Graduate mathematics program

The two programs in Pure and Applied Mathematics offer basic and advanced classes in analysis, algebra, geometry, Lie theory, logic, number theory, probability, statistics, topology, astrophysics, combinatorics, fluid dynamics, numerical analysis, theoretical physics, and the theory of computation.

In addition, many mathematically-oriented courses are offered by other departments. Students in Applied Mathematics are especially encouraged to take courses in engineering and scientific subjects related to their research.

All students pursue research under the supervision of the faculty , and are encouraged to take advantage of the many seminars and colloquia at MIT and in the Boston area.

This page gives a detailed overview of the following programs offered in Mathematics. There are four main categories of graduate degrees that are offered in Mathematics:.

For the Ph. See the GCH for details regarding credit requirements. At least 42 credits must be in formal courses not research ; 18 of the 42 must be in the core courses listed below. In addition, at least 36 must be in or level mathematics courses excluding Math , , , and There is also a 1 credit seminar requirement which is satisfied by taking both Math and Math Included in the 42 credits of formal courses is a 0 credit cognate study requirement.

A cognate course is defined to be a course which is i acceptable for graduate credit, ii taught in another department a course cross-listed with Mathematics can count toward the cognate requirement if taught by a faculty member whose primary appointment is not in the Department of Mathematics, or if approved by the Graduate Committee , and iii relevant to the major.

Students are encouraged to consider a minor in another department to meet the cognate study requirement. In addition to the course work, the Ph. These requirements are described in subsequent. Core Courses for more details see Course Catalog. A grade of B or better must be earned in each core course used to satisfy the requirements in this section.

A deficiency may be made up any one of the following methods:. A student granted full admission to the Ph. The oral preliminary examination of a Ph. The examination is taken after a student has passed four written qualifying examinations, satisfied the graduate English requirement if required , formed a Program of Study POS committee, and has an approved Program of Study POS form.

The final examination of a Ph. Graduate students whose native language is not English must meet the Graduate College English Requirement. The department values diversity among its members, is committed to building a diverse intellectual community, and strongly encourages applications from women and minorities. Applications for transfer from other programs granting PhDs in mathematics are not ruled out, but are discouraged.

Students are expected to finish the program in four or five years. The department's graduate program website provides more information and the detailed program requirements. All students in the Department of Mathematics receive substantial financial support during their graduate training. This support may be in the form of fellowships, research assistantships, or teaching fellowships from Harvard, or fellowships and research assistantships from outside organizations, such as the National Science Foundation.

International students are encouraged to apply for the Fulbright IIE , Knox , and Kennedy fellowships, and other private and government scholarships and fellowships available in their home country. Students without full outside support are required to teach as part of their financial aid package.