Master’s Admissions

Upload a list of the advanced mathematics coursework you have completed. These are courses beyond calculus, and introductory linear algebra, etc. The information in this list is in addition to the information on your transcripts. You may format this as a bulleted list or as a table. Please include the course name, term taken, course grade (when available), textbook(s) used with author(s), course contents or topics/chapters of textbook(s) covered.    

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 TOEFL scores must be sent electronically from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to the University of Minnesota. The ETS institution code for the Twin Cities and Rochester campuses is 6874.

Upload in the “Materials” section of the application.

Required Personal Statement

Your personal statement that 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 not required.

Describe how you became interested in mathematics.

• Which mathematics courses had the greatest impact on your interest or understanding of the field?
• Summarize your academic preparation in mathematics, including key upper-division or proof-based courses.
• If applicable, discuss any independent work, academic projects, or research experiences (note: research is not required for admission).

Why do you want to pursue graduate study in mathematics?

• Why is a Master’s degree the right next step for you?
• What interests you about the University of Minnesota specifically?
• If you're applying to an emphasis area (e.g., Industrial and Applied Mathematics or Mathematics Education), describe how your goals align with that emphasis.

Describe a challenge—academic or personal—that you have faced, and how you responded to it.

• What did you learn from this experience, and how does it shape your approach to learning or working through difficult problems?

Recommended Service Statement

Reflect on your approach to working with others and contributing to communities. How have you taken initiatives or leadership roles in serving or engaging with your mathematical, college, or local community? Describe an experience where you worked as part of a team or group. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them? What did you contribute, and what did you learn from others? For all of these, how do you see yourself continuing this work in graduate school?

Statement Guidelines

• 1–2 pages
• Be specific, reflective, and authentic—this is your opportunity to provide context beyond transcripts and CV.
• Use the prompts to guide your statement, but do not feel bound to them. We value clarity of purpose, evidence of preparation, and your ability to persist through challenges

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 these 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 ([email protected]) with instructions on uploading their letters.  If recommenders have difficulty with the application system, they should reach out to the Graduate Program Coordinator ([email protected]) for assistance.

Publications and articles may be uploaded under the “Writing Sample” section of the “Materials” tab of the application.