Doctoral Admissions

PhD applicants are expected to be prepared to enter our required coursework or more advanced classes.

Preparation typically includes coursework in abstract algebra, analysis, and topology as well as their immediate prerequisites of linear algebra, and advanced calculus. Our admissions committee is also looking at applicants fit for our diverse and collaborative program.

Admissions statistics

All Doctoral Applicants for Fall 2023 have received the final admissions decision on their applications. The below is information for the Fall 2024 Doctoral Application.

Tuition and funding

  • The PhD program is fully funded.
  • Most of our students are funded through graduate assistantships, typically in the form of a teaching assistantship.
  • Funding offers are renewable for up to six years. 

Tuition and benefits

GRE scores

We do not utilize the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score as part of the admissions process. Submitted GRE Scores, general or subject, will not be reviewed. 

How to apply

Apply online using the Graduate School admissions system to create and complete the application. All application materials must be submitted through the electronic system.

Apply online

Application fee waivers

  • We do not directly offer application fee waivers. 
  • We encourage domestic applicants to apply through the FreeApp program offered by the Big Ten Academic Alliance. 
  • Applicants who are members of the Math Alliance and are participating in the F-GAP program should contact the Graduate Program Coordinator (mathgrad@umn.edu) with a copy of their letter to have the associated fee waiver applied.

    Required application materials

    Expand all

    List of advanced Mathematics courses

    List of advanced Mathematics courses

    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
    CourseWhen takenGradeTextbookAuthorTopics/chapters covered

    Transcripts

    Transcripts

    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.

    Proof of English language proficiency

    Proof of English language proficiency

    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.

    Statements

    Statements

    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.

    Curriculum vitae (CV)

    Curriculum vitae (CV)

    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.

    Three letters of recommendation

    Three letters of recommendation

    • 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.

    Optional application materials

    Optional application materials

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

    Contact

    Graduate Program Coordinator
    mathgrad@umn.edu