Graduate Study Information: Information for Applicants

The Department of Mathematics offers courses leading to the Master of Science, Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. These courses are in the areas of algebra, analysis, applied mathematics, combinatorics, dynamical systems, geometry, and topology.

Most of our Masters and Ph.D. students are supported as Teaching Assistants. Applicants are encouraged to take a GRE Subject Test in addition to the required General GRE Test. Students interested in pure mathematics are strongly encouraged to take the GRE math subject test. Pure math applicants without a subject test score are at a disadvantage during deliberations. Students interested in applied mathematics are encouraged to take a subject test related to their area of interest. Foreign applicants from countries whose official language is not English are required by the Graduate School to take the TOEFL exam. In addition to the TOEFL, all foreign students whose official language is not English are required by the Graduate School to take an English proficiency exam prior to enrolling for classes. This exam is administered on the UNC campus by the International Center. For additional application information and application forms go to the UNC Graduate School Applications page. In addition to the graduate school forms, please fill out a Math Graduate Program Supplemental Application Form (available as an Adobe PDF or a Word document). Question 3 on that form will be considered as your statement of purpose. Decisions on admissions for the fall semester are made and offers sent out beginning in late January and early February. Applicants whose files are complete at that time receive full consideration. Applications received later in the spring semester may be considered if space and funding permit.

The Mathematics Department works closely in instruction and research with the other units in the Mathematical Sciences. These include the Departments of Statistics, Computer Science, and Operations Research.

It is expected that each graduate student who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident should begin the process of establishing North Carolina residency during the first semester of graduate study. Information can be found here.

The University of North Carolina encourages applications by women and minorities and does not discriminate against applicants, students or employees on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status.

For questions about the graduate program in the Department of Mathematics or about the application process therein, please contact the current Director of Graduate Studies.