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Programs

Department of Mathematics

The University of Rochester Department of Mathematics invites you to pursue a PhD with our well-respected faculty. The department has active research groups in: algebra and number theory, analysis, combinatorics, geometry, probability, ergodic theory, mathematical physics, and topology.

Information about faculty and research can be found on the Department of Mathematics website.

AdmissionsLink to section

Applying to Master's ProgramsLink to section

The department only offers an en passant master’s degree. Students may only apply to the PhD program.

Applying to Doctoral ProgramsLink to section

It is important for all incoming graduate students to have a good foundation in the following areas: mathematical maturity, set theory, algebra, linear algebra, analysis, and topology. Students are admitted only in September.

Application materials include:

  • Unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  • Statement of purpose
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • English Proficiency Exam Scores (students whose native language is not English)
  • GRE Scores, both general and math subject exam (optional)

AcademicsLink to section

Master's Degrees and RequirementsLink to section

The department offers the Master of Arts (Plan B) for students admitted to the PhD program. The MA requires 30 hours of coursework, including five of the seven core courses listed below. Up to six of the required 30 credit hours can come from reading courses. The candidate may pass a written preliminary exam in lieu of taking a corresponding core course, but the credit hour requirement must still be satisfied. The joint MA in mathematics and statistics requires 36 credit hours.

Core Courses
  • MATH 403. Theory of Probability
  • MATH 436. Algebra I
  • MATH 437. Algebra II
  • MATH 440. General Topology
  • MATH 453. Differentiable Manifolds
  • MATH 471. Analysis I
  • MATH 467. Analysis II

Doctoral Degrees and RequirementsLink to section

The PhD in mathematics requires a total of 90 credit hours, including seven core courses and five formal 400- or 500-level courses which are not core courses. Students must take four written preliminary exams. A one-credit professional development course is taken during the first fall semester in the PhD program. A one-credit current topics in math course is taken during the second fall semester. Students will also complete an oral preliminary exam and defend a doctoral thesis. Finally, students must also satisfy a three-year teaching requirement, fulfilled by teaching assistantships. This teaching component often includes a combination of teaching of recitations, workshops, and/or grading homework assignments.

Graduate Course TitlesLink to section

  • MATH 403. Theory of Probability
  • MATH 436. Algebra I
  • MATH 437. Algebra II
  • MATH 440. General Topology
  • MATH 453. Differentiable Manifolds
  • MATH 471. Analysis I
  • MATH 467. Analysis II
  • MATH 472. Analysis III
  • MATH 491 Master’s Readings in Math
  • MATH 492. Special Projects
  • MATH 493. Master’s Essay
  • MATH 504. Stochastic Processes
  • MATH 506. Topics in Probability Theory
  • MATH 507. Topics in Advanced Probability
  • MATH 528. Introduction to p-adic Analysis
  • MATH 530. Elliptic Curves
  • MATH 537. Commutative Algebra
  • MATH 538. Algebraic Geometry I
  • MATH 539. Algebraic Geometry II
  • MATH 546. Cohomology groups
  • MATH 547. Topics in Differential Geometry
  • MATH 548. Lie Groups and Lie Algebras
  • MATH 549. Topics in Algebraic Topology
  • MATH 550. Equivariant Topology
  • MATH 557. Topics in Differential Geometry
  • MATH 562. Fourier Analysis
  • MATH 565. Topics in Partial Differential Equation
  • MATH 568. Topics in Number Theory
  • MATH 569. Topics in Analytic Number Theory
  • MATH 570. Topics in Ergodic Theory and Arithmetic Geometry
  • MATH 571. Complex Dynamics and Statistical Mechanics
  • MATH 578. Topics in Harmonic Analysis
  • MATH 585. Topics in Mathematical Physics
  • MATH 589. Topics in Inverse Problems
  • MATH 590. Supervised College Teaching
  • MATH 591. PhD Readings in Math
  • MATH 594. Internship
  • MATH 595. PhD Research in Math
  • MATH 595A. PhD Research in Absentia
  • MATH 597. Seminar
  • MATH 890. Summer in Residence – MA
  • MATH 895. Continuation of Master’s Enrollment
  • MATH 897. Master’s Dissertation
  • MATH 899. Master’s Dissertation
  • MATH 985. Leave of Absence
  • MATH 986V. Full Time Visiting Student
  • MATH 990. Summer in Residence
  • MATH 995. Continuation of Doctoral Enrollment
  • MATH 997. Doctoral Dissertation
  • MATH 997A. Doctoral Dissertation in Absentia
  • MATH 999. Doctoral Dissertation
  • MATH 999A. Doctoral Dissertation in Absentia
  • MATH 999B. In Absentia Abroad