Overview

The basic requirements for the PhD degree in mathematics include demonstrating a mastery of a broad area of mathematics and writing a dissertation making an original and substantial contribution to mathematics.

PhD Qualifying Exam

The PhD Qualifying Examination consists of three sub-tests, each of three hours duration. These sub-tests cover the material commonly found in the Core courses: Algebra, Real Analysis, and Topology. Passing each of the three sub-tests at the PhD Qualifying level completes the examination component of PhD Qualifying, with completion of the breadth requirement being the second component of PhD Qualifying. 

A PhD student is encouraged to take the PhD Qualifying Exam as early as feasible, but must pass it no later than the beginning of the fourth regular semester of study, except by permission of the Graduate Committee. Meeting this requirement is part of the definition of satisfactory progress-a requirement for holding a graduate assistantship or fellowship. 

The PhD Qualifying Exams are scheduled twice per year: normally the week before the beginning of the fall semester, and the week before the beginning of the spring semester.

Oral General Exam

The General Examination, an oral exam for Ph.D. students, tests if a student is prepared to begin dissertation research. The General Exam must be passed prior to the start of the fourth year of study, unless a postponement is allowed by the Graduate Committee. 

The exam is conducted by the student's Advisory Committee, which will consist of at least three Graduate Faculty Members plus a Dean's Representative appointed by the Dean of the Graduate School. The committee is to be chosen in consultation with the intended dissertation advisor, who will serve as Chair of the Advisory Committee, and must be approved by the Graduate Director.