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Graduate Programs


Welcome to the webpage for the graduate program of the Department of Mathematics at the University of Utah. We offer a Ph.D. and Master's degrees in many different areas of mathematics. The faculty at the University of Utah are active and involved with the students and have many diverse research projects. Our former graduate students have gone on to mathematical careers both in academia and in industry. We invite you to explore our graduate program information, our math department, university, and living in Utah.

See the links below for more information about our programs. 

DEGREE OPTIONS

Click on program title to expand. 

Ph.D. Program in Mathematics

The Ph.D. Program in the Department of Mathematics enjoys an excellent reputation in a diversified set of subjects:

  • algebraic geometry
  • commutative algebra
  • differential geometry
  • geometric topology
  • group and representation theory
  • number theory
  • materials and fluids
  • mathematical biology
  • mathematical finance
  • numerical analysis
  • partial differential equations
  • probability and statistics

Application deadline

January 1
 
Students are only admitted to the PhD program in the fall semester of each year. Applications are due by January 1 of the same year. First round decisions are usually released around the start of February, subsequent decisions are made up to and until the universal decision deadline of April 15th. 
 
Applications submitted after January 1 may still be given consideration. Applications cannot be submitted anytime after April 1 of each year. Information about University of Utah policies on graduate admissions can be found at https://admissions.utah.edu/apply/graduate-admissions/
 

Degree requirements/COURSEWORK

The course requirements for the Ph.D. degree consist of at least seven sequences (each sequence contains two consecutive courses on a subject) numbered 6000 or above, or their equivalent, approved by the student’s supervisory committee. Exceptions must be approved on an individual basis by the Graduate Committee upon the recommendation by the student’s supervisory committee.

The following is a list of departmental requirements, in addition to the requirements of the Graduate School, for candidates seeking a Ph.D. degree in mathematics.

  • At least 42 credit hours numbered 6000 or above
    • At least 14 credit hours of the 42 credit hours should be courses numbered 7800-7970 (topics courses, seminars, and thesis research).
  • Six written qualifying examinations
  • An oral qualifying examination
  • Two semesters of teaching
  • The final oral examination

More details can be found in the Graduate Bulletin.

WRITTEN QUALIFYING EXAMINATIONS

The written qualifying examinations are given twice a year, in January and August, just before the start of the Spring and Fall semesters. A Ph.D. candidate is required to pass six written qualifying examinations chosen from the following set of subjects:

  • 6010 Linear Models
  • 6040 Mathematical Probability I
  • 6070 Mathematical Statistics
  • 6210 Real Analysis
  • 6220 Complex Analysis
  • 6310 Algebra I
  • 6320 Algebra II
  • 6410 Ordinary Differential Equations
  • 6420 Partial Differential Equations
  • 6510 Differentiable Manifolds
  • 6520 Algebraic Topology
  • 6610 Analysis of Numerical Methods I
  • 6620 Analysis of Numerical Methods II
  • 6710 Applied Linear Operators and Spectral Methods
  • 6720 Applied Complex Variables and Asymptotic Methods


Each exam lasts two hours and is written at a first-year graduate level. Entering students are recommended to take the 6000-level course corresponding to a particular exam and use the course materials to prepare for the exams. Students with particularly strong backgrounds can choose to take the exams without taking the courses. Copies of past exams from the last ten years can be obtained by contacting the Graduate Coordinator.

ORAL QUALIFYING EXAMINATION

This exam is conducted by the student’s supervisory committee and it can take one of the following two formats: a general exam to measure the student’s overall mathematical maturity and breadth, or a presentation of the proposed dissertation project. The exam also evaluates the student’s skill at chalkboard exposition and verbal exchange.

TEACHING REQUIREMENT

Each Ph.D. candidate is required to teach a minimum of two courses or equivalent tutorials, or supervise laboratory sessions.

FINAL ORAL EXAMINATION

This examination consists of a public thesis defense that summarizes the candidate's thesis work.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

 

Admission to graduate status in the Ph.D. program requires that students hold a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, or its equivalent, with a grade point average of at least 3.0 and that they show promise of success in graduate work. Qualified applicants typically possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree in mathematics. Students should be prepared to take the courses that directly lead to qualifying exams.

GRE Exams

While GRE general and mathematics subject test scores are not required for graduate admission application, we understand that some applicants may prefer to have test scores to be included in the evaluation. In this case you may submit the test scores, especially the mathematics subject test score if you are interested in pure mathematics areas, and we will take them into consideration. On the other hand, the omission of GRE test scores will not adversely impact your application.

English Tests

All applicants must meet the University of Utah's minimum requirements for English proficiency, click here

Additionally, successful applicants for Teaching Assistantships must be proficient in their spoken and listening English skills. Those skills are usually reflected in the submitted TOEFL scores (or equivalent). In most cases, for those subsections of the TOEFL, we look for scores of at least about 20, and optimally, of at least about 23.

FILLING OUT THE APPLICATION


For instructions on filling in the Graduate Mathematics Application Form:

apply here

Questions?

Elena Cherkaev, Director of Graduate Studies- elena@math.utah.edu

Srikanth Iyengar, Director of Graduate Studies- iyengar@math.utah.edu

Paula Tooman, Graduate Program Coordinator- tooman@math.utah.edu

 

Master of Arts (M.A.) and Master of Science (M.S.) in Mathematics

Application deadline

Fall: April 1
Summer: March 15
Spring: Nov 1 (of the preceding year)
 
Most Masters students join the program in Fall. Applications for fall admission are due April 1 of the same year. Occasionally students will join in the summer semester, for which applications are due on March 15 of the same year.
 
Joining a Masters program in the spring semester is possible in some circumstances. Applications are due by November 1 of the preceding year. 
 
Information about University of Utah policies on graduate admissions can be found at https://admissions.utah.edu/apply/graduate-admissions/
 

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS/COURSEWORK

The M.A. and M.S. degree requirements are identical except that the M.A. degree requires an additional language proficiency. The following is a list of departmental requirements for candidates seeking a M.S. or M.A. degree in mathematics.

Minimum Degree Hours: 30

FOR THE MASTER'S DEGREE IN PURE MATHEMATICS:

FOR THE MASTER'S DEGREE IN APPLIED MATHEMATICS:

WRITTEN QUALIFYING EXAMINATIONS

The written qualifying examinations are given twice a year, in January and August, just before the spring or the fall semester starts. A candidate can fulfill the graduation requirements by passing four written qualifying examinations, chosen from the following set of subjects (corresponding course numbers included in parentheses):

  • 6010 Linear Models
  • 6040 Mathematical Probability I
  • 6070 Mathematical Statistics
  • 6210 Real Analysis
  • 6220 Complex Analysis
  • 6310 Algebra I
  • 6320 Algebra II
  • 6410 Ordinary Differential Equations
  • 6420 Partial Differential Equations
  • 6510 Differentiable Manifolds
  • 6520 Algebraic Topology
  • 6610 Analysis of Numerical Methods I
  • 6620 Analysis of Numerical Methods II
  • 6710 Applied Linear Operators and Spectral Methods
  • 6720 Applied Complex Variables and Asymptotic Methods


Each exam lasts three hours and is written at a first year graduate level. Entering students are required to take the 6000-level course corresponding to a particular exam and use the course materials to prepare for the exams. Copies of past exams are posted (as PDF files) on the Graduate Program homepage (see Qualifying Examinations).

ORAL COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION AND ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

An oral comprehensive exam can be chosen as an option to fulfill the Master’s degree requirements. This exam is conducted by the student’s supervisory committee. In case a candidate chooses the option of oral comprehensive exam, the student must complete nine (9) additional credits of a Masters Project, which can be one of the following:

MATH 6970 - Thesis Research: Master's, MATH 6970 - Thesis Research: Master's, or a minimum of nine credits of additional courses at 6000 or 7000 levels.
 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

 

Admission to graduate status in the Master's program requires that students hold a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, or its equivalent, with a grade point average of at least 3.0 and that they show promise of success in graduate work. The prerequisites for the various programs vary. Master of Arts / Master of Science degrees, qualified applicants typically possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree in mathematics. Students should be prepared to take the courses that directly lead to qualifying exams.

GRE Exams

While GRE general and mathematics subject test scores are not required for graduate admission application, we understand that some applicants may prefer to have test scores to be included in the evaluation. In this case you may submit the test scores, especially the mathematics subject test score if you are interested in pure mathematics areas, and we will take them into consideration. On the other hand, the omission of GRE test scores will not adversely impact your application.

English Tests

All applicants must meet the University of Utah's minimum requirements for English proficiency, click here

Additionally, successful applicants for Teaching Assistantships must be proficient in their spoken and listening English skills. Those skills are usually reflected in the submitted TOEFL scores (or equivalent). In most cases, for those subsections of the TOEFL, we look for scores of at least about 20, and optimally, of at least about 23.

FILLING OUT THE APPLICATION


For instructions on filling in the Graduate Mathematics Application Form:

Apply here

Questions?

Elena Cherkaev, Director of Graduate Studies- elena@math.utah.edu

Srikanth Iyengar, Director of Graduate Studies- iyengar@math.utah.edu

Paula Tooman, Graduate Program Coordinator- tooman@math.utah.edu

 

Master of Statistics (Mathematics)

 

The Master of Statistics (M-Stat) program is administered by the University Statistics Committee and applications should be made through the Graduate Admissions Office. Upon admission by the University Statistics Committee, the student is also admitted to the Mathematics Department Master's program. The degree of Master of Statistics (Mathematics) is awarded by the Mathematics Department.

Application deadline

Fall: April 1
Summer: March 15
Spring: Nov 1 (of the preceding year)
 
Most Masters students join the program in Fall. Applications for fall admission are due April 1 of the same year. Occasionally students will join in the summer semester, for which applications are due on March 15 of the same year.
 
Joining a Masters program in the spring semester is possible in some circumstances. Applications are due by November 1 of the preceding year. 
 
Information about University of Utah policies on graduate admissions can be found at https://admissions.utah.edu/apply/graduate-admissions/
 

Degree requirements/coursework

 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

 

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics, or equivalent
  • MATH 3070, 3080, or equivalent

 

FILLING OUT THE APPLICATION


For instructions on filling in the Graduate Mathematics Application Form:

apply here

Questions?

Anna Little, Assistant Professor - little@math.utah.edu

Paula Tooman, Graduate Program Coordinator- tooman@math.utah.edu 

 

MASTER OF SCIENCE (M.S.) IN MATHEMATICS TEACHING

APPLICATIONS FOR 2019-2021 ARE NOW CLOSED

The Department of Mathematics at the University of Utah offers a general Master of Science degree as well as some specialized master’s degrees. One such degree is the Master of Science (M.S.) in Mathematics Teaching (also known as Mathematics Teaching M.S.), a two-year program primarily addressed to in-service secondary teachers of mathematics.

MSSST  

The main goal of the Master of Science in Mathematics Teaching program is to extend and enrich secondary teachers' understanding of mathematics and to help teachers acquire a deeper and broader mathematics background.

The program is structured to best meet the needs of Utah’s secondary teachers of mathematics. Coursework is designed to extend teachers’ mathematical knowledge for teaching at the secondary level. Courses are offered at times that fit working educators’ schedules, with a majority of courses offered over the two summer semesters of the program, and other courses offered once a week during evening hours in the fall and spring semesters.

The student is admitted to the Master of Science in Mathematics Teaching program upon admission by the Mathematics Education Committee. The degree is awarded by the Mathematics Department. 

Tuitions are significantly reduced to make the program more accessible, and we are pleased to be able to offer this program to practicing Utah teachers for $150 per credit hour.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

 

1. Licensed teachers with a level 4 endorsement (level 3 teachers will be considered, but may need additional course work). 

2. Completion of the Praxis 5161 Mathematics (post-2012) or Praxis 0061 (pre-2012) Math Content Knowledge Exam. A score of at least 165 (5161) or 143 (0061) is required.

3. At least two years of teaching experience as of the application deadline. Applicants must be recommended by two professional educators who can judge their performance.

4. Satisfy University requirements for Graduate School admissions.

The Mathematics Education Committee may advise candidates to take additional courses to ensure readiness for the required course work in the program. 

PLANNED SCHEDULE FOR 2019 COHORT

 

The Master of Science in Mathematics Teaching program requires a total of 39 credit hours: 30 are core courses, and the remaining 9 credits are to be electives with at least 6 from the discipline-specific mathematics courses at the 5000 level or above. This meets the requirements for the Master of Science degree set by the Graduate School at the University of Utah. In addition, candidates must take and pass two mid-program exams and submit and defend a final program project. The program for the current cohort is structured as follows:

 

FIRST ACADEMIC YEAR


 
Summer Semester (weekday mornings from the beginning of June to the beginning of August)
Session I: Math 5140 – Foundations of Mathematics for Teachers I
Session II: Math 5270 – Transformational Geometry
Session III: Math 5280 – Statistics and Probability
 
Mid-Program Exam (end of Summer/beginning of Fall)
Prepared written responses to questions
 
Fall Semester (1 night a week on Wednesdays)
Math 5150 – Foundations of Mathematics for Teachers II
Math 5155 – Curriculum and Instruction Practicum
 
Spring Semester (1 night a week on Wednesdays)
Math 5160 – Foundations of Mathematics for Teachers III

 

SECOND ACADEMIC YEAR


 

 
Summer Semester (weekday mornings from the beginning of June to the beginning of August)
Session I: Math 6100 – Concepts of Calculus
Session II: Math 6090 – Topics in the History of Mathematics
Session III: Math 6080 – Topics in Contemporary Mathematics
 
Mid-Program Exam (end of Summer/beginning of Fall)
Prepared written responses to questions
Oral examination
Presentation of project plan
 
Fall Semester (1 night a week on Wednesdays)
Math 5740 – Mathematical Modeling
Math 6960 – MS Project Preparation Course I
 
Spring Semester (1 night a week on Wednesdays)
Math 5700 – Capstone Course
Math 6960 – MS Project Preparation Course II
 
Final Defense (preferably in Spring, possibly in Summer)
Successful performance on a final defense of their Master's degree project.
 

Questions?

Aaron Bertram, Associate Chair / Professor - bertram@utah.edu

Paula Tooman, Graduate Program Coordinator- tooman@math.utah.edu 

 
 

Dir. of Graduate Studies
LCB 206 | (801) 581-7315
 
Dir. of Graduate Studies
JWB 202 | (801) 581-3927
 

little

Assistant Professor
 LCB 106 | (801) 585-3133
 
Can Answer Questions About:

• Master of Statistics

Graduate Program Coord.
JWB 234 | (801) 581-6841
 
Can Answer Questions About:

Ph.D. and Master Programs

Associate Chair/Professor
JWB 236 | (801) 581-6567
 
Can Answer Questions About:

M.S. Mathematics Teaching

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last Updated: 11/6/23