Ph.D. Requirements


The Ph.D. program has two tracks: pure and applied. The course requirements differ somewhat between the two tracks, although the number of credit hours is the same. Both pure and applied tracks have the following requirements.

  • Pass two qualifying exams: one in Algebra or Analysis, and one in Numerical Analysis or Probability/Statistics
  • Pass a preliminary exam in your area of research
  • Demonstrate knowledge of adequate computer skills
  • Complete the Research Skills and Responsible Scholarship training sequence offered by the department
  • Pass an oral comprehensive exam
  • Write and defend a Ph.D. dissertation containing original research

After graduation, our Ph.D. alumni typically obtain positions either in academia, as postdoctoral fellows or tenure-track faculty, or in the private sector. 

 

 

Long Tradition of Excellence

  • We have a long tradition of excellence. The first Ph.D. granted at KU was in Mathematics, to Arnold Emch in the year 1895.

  • Since then, our graduate program has been a central part of the research and teaching mission of our department, and is an important component of our long term planning.

Required Enrollment Hours

  • GTA/GRA must be enrolled in at least six hours in fall and spring. Non GTA/GRA international students must be enrolled in nine hours.

Pure Track Requirements

Qual Courses Required:  

  • 727 or Qual in Probability/Statistics
  • 765 or Qual in Analysis
  • 781 or Qual in Numerical Analysis
  • 791 or Qual in Algebra
  • (with permission advanced students may substitute corresponding 800-level courses)

Courses Required (9 total):

  • 800, 810, 830
  • 820 or 821
  • One of the following: 840, 910, or 920
  • Four additional courses at 800 level or above.

The requirements for exams, research skills, enrollment hours and research component are the same for both the pure and applied tracks.

 

 

 

Applied Track Requirements

Qual Courses Required:  

  • 727 or Qual in Probability/Statistics
  • 765 or Qual in Analysis
  • 781 or Qual in Numerical Analysis
  • 791 or Qual in Algebra
  • (with permission advanced students may substitute corresponding 800-level courses)

Courses Required (9 total):

  • 800, 810
  • One 2-course sequence: 850/851 or 865/866 or 881/882
  • One of the following: 840, 850 or 950
  • Four additional courses at 800 level or above.

The requirements for exams, research skills, enrollment hours and research component are the same for both the pure and applied tracks.

 

Requirements for Both Pure and Applied Tracks

Exams:

  • Pass two qualifying exams, one in algebra or analysis and one in numerical analysis or probability and statistics by the beginning of the fifth semester.
  • Preliminary by the beginning of the eighth semester.
  • Comprehensive Oral
  • Final Thesis Defense

Research Skills:

  • Responsible Scholarship Training
  • Computer Skills

Enrollment Hours:

  • At least six per semester during two semester minimum residency.
  • 18 after oral comprehensive (at least six in fall and spring and at least three in summer).
  • Continuous enrollment after that.

Research Component:  Thesis