Avary Kolansinski-presenting poster at conference

Admission to Graduate Program

The Mathematics Department’s faculty and students are engaged in research activities in a variety of areas of pure and applied mathematics and statistics. Both our MA and PhD degree programs feature a broad-based foundation and are flexible to accommodate specialization.

Learn about graduate program

Prerequisites for admission

The prerequisites for admission to our graduate program are:

  • an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with a program of study in mathematics;
  • a record of achievement that shows strong promise of success in graduate school, including a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average in undergraduate studies and a 3.0 grade-point average in mathematics; and
  • coursework in abstract algebra, linear algebra, and advanced calculus or introduction to analysis (comparable to KU's MATH 500, 558, and 590.)

It is beneficial to have some preparation in probability/statistics (comparable to MATH 627/628) and/or numerical analysis (comparable to MATH 581). Although not required, we also recommend that applicants take introductory courses in complex analysis (comparable to MATH 646), differential equations (comparable to MATH 647), and/or topology.

Application materials

GRE tests (general or subject-specific) are not required, nor are they factored into admission decisions. If an applicant submits GRE scores, this information is not viewable to the admissions committee. 

The following materials must be submitted online:

  • Transcript from each college or university the applicant has attended,
  • Applicant's résumé/curriculum vitae,
  • A list of textbooks used in the applicant's mathematics courses beyond calculus (please include authors),
  • A statement of purpose indicating the applicant's mathematical preferences and interests, and
  • Three letters of recommendation, submitted directly by the recommenders.
  • In addition, international applicants need to fulfill the University’s English language requirements.

Non-Degree Seeking. Students who are interested in enrolling in graduate-level coursework in the Department of Mathematics without formal admission to a graduate program at KU are encouraged to apply as a non-degree-seeking student. Those choosing this option will need to upload their past transcript(s), other application materials are not required.

 

 

 

Research Areas

  • Algebra, Analysis, Combinatorics, Differential Equations, Dynamical Systems, Functional Analysis, Geometry, Mathematical Finance, Numerical Analysis, Operator Theory, Probability Theory, Set Theory, Stochastic Analysis, Statistics, and Topology

Math Course Descriptions

Questions? Please contact:

  • Michelle Morrison, Grad Program Coordinator, michmor@ku.edu

  • PhD application deadline: January 5

KU's Graduate Admissions Process

Jayhawk Mathematics Sneak Peek


Application fee

For domestic students, the fee is $65. For international students, the fee is $85. For certificate-seeking and  non-degree seeking, the fee is $30. We do not offer application fee waivers.

Support for Graduate Students


Admission process

All applications should be submitted online. In general, graduate students are admitted in the fall semester. Our program and course sequences are designed with that in mind. The Graduate Committee of the Department of Mathematics evaluates the candidates and makes recommendations to the Graduate School regarding admission. The number of students admitted into the program changes from year to year and admissions are made on a competitive basis. We consider candidates only after all application materials have been received.

There are no additional application forms for financial support; students are considered for support based on merit.

Most PhD students accepted to the program receive an offer of financial support as a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA). Nevertheless, the number of GTA positions available is limited and sometimes we cannot offer GTAs to all the students we admit.

The first-round of GTA offers are typically sent in late February. Offers are sent through mid-April.

Students with extremely strong mathematics background may be admitted in the spring semester. The admission procedure is otherwise the same as for the fall semester. It is much more difficult to get a GTA in the spring semester since most are awarded in the fall.

Snow Hall

Deadlines for Applications

For Spring applications, all materials should be received by October 1.

For Fall applications, all materials should be received by January 5 to ensure full consideration for admission and financial support.

All fall semester admissions decisions for international students will be made by May 1 (to allow time to process visa applications). Domestic students who wish to apply for fall admission after May 1 should first consult the Graduate Admissions Director.

Apply Online