Mathematics PhD
Degree Awarded: Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)
Minimum Required Credits: 72.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 27.0101
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 15-2021
About the Program
The PhD program in Mathematics at Drexel University is designed to prepare students for careers as innovative researchers, effective educators, and analytical leaders across academia, industry, and government. The program offers a rigorous foundation in both pure and applied mathematics while providing the flexibility for students to pursue specialized research under the mentorship of internationally recognized faculty.
During the first year, students complete a structured core curriculum covering Linear Algebra, Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, and Abstract Algebra. This coursework culminates in the PhD Qualifying Examination, which assesses mastery of fundamental mathematical concepts and readiness for advanced study. Continuing into the second year, students enroll in specialized courses covering partial differential equations, numerical analysis, probability, combinatorics, operator theory, dynamical systems, and more. The year concludes with the PhD Candidacy Examination, consisting of written and oral components focused on the student’s intended area of research. Following candidacy, students devote the duration of their time to original dissertation research under the guidance of a faculty adviser, while still having ample opportunity to take additional courses, including a rotating selection of special topics.
Research strengths within the department include applied mathematics, partial differential equations, dynamical systems, functional analysis, probability, combinatorics, matrix and operator theory, inverse problems, stochastic analysis, optimization, and mathematical biology.
The department fosters an active intellectual community through regularly scheduled seminars and colloquia, including our highly active SIAM Student Chapter. Opportunities to attend and participate in conferences are also available. These events connect students with leading scholars and expose them to current developments across the mathematical sciences.
Full time PhD students are eligible for teaching and research assistantships that provide a stipend and full tuition remission. Typical time to completion of the PhD is five years. Graduates of the program pursue diverse and impactful careers, taking on postdoctoral and tenure-track academic positions, along with research positions in government and academic laboratories, and industrial positions in finance, data science energy, aerospace, and software development.
Additional Information
For more information, please contact the College of Arts and Sciences
Admission Requirements
Proficiency with advanced undergraduate level mathematics, including real analysis, linear algebra, and abstract algebra.
Degree Requirements
| Required Courses | ||
| MATH 6201 | Complex Analysis 2 | 3.0 |
| MATH 6211 | Real Analysis I 1 | 3.0 |
| MATH 6212 | Real Analysis II 1 | 3.0 |
| MATH 6401 | Linear Algebra I 1 | 3.0 |
| MATH 6411 | Abstract Algebra 2 | 3.0 |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select ten (10) courses from the following: | 30.0 | |
| Functional Analysis | ||
| Operator Theory | ||
| Topology | ||
| Graph Theory | ||
| Differential Geometry | ||
| Linear Algebra II | ||
| Combinatorics I | ||
| Combinatorics II | ||
| Numerical Analysis I | ||
| Numerical Analysis II | ||
| Ordinary Differential Equations and Dynamical Systems | ||
| Partial Differential Equations I | ||
| Partial Differential Equations II | ||
| Optimization | ||
| Mathematical Neuroscience | ||
| Probability Theory I | ||
| Probability Theory II | ||
| Stochastic Processes | ||
| Statistical Theory | ||
| Special Topics in Mathematics | ||
| Independent Study in Mathematics | ||
| Research and Dissertation | ||
| Students are required to take 27 credits of the following: 3 | 27.0 | |
| Research | ||
| Dissertation | ||
| Total Credits | 72.0 | |
- 1
Course is taken in the first year
- 2
Course is taken in the first two years
- 3
At the program's discretion, some of these credits may be replaced by additional coursework from the previous list.