Graduate: PhD Program

Qualifying Exams and Course Requirements

QUALIFYING EXAMS (current)

Each Ph.D. student must pass qualifying exams, which consist of two exams, chosen from (each based on two semester courses):

Mathematical Analysis
Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory
Linear Models
Mathematical Statistics.

Each exam is a three-hour written exam, created and graded by a committee of three faculty members appointed by the GPD. Three possible scores are available on each exam: Ph.D. Pass, M.A. Pass, and Fail. The committee must submit a Preliminary

Exam Evaluation Form after each exam attempt. A score of Ph.D. Pass is required on both exams in order to pass the written component of the preliminary exam at the Ph.D. level. Students with solid background from their prior program are encouraged to take these exams as early as possible. The qualifying exams are typically taken in May after the completion of the first year of study. Students with strong backgrounds should take the qualifying exam in August prior to the start of their first year or in January after their first semester. These exams are typically administered in January, May, and August, based on demand. For satisfactory progress in the program, students must complete both qualifying exams with a score of Ph.D. Pass prior to the start of their 4th semester. All students must pass both qualifying exams with a score of Ph.D. Pass prior to the start of the fifth semester to stay in the program.

Computational Course Requirements (current)

All students must satisfy the requirement of computational components by taking two courses that are chosen from the list:

Computational Discrete Mathematics
Numerical Methods
Statistical Computing

This requirement must be completed by the end of the third year, with a grade of B or above for each course. Students with sufficient computing background/courses may apply for an exemption from taking the computing courses. To obtain the exemption, students should

submit a written request with supporting documents to the GPD.

Qualifying Exams & Course Requirements (from Fall 2024)

All students must successfully complete written qualifying exams (obtaining PhD passes) in two out of the following four one-semester courses:

Mathematical Analysis
Linear Algebra
Introduction to Probability
Introduction to Mathematical Statistics

In addition, all students must successfully complete a third course from the list above, or from the following list:

Numerical Linear Algebra
Mathematical Data Science 1: Foundations

PhD qualifying exams schedule: August, January & May. For continued funding consideration, GTAs must complete this requirement at the latest by January of their second year. For continuation in the program, students must complete this requirement at the latest by May of their second year. Students will be allowed a maximum of only three attempts per exam. Students who come with adequate preparations may take these qualifying exams (without taking the courses here) in August of their first year. This attempt will not count towards the “maximum of only three attempts per exam restriction” specified above. Students with adequate preparation may also satisfy the third course requirement by earning at least an MA pass on a third qualifying exam from the first list of four exams in August of their first year.

Computational Courses Requirements (from Fall 2024)

All students must successfully complete two out of following three one-semester courses: