Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics

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

  • Note: Please use the following GPA calculator to determine your GPA if your degree-granting institution uses a grade/point system different from the one used in the U.S. To assist the Admissions Committee, you can list your converted GPA on your CV and the online application. Graduate Admissions confirms GPA estimates using this same GPA calculator. 

• 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. You can view a description of any of these classes by searching for them here: https://catalog.ku.edu/liberal-arts-sciences/math/#courseinventory.

Please also note that the Mathematics Department currently does not require the general or subject Graduate Record Examination (GRE). 

GTA (Graduate Teaching Assistantship)

Admitted PhD students receive an offer of a five-year financial support package which includes a full tuition waiver, a paid GTA position with an academic year salary of ~$19,500 for 20 hours/week (~August 18 - May 15), a 75% health insurance subsidy, and some funding for conference travel. All complete applications received by the submission deadline (January 5) will be considered for funding. Note: For non-native or non-native-like speakers of English seeking a GTA position, priority funding consideration is given to applicants who provide a qualifying, official TOEFL (22 on Speaking section)/IELTS (7 on Speaking section) score with their initial application. Proof of proficiency for non-native or non native-like speakers is required by the state of Kansas and is different from/higher than the proficiency standards for admission.

GRA (Graduate Research Assistantship)

Semester and academic-year GRAs are sometimes available, typically depending on individual faculty members' grants. GRAs are generally given to students already working on their dissertations.

If helpful, you can estimate tuition costs using KU’s tuition calculator. Be sure to select “Nonresident”, if you are not a Kansas resident. You will then select “Graduate Student” in “Liberal Arts & Sciences.” 

The following materials must be submitted online:

• Applicant's résumé/curriculum vitae, (please do NOT include your GRE score if you have one)

  • Please use the following GPA calculator to determine your GPA if your degree-granting institution uses a grade/point system different from the one used in the U.S. To assist the Admissions Committee, you can list your converted GPA on your CV and the online application. Graduate Admissions confirms GPA estimates using this same GPA calculator. 

• Statement of Purpose

  • In your personal statement you should indicate your mathematical background and interests and how these make you a good fit for the program. It is helpful for you to mention a professor or professors in our department whose research you find interesting. 

• Copies of official transcripts from each university or college you have attended.

  • Please do not upload grade reports from a student-accessed online portal. Transcripts should be issued from your university's Registrar's office, these usually have a seal/signature on them to denotes they are official.

  • Official transcripts (sent directly to KU from the Registrar) are not required until after you have been admitted into the Ph.D. program.

• Three letters of recommendation

  • Contact information for your letter writers will be submitted in your application. Letter writers will then receive a request to submit a letter on your behalf electronically.

• Proof of GTA-level English proficiency if non-native or non-native-like speaker of English (If seeking a GTA position)

  • TOEFL scores should be sent by ETS to KU institution code 6871. Do not enter a department specific code, as this may cause a misrouting of your scores. IELTS should be sent to KU Graduate Admissions via the e-delivery service. PTE score sheets containing the Score Report Code and Registration ID should be emailed to graduateadm@ku.edu for verification.

• List of Textbooks

  • A list of textbooks used in the applicant's mathematics courses beyond calculus (please include authors)

For fall semesters, submit an application by January 5th. We do not typically admit students for spring semesters in our PhD program.

Application review begins immediately following the deadline and the first-round of GTA offers are typically sent in late February. Additional offers are sent through mid-April. Please aim to have all materials submitted by the deadline (this includes letters of recommendation).

You can read about the English proficiency requirements for admissions here: https://gradapply.ku.edu/english-requirements

Please also note the English proficiency requirements for holding a GTA position: https://ogs.ku.edu/ku-procedures-gta-spoken-english-competency