.

Lisa Marlin

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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Old Annual Survey Groupings of Doctoral Departments (1996 to 2011)

Beginning with the 1996 Annual Survey of the Mathematical Sciences much of the data in these reports is presented for departments divided into groups according to several characteristics, the principal one being the highest degree offered in the mathematical sciences. Doctorate-granting departments of mathematics are further subdivided according to their ranking of scholarly quality of program faculty as reported in the 1995 publication Research-Doctorate Programs in the United States: Continuity and Change , 1 These rankings update those reported in a previous study published in 1982. 2 Consequently, the departments that now comprise Groups I, II, and III differ significantly from those used in prior surveys. The reader should keep this in mind when attempting to make comparisons by group with previous Annual Survey reports. A list of the departments in each of these groupings appears below. The subdivision of the Group I institutions into Group I Public and Group I Private is new with the 1996 Annual Survey. With the increase in number of the Group I departments from 39 to 48, the AMS-IMS-MAA Data Committee judged that a further subdivision along the lines of public and private would provide more meaningful reporting of the data for these departments. Brief descriptions of the departmental groupings used for the Annual Surveys from 1996 through 2011 are as follows:

Group I is composed of 48 departments with scores in the 3.00-5.00 range.

Group I Public and Group I Private are Group I departments at public institutions and private institutions, respectively.

Group II is composed of 56 departments with scores in the 2.00-2.99 range.

Group III contains the remaining US departments reporting a doctoral program, including a number of departments not included in the 1995 ranking of program faculty.

Group IV contains US departments (or programs) of statistics, biostatistics, and biometrics reporting a doctoral program.

Group Va contains US departments (or programs) in applied mathematics/applied science which report a doctoral program. Group Vb, which is no longer surveyed as of 1998-99, previously contained operations research and management science.

Group M contains US departments granting a master's degree as the highest graduate degree.

Group B contains U.S. departments granting at most a baccalaureate degree.  

1 Research-doctorate programs in the United States: continuity and change, edited by Marvin L. Goldberger, Brendan A. Maher, and Pamela Ebert Flattau; National Academy Press, Washington, D.C., 1995 .

2 These findings were published in An assessment of research-doctorate programs in the United States: Mathematical and physical sciences, edited by Lyle V. Jones, Gardner Lindzey, and Porter E. Coggeshall; National Academy Press, Washington, D.C., 1982. The information on mathematics, statistics, and computer science was presented in digest form in the April 1983 issue of the Notices, pages 257-267, and an analysis of the classifications was given in the June 1983 Notices, pages 392-393.

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QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Mathematics

Discover which universities around the world are the best for mathematics with the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is ranked as the best university for mathematics for another year, achieving a perfect score for two separate indicators. It's one of five American universities in the top 10 this year.

Asia has one representative in the top 10 this year, thanks to the National University of Singapore (NUS) rising three places to 10th.

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2024 Best Applied Mathematics Doctor's Degree Schools

Featured applied mathematics programs, choosing a great applied mathematics school for your doctor's degree, a great overall school, early-career earnings, other factors we consider, one size does not fit all, best schools for doctorate students to study applied mathematics in the united states, 10 top schools for a doctorate in applied math, applied mathematics by region.

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Best bachelor's degrees in applied mathematics, best overall in applied mathematics, highest paid grads in applied mathematics, best for veterans in applied mathematics, most popular in applied mathematics, most focused in applied mathematics, best master's degrees in applied mathematics, best value in applied mathematics, best for non-traditional students in applied mathematics, best online in applied mathematics, most popular online in applied mathematics, rankings in majors related to applied math, applied math focus areas.

MajorAnnual Graduates
232
33
26
17
7

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Related MajorAnnual Graduates
1,149
456
30
11

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Does there exist Top 50 rankings of applied math phd programs?

For example, if one were to apply to Top 50 business schools for a full-time MBA program, one could get rankings from the NYTimes, the Financial Times, the Wall Street Journal, U.S. News and World Report, and the Economist, just to name a few sources - I bet there are plenty more.

I plan to apply to Top 50 applied math phd programs, however I cannot find any sort of rankings other than the one from the U.S. News and World Report, which only ranks up to Top 14 -- schools that I wouldn't realistically have a shot at getting into. So, I am looking to aim a bit lower but am not sure where to even start.

How should I go about figuring out which applied math departments are generally regarded as "Top 50 applied math departments"?

Why aren't there a ton of different sources where I can get rankings from -- like in the business school world (and probably law school world too)?
  • mathematics

ff524's user avatar

  • 1 U.S. News and World Report, which only ranks up to Top 14 Is that true? I seem to recall them ranking more, though the information may not be free online. –  Kimball Commented Apr 12, 2016 at 2:04
  • Ah, that's probably why. I'll try to purchase the report online. Thanks so much, Professor Martin. Have a great night @Kimball. –  User001 Commented Apr 12, 2016 at 2:10
  • 1 I'm not sure if there are more, but in any case, I don't think it's so important: see my answer. –  Kimball Commented Apr 12, 2016 at 2:28
  • 1 "Why aren't there a ton of different sources where I can get rankings from?" Because many people realized that rankings of departments is inherently bogus. (E.g. many rankings use weighted means of different scores and it turns out that in most cases a slight change of the weights (by a small fraction like 1-5%) may lead to rank changes of about 30 ranks and more. There are studies on this with real ranking data, but I can't find them right now.) –  Dirk Commented Apr 12, 2016 at 6:46

2 Answers 2

One issue is that I think you are comparing apples to oranges. Applied math is generally considered a part of mathematics--it is often not a separate department: the AMS only lists 30 graduate applied math departments . What you are asking seems to me more akin to "what are the top 50 schools in environmental law"? (I don't know whether such lists exist or not.)

Second, what is considered "applied mathematics" varies from department to department, and perhaps from person to person.

Last, neither overall rankings nor specialized rankings should be regarded with too much seriousness. There aren't meaningful, natural orderings on departments which measure "how good" a department is, largely because "good" is a nebulous concept.

As for how to choose schools, here are a couple suggestions:

  • Ask some of your professors in applied math for ideas. Where I went to grad school was a place suggested by an undergrad professor.
  • Use general math rankings to get an idea of reputation (and thus selectiveness) of departments, and look at department websites to see which have active applied math groups.

Note: many students won't know going into math grad school won't know whether they want to do applied math, stats, probability, analysis, algebra etc etc, so in terms of selectivity, looking at the general reputation of the department may be more helpful anyway.

Kimball's user avatar

  • Ok, got it. Thanks so much for your time, Professor Martin. –  User001 Commented Apr 13, 2016 at 4:44

As Kimball notes, there are not 50 programs devoted exclusively to applied math in the US.

For a PhD, you should really be looking at potential advisors, not programs. This is especially true in applied math, where most programs have a very small number of faculty. Your options for thesis research in a given program will be essentially restricted to the specialties of the faculty in that program. Also, the quality of your training (and your subsequent career opportunities) will often depend more on your advisor than on the program.

David Ketcheson's user avatar

  • Ok, got it. Thanks so much for your time, Professor Ketcheson. –  User001 Commented Apr 13, 2016 at 4:46

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Ph.D. Program in Mathematics

Degree requirements.

A candidate for the Ph.D. degree in mathematics must fulfill a number of different departmental requirements.

NYU Shanghai Ph.D. Track

The Ph.D. program also offers students the opportunity to pursue their study and research with Mathematics faculty based at NYU Shanghai. With this opportunity, students generally complete their coursework in New York City before moving full-time to Shanghai for their dissertation research. For more information, please visit the  NYU Shanghai Ph.D. page .

Sample course schedules (Years 1 and 2) for students with a primary interest in:

Year I - Fall Term Year I - Spring Term
Linear Algebra Topology II
Differential Geometry I Differential Geometry II
Real Variables Ordinary Differential Equations
Complex Variables Functional Analysis I
Year II - Fall Term Year II - Spring Term
Advanced Topics in Geometry: Isometric Immersions Before and After Nash Advanced Topics in Geometry: Randomness and Complexity
Advanced Topics in Geometry: High Dimensional Expanders and Ramanujan Complexes Advanced Topics in Geometry: Topics in Geometric Nonlinear Functional Analysis
Harmonic Analysis Advanced Topics in Geometry: Analysis and Geometry of Scalar Curvature
Advanced Topics in PDE: Resonances in PDEs Advanced Topics in PDE: Analytic Aspects of Harmonic Maps

Applied Math (Math Biology, Scientific Computing, Physical Applied Math, etc.)

Year I - Fall Term Year I - Spring Term
Linear Algebra Applied Stochastic Processes
PDE I Asymptotic Analysis
Fluid Mechanics Continuum mechanics
Numerical Methods I Numerical Methods II
Year II - Fall Term Year II - Spring Term
Neurophysiology and Neuronal Networks Data Analysis
Complex fluids Mathematical Physiology
Real Variables Geophysical Fluid Dynamics
Computational Fluid Dynamics Nonlinear Optimization

Additional information for students interested in studying applied math is available here .

Probability

Year I - Fall Term Year I - Spring Term
Stochastic Calculus Probability: Limit Theorems II
Probability: Limit Theorems I Applied Stochastic Analysis
Real Variables Advanced Topics in Probability: Random Graphs
Complex Variables Advanced Topics in Math Biology:Stochastic Problems in Cellular Molecular and Neural Biology
Year II - Fall Term Year II - Spring Term
Advanced Topics in Probability: Ergodic Theory of Markov Processes Advanced Topics in Geometry: Randomness and Complexity
Advanced Topics in Probability: Motion in Random Media Advanced Topics in Probability: Random Matrices
Advanced Topics in Applied Math: Quantifying Uncertainty in Complex Turbulent Systems Advanced Topics in Probability: Markov Chain Analysis
Derivative Securities Advanced Topics in Numerical Analysis: Monte Carlo Methods

PDE/Analysis

Year I - Fall Term Year I - Spring Term
Linear Algebra Topology II
PDE I Ordinary Differential Equations
Real Variables PDE II
Complex Variables Functional Analysis I
Year II - Fall Term Year II - Spring Term
Differential Geometry I Algebra II
Harmonic Analysis Advanced Topics in PDE: Extreme Problems for Elliptic Eigenvalues
Advanced Topics in Analysis: Calculus of Variations Advanced Topics in Analysis: Dynamics of the Nonlinear Schroedinger Equation
Probability: Limit Theorems I Probability: Limit Theorems II

The Written Comprehensive Examination

The examination tests the basic knowledge required for any serious mathematical study. It consists of the three following sections: Advanced Calculus, Complex Variables, and Linear Algebra. The examination is given on three consecutive days, twice a year, in early September and early January. Each section is allotted three hours and is written at the level of a good undergraduate course. Samples of previous examinations are available in the departmental office. Cooperative preparation is encouraged, as it is for all examinations. In the fall term, the Department offers a workshop, taught by an advanced Teaching Assistant, to help students prepare for the written examinations.

Entering students with a solid preparation are encouraged to consider taking the examination in their first year of full-time study. All students must take the examinations in order to be allowed to register for coursework beyond 36 points of credit; it is recommended that students attempt to take the examinations well before this deadline. Graduate Assistants are required to take the examinations during their first year of study.

For further details, consult the page on the written comprehensive exams .

The Oral Preliminary Examination

This examination is usually (but not invariably) taken after two years of full-time study. The purpose of the examination is to determine if the candidate has acquired sufficient mathematical knowledge and maturity to commence a dissertation. The phrase "mathematical knowledge" is intended to convey rather broad acquaintance with the basic facts of mathematical life, with emphasis on a good understanding of the simplest interesting examples. In particular, highly technical or abstract material is inappropriate, as is the rote reproduction of information. What the examiners look for is something a little different and less easy to quantify. It is conveyed in part by the word "maturity." This means some idea of how mathematics hangs together; the ability to think a little on one's feet; some appreciation of what is natural and important, and what is artificial. The point is that the ability to do successful research depends on more than formal learning, and it is part of the examiners' task to assess these less tangible aspects of the candidate's preparation.

The orals are comprised of a general section and a special section, each lasting one hour, and are conducted by two different panels of three faculty members. The examination takes place three times a year: fall, mid-winter and late spring. Cooperative preparation of often helpful and is encouraged. The general section consists of five topics, one of which may be chosen freely. The other four topics are determined by field of interest, but often turn out to be standard: complex variables, real variables, ordinary differential equations, and partial differential equations. Here, the level of knowledge that is expected is equivalent to that of a one or two term course of the kind Courant normally presents. A brochure containing the most common questions on the general oral examination, edited by Courant students, is available at the Department Office.

The special section is usually devoted to a single topic at a more advanced level and extent of knowledge. The precise content is negotiated with the candidate's faculty advisor. Normally, the chosen topic will have a direct bearing on the candidate's Ph.D. dissertation.

All students must take the oral examinations in order to be allowed to register for coursework beyond 60 points of credit. It is recommended that students attempt the examinations well before this deadline.

The Dissertation Defense

The oral defense is the final examination on the student's dissertation. The defense is conducted by a panel of five faculty members (including the student's advisor) and generally lasts one to two hours. The candidate presents his/her work to a mixed audience, some expert in the student's topic, some not. Often, this presentation is followed by a question-and-answer period and mutual discussion of related material and directions for future work.

Summer Internships and Employment

The Department encourages Ph.D. students at any stage of their studies, including the very early stage, to seek summer employment opportunities at various government and industry facilities. In the past few years, Courant students have taken summer internships at the National Institute of Health, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and NASA, as well as Wall Street firms. Such opportunities can greatly expand students' understanding of the mathematical sciences, offer them possible areas of interest for thesis research, and enhance their career options. The Director of Graduate Studies and members of the faculty (and in particular the students' academic advisors) can assist students in finding appropriate summer employment.

Mentoring and Grievance Policy

For detailed information, consult the page on the Mentoring and Grievance Policy .

Visiting Doctoral Students

Information about spending a term at the Courant Institute's Department of Mathematics as a visiting doctoral student is available on the Visitor Programs  page.

Graduate Program

Our graduate program is unique from the other top mathematics institutions in the U.S. in that it emphasizes, from the start, independent research. Each year, we have extremely motivated and talented students among our new Ph.D. candidates who, we are proud to say, will become the next generation of leading researchers in their fields. While we urge independent work and research, there exists a real sense of camaraderie among our graduate students. As a result, the atmosphere created is one of excitement and stimulation as well as of mentoring and support. Furthermore, there exists a strong scholarly relationship between the Math Department and the Institute for Advanced Study, located just a short distance from campus, where students can make contact with members there as well as attend the IAS seminar series.  Our program has minimal requirements and maximal research and educational opportunities. We offer a broad variety of advanced research topics courses as well as more introductory level courses in algebra, analysis, and geometry, which help first-year students strengthen their mathematical background and get involved with faculty through basic course work. In addition to the courses, there are several informal seminars specifically geared toward graduate students: (1) Colloquium Lunch Talk, where experts who have been invited to present at the Department Colloquium give introductory talks, which allows graduate students to understand the afternoon colloquium more easily; (2) Graduate Student Seminar (GSS), which is organized and presented by graduate students for graduate students, creating a vibrant mathematical interaction among them; and, (3) What’s Happening in Fine Hall (WHIFH) seminar where faculty give talks in their own research areas specifically geared towards graduate students. Working or reading seminars in various research fields are also organized by graduate students each semester. First-year students are set on the fast track of research by choosing two advanced topics of research, beyond having a strong knowledge of three more general subjects: algebra, and real and complex analysis, as part of the required General Examination. It is the hope that one, or both, of the advanced topics will lead to the further discovery of a thesis problem. Students are expected to write a thesis in four years but will be provided an additional year to complete their work if deemed necessary. Most of our Ph.D.'s are successfully launched into academic positions at premier mathematical institutions as well as in industry .

Chenyang Xu

Jill leclair.

UCLA Mathematics

graduate program

Ucla math commencement ceremony, program overview.

Virtually every core area of mathematics is strongly represented in the UCLA Math Graduate Program. In the U.S. News & World Report’s 2018 Best Graduate Schools rankings (most recent), the UCLA Mathematics Graduate Program maintained its highest historical ranking of seven (shared) overall in the nation. In seven research specialties, the Program ranked in the top ten: Analysis (#1), Applied Math (#2), Logic (#2), Algebra/Number Theory/Algebraic Geometry (#8), Discrete Mathematics and Combinatorics (#11), Geometry (#12), and Topology (#7). For more information about the rankings of the entire UCLA Department of Mathematics, read the 2020 Academic Ranking of World Universities for Mathematics . 

As of fall 2020, the graduate program has 152 PhD candidates. The 24 PhD graduates of 2019-2020 are continuing their research studies in postdoctoral positions or as tenured faculty at premier institutions such as Princeton, Carnegie Mellon University, Rutgers, the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency,  and the Institute for Basic Science, Center for Geometry and Physics. Other graduates are beginning their careers in industry for companies including Google, Morgan Stanley, Facebook, and Dreamworks Animation. 

The graduate program is located in the Mathematical Sciences Building, which is centrally situated on the UCLA campus. The MS building houses classrooms, administrative offices, faculty offices, graduate student offices, the graduate student lounge and several computer labs. PC’s are available in all graduate student offices. The department also maintains a Linux based “Beowulf” cluster for parallel computing.

Additional facilities include:

  • The Graduate Reading Room, which  has a large non-circulating collection of books, over 9,000 monographs, and subscribes to 150 mathematical journals.
  • The Applied Computing Lab (ACL) in MS 6187 (available to all Applied Math graduate students) consists of six machines running Linux and eight machines running Windows 7. A high-speed/volume printer is available as well.
  • The Graduate Computing Lab (GCL ) in MS 3347 has linux/windows machines and a high-speed/volume printer. 

quick links

2023 Open House Information

Financial Support

Housing Information

Program Requirements

The Online Application Process

Workforce Programs

Annual Support Plan and Offers of TA Appointments

CCLE Course Webpages

Courses Overview

Exit Survey for Graduating Students

Fall 2021 New Student Information

Feedback Form

Formatting Your Thesis

Graduate Handbook

Graduate Students Travel Stipends

Graduate Tentative Schedules

Qualifying Exam Dates & System

Teaching Assistant Manual

Teaching Preferences

Academic Student Employee Union

Arthur Ashe Student Health and Wellness Center

Center for Accessible Education (CAE)

Commencement

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Graduate Division

Graduate Student Association

Graduate Student Outreach

Graduate Student Resource Center

Math/Physical Sciences Council

Title IX Compliance Training for Graduate Students

UCLA Ombuds Office

graduate staff

Graduate Advisor

[email protected]

(310) 825-4971

Sanim Rishan

[email protected]

Monday - Friday 9 - 11 AM & 1 - 3 PM

IMAGES

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COMMENTS

  1. Top feeders to top 5-10 math phd programs : r/ApplyingToCollege

    Harvey Mudd produces a ton of math PhDs for its size. I'd guess Swarthmore, Pomona, Carleton are all very high too. If you look at schools that have students that excel at the Putnam competition for their size, that's probably a reasonable list. What are the feeder schools for top 5-10 math phd programs other than the HYPSM and UChicago/Caltech ...

  2. Lower Tier Math Graduate Schools that are Exceptional in One Area

    Of course, overall reputation are largely subjective and due to historical reasons, but that doesn't change anything. CMU and UT Austin are not low-ranking schools, but they are one level below (again in term of overall reputation) some other schools. 1. big-lion.

  3. What does it take to get into top math PhD programs?

    HYPSM isn't as relevant for graduate schools. Many of the top ranked math PhD programs are not ivies. Your undergrad institution won't matter so much as long as you do good research and take rigorous classes. I went from an undergrad institution ranking of (90) to a graduate school institution in top 20.

  4. Best Mathematics Programs in America

    Yale University. New Haven, CT. #8 in Mathematics (tie) Save. 4.6. A graduate degree in mathematics can help students hone their skills in a specialty area, from algebra and number theory to ...

  5. mathematics

    By the time I graduate I'll have taken another semester in real analysis and a course in complex analysis, plus several other applied and discrete math classes. I haven't taken any graduate courses since my school doesn't offer them, but I have completed a research project with one of my professors in the area of math which I hope to study in ...

  6. Top 10 Best PhD in Mathematics Programs

    Its PhD in Applied Mathematics is an interdisciplinary program that emphasizes mathematical modeling and computer simulation. The teaching staff is drawn from various disciplines, including engineering, computing, social, and biological sciences. Courses: Real analysis, algebra, and topology-geometry. Units: 47. Duration: 5 years.

  7. Best Algebra / Number Theory / Algebraic Geometry Programs

    Graduate students in algebra, number theory and algebraic geometry courses build upon knowledge first learned in grade school. These are the best math schools for algebra / number theory ...

  8. AMS :: Updated Annual Survey Groupings of Departments

    Group I is composed of 48 departments with scores in the 3.00-5.00 range. Group I Public and Group I Private are Group I departments at public institutions and private institutions, respectively. Group II is composed of 56 departments with scores in the 2.00-2.99 range. Group III contains the remaining US departments reporting a doctoral ...

  9. A Discussion on Opportunities for Math PhDs : r/math

    A Discussion on Opportunities for Math PhDs. Gone are the days of the mid 1900s, where fresh PhD graduates could reasonably expect to land a couple postdocs and then get a tenure track positions, or easily pivot to industry with handsome compensation. According to the AMS, 860 Math PhDs were awarded in 1982, but 2017 saw 1,957 Math PhDs awarded.

  10. QS World University Rankings for Mathematics 2024

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is ranked as the best university for mathematics for another year, achieving a perfect score for two separate indicators. It's one of five American universities in the top 10 this year. Asia has one representative in the top 10 this year, thanks to the National University of Singapore (NUS) rising ...

  11. Is it ok if I don't get into a top 100 grad school? : r/math

    AcademicOverAnalysis. •. At a top university, certainly. If you want to be a tenured professor at a decent institution that isn't a "top" university, then it's still possible with a PhD from a lower tier university. But it takes several postdocs, and a good deal of luck.

  12. 2024 Best Applied Mathematics Doctor's Degree Schools

    2. Harvard University. Cambridge, MA. 9 Annual Graduates. Harvard University is a great decision for individuals interested in a doctor's degree in applied mathematics. Located in the midsize city of Cambridge, Harvard is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population.

  13. Best Applied Math Programs in America

    Carnegie Mellon University. Pittsburgh, PA. #10 in Applied Math. The applied math discipline is geared toward students who hope to use their mathematical prowess in business organizations ...

  14. Does there exist Top 50 rankings of applied math phd programs?

    Use general math rankings to get an idea of reputation (and thus selectiveness) of departments, and look at department websites to see which have active applied math groups. ... As Kimball notes, there are not 50 programs devoted exclusively to applied math in the US. For a PhD, you should really be looking at potential advisors, not programs ...

  15. Ph.D. in Mathematics

    The Ph.D. program also offers students the opportunity to pursue their study and research with Mathematics faculty based at NYU Shanghai. With this opportunity, students generally complete their coursework in New York City before moving full-time to Shanghai for their dissertation research. For more information, please visit the NYU Shanghai Ph ...

  16. Top Mathematics Schools in the World

    See the U.S. News rankings for the world's top universities in Mathematics. Compare the academic programs at the world's best universities.

  17. Graduate Program

    Our graduate program is unique from the other top mathematics institutions in the U.S. in that it emphasizes, from the start, independent research. Each year, we have extremely motivated and talented students among our new Ph.D. candidates who, we are proud to say, will become the next generation of leading researchers in their fields. While we ...

  18. Graduate Program Overview

    PROGRAM OVERVIEW. Virtually every core area of mathematics is strongly represented in the UCLA Math Graduate Program. In the U.S. News & World Report's 2018 Best Graduate Schools rankings (most recent), the UCLA Mathematics Graduate Program maintained its highest historical ranking of seven (shared) overall in the nation.

  19. Could we name and shame (and praise!) some math grad schools?

    Cambridge: The math program is hell for undergrads, and highly competitive entry for grads, but I think it's a bit more chill for grad students once you're in. No teaching requirement (though lots of opportunity), lots of resources. Funding depends on the award you get, not the math department. Only 3 years long.

  20. Universities attended by math PhD students at Harvard and UC ...

    On another thread I left a comment with some data I'd compiled about grad students in math at Harvard. I went through the list of grad students there and compiled the undergraduate universities for those that I could find. I'll copy the results over here, for ease (but see this comment for some updates to this from a Harvard PhD student): . I just went through the list of Harvard grad students.

  21. PhD Stipends

    Welcome to PhD Stipends! The purpose of this site is to share information about what PhD students in many disciplines at universities all over the US are being paid (i.e. income from stipends, fellowships, research or teaching assistantships, internships, etc.). Please fill out the survey below to help add to our database and then check out the ...

  22. Best Discrete Mathematics and Combinatorics Programs

    Harvard University. In discrete mathematics and combinatorics courses, students learn to master the use and combinations of integers, graphs, sets and logic statements. These are the best graduate ...

  23. Best Global Universities for Mathematics in Germany

    See the U.S. News rankings for Mathematics among the top universities in Germany. Compare the academic programs at the world's best universities.