Mathematics, Ph.D.

Contact Information

Christopher Herald, Professor,
Graduate Program Director for Mathematics 
(775) 784-4647
herald@unr.edu

Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

Students will

1. Attain and demonstrate the appropriate level of expertise in fundamental mathematics areas and in the individual’s research field.
2. Demonstrate the ability to do independent original research in mathematics on the level of a PhD dissertation.
3. Demonstrate the ability to communicate the results of this research, both orally and in writing.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet all degree admission requirements of the Graduate School. In addition, applicants must submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores and arrange for three letters of recommendation from people familiar with the applicant’s academic record and potential for advanced work in mathematics. The completion of a Master’s degree in mathematics prior to enrollment in the doctoral program is strongly recommended. All international students must comply with the appropriate Graduate School requirements. In particular, applicants whose native language is not English must include a TOEFL or IELTS score. The fall admission deadline is March 1; the spring admission deadline is November 1.

I. Program Requirements

Candidates for the Doctor of Philosophy degree must satisfy all general requirements of the Graduate School. Before being admitted to candidacy, the student must complete at least 75% of the non-elective, non-dissertation coursework, and have passed a comprehensive examination on graduate level material in mathematics. The following courses or their equivalents must be satisfactorily completed for the doctoral degree in mathematics.

II. Total Units (72 units)

III. Sample progressions schedule for Pure Math students

Graduate students who hold half-time assistantships are not permitted to enroll for more than 10 units per semester. The following is a representative schedule for students specializing in Pure Mathematics.

IV. Sample progressions schedule for Applied Math students

Graduate students who hold half-time assistantships are not permitted to enroll for more than 10 units per semester. The following is a representative schedule for students specializing in Applied Mathematics.