Mathematics PhD

Program Code: G-MATH-PHD
Degree Designation: Doctor of Philosophy
Department: Mathematics Department
Website: math.duke.edu/graduate

Program Summary

The Department of Mathematics offers graduate work leading to the PhD in mathematics.

The department offers research training in both pure and applied mathematics. Major areas of research specialization include algebra and algebraic geometry, number theory, geometry, topology, differential geometry and mathematical physics, analysis and partial differential equations, probability and stochastic processes, applied mathematics and mathematical modeling, mathematical biology, scientific computing, numerical analysis, data science and machine learning.

Further details concerning the department, the graduate program, admissions, facilities, the faculty and their research, and financial support may be obtained from the department’s website. For inquiries, email the director of graduate studies at phd-program@math.duke.edu.

Academic Requirements

Admission to this program is based on the applicant’s academic record, level of preparation for graduate study, research experiences, and letters of recommendation.

All PhD students must pass a breadth requirement based on taking four qualifying courses in three out of five core areas of mathematics in their first year. Before the end of the third year in the program, students will have selected a research advisor and pass an oral preliminary examination on their preparation and planned direction for their thesis. The written dissertation and thesis defense are the final requirements for the PhD.