Doctoral Admissions

In the “Mathematics” section of the application, upload a table listing the advanced mathematics courses you have taken. If you are in the process of completing your current degree, please include the courses you are taking and plan to take as you finish your degree. The information in this list is in addition to the information on your transcripts. Include any study you have completed outside of the classroom.

• ​​These are courses beyond calculus, and introductory linear algebra.
• It is expected that applicants will be prepared to enter our 8000 level coursework. Typically this means year-long courses in both abstract algebra and rigorous analysis. 

Table format

Upload unofficial transcripts or academic records in the “Academic History” section of the application. 

• We are looking for transcripts from institutions where degree-seeking coursework has been completed. 
• Official transcripts are not required. If you are admitted and choose to matriculate you will be asked to submit official records before enrolling at the University of Minnesota.

International applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency unless coursework has been completed in a designated country. Domestic applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency.

Unofficial test scores are to be uploaded in the “Test Scores” section of the application. Your application will be reviewed as complete with your self reported, unofficial, test scores. Official Scores will be processed by the Graduate Admissions Office throughout the admissions process. The School of Mathematics has the same access as you to see if these scores have been received.

• The TOEFL iBT is the preferred examination for assessing English Language Proficiency. 
• We expect scores to be in line with the minimum scores for admission found on the Graduate School's website with a preference for a speaking score of at least 23. 
• Official English language proficiency must be submitted to the Graduate School following the instructions on the Admissions Website.

Upload in the “Materials” section of the application.

Required Personal Statement

The personal statement is what gives us the best sense of you as a Mathematician. The prompts below were developed by our admissions committee to give applicants a sense of what they are looking for in this statement. Using the prompts is recommended but not required.

Prompts

• What is your mathematical background? Talk about the following:
  • How you came to the field of mathematics.
  • What course's subject matter piqued your interest.
  • Any mathematical research you have done.
  • If you know the area of math you want to specialize in, discuss how you arrived at that (Note: We do not expect applicants to our graduate programs to have specific research interests upon admission. Our students typically develop their research interests as they complete their introductory coursework).
  • Why are you applying to the University of Minnesota?
  • Why do you want to continue your Education in Mathematics?
• Tell us about any extracurricular activities that support engagement with mathematics or science within your community.
• We also encourage all applicants to write about a challenge that they have encountered and how they persevered through it or overcame it.
• If you would like to be considered for our Master’s program if not admitted to our Doctoral program, and have indicated this in the Mathematics section of this application, please address the following:
  • Why a Master’s at the University of Minnesota?
  • If you are applying for one of our emphasis areas, Industrial and Applied Mathematics or Math Education, specify how your goals for furthering your education align with the emphasis you are applying to.

Recommended Diversity Statement

The School of Mathematics recommends that all applicants provide a diversity statement with their application. Supporting the development of a diverse student body is central to the University of Minnesota's mission. This mission is enacted by the inclusion of academically excellent students with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and/or a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Please write a statement that identifies the distinctive characteristics and/or life experiences that you would bring to your graduate program and how that could contribute to the education and enhanced perspective of fellow students at the University of Minnesota.

We recommend that applicants who are U.S. citizens and identify as an underrepresented minority in the field of Mathematics look at the statement prompts on the Diversity of Views and Experiences (DOVE) Fellowship website and address these in their diversity statements, as we will be nominating eligible applicants for this award.

A CV is a detailed document that highlights your professional and academic history. Please include: 

• Work experience
• Achievements and awards
• Scholarships or grants you’ve earned
• Coursework
• Research projects and publications of your work 

Upload in the “Materials” section of the application.

• Add three recommenders to the “Recommendations” section of the Application. Typically these recommenders are mathematicians you've been involved with in advanced coursework or research projects.
• Only letters from those listed by the applicant on the application will be accepted. 

Letter writers will receive an email from the application system (gradappinfo@umn.edu) with instructions on uploading their letters. If recommenders have difficulty with the application system, they should reach out to the Graduate Program Coordinator (mathgrad@umn.edu) for assistance.

• Publications and articles may be uploaded under the Other Materials section of the Materials tab of the application.