Graduate Program

The GRE Math Subject test is optional, but strongly recommended. Applications without GRE scores will be considered, but a GRE Math Subject score above 550 will strengthen the application.

Unofficial scores are accepted at time of application.  Subject tests are offered in April, September, and October.  The general GRE test is not accepted.

Please review other requirements carefully.

The deadlines for the Mathematics department graduate students are December 1st for International students and December 15th for Domestic students. Extra time is given for submitting supporting documents but the application must be submitted by these dates.

Thank you for your interest in the graduate program in Mathematics at the University of Colorado Boulder.We offer doctor of philosophy (PhD) and master of arts (MA) degrees in mathematics, as well as a master of science (MS) degree. 

We have an award-winning graduate faculty of 27, with current areas of research interest in algebra,algebraicgeometry, analysis, combinatorics and lie theory, differential equations, differential geometry, logic and foundations, number theory, probability, topology and related areas.  The department hosts numerous visiting scholars and postdoctoral fellows.  There is an active seminar culture, including many seminars run by students.  Our course offerings include a regularly scheduled rotation of algebra, analysis, topology, geometry, foundations, number theory, etc., as well as topics courses whose more advanced subject matter varies year-to-year based on the interests of faculty and students.  Â鶹ÒùÔº and faculty also interact with other departments on campus such as Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, including joint PhD/MA/MS advising.  We have mathematical relationships, including shared seminars, with nearby and other front range universities.  Our graduate students, of which there are approximately 60, have excellent opportunities for research, including a . 

Doctoral students take pillar courses and exams in their first year or two (under the direction of a faculty mentor), followed by a comprehensive exam in their area of specialization (under the direction of a faculty research advisor), and defend a PhD thesis upon graduation.  These students are typically supported by Teaching Assistantships, which are 9-month 50% (20 hr/wk) appointments, and which pay a stipend and cover tuition, and are generally provided for 5-6 years of study.  The stipend for a TAship for the 2018-2019 year is $21,451.45 and annual increases are expected.  Additional summer research or teaching support is typically available.  Â鶹ÒùÔº have funding opportunities to attend conferences and professional development activities.  We offer career support for academic and industry jobs. 

The Teaching Assistantship experience includes formal teacher training, opportunities for professional development, unusually varied course assignments, and numerous leadership opportunities.  Most students experience all positions in Calculus I-III, both leading recitations and teaching, but assignments also include precalculus, statistics, modelling, etc.  There are also opportunities to take leadership positions, such as Course Assistant and Lead TA, direct undergraduate research, and to teach outside the department with SASC and .

The University of Colorado Boulder as a whole has approximately 28,000 undergraduates and 5,500 graduate students.  The University includes a variety of organizations graduate students may be involved with, including the United Government of Graduate Â鶹ÒùÔº, the Graduate Teacher Program,Career Services and STEMinar.

has a population of around 100,000, and is famous for its climate and opportunities for outdoor activity.  The transportation infrastructure includes copious bicycle paths and easy transit to Denver and (included with a student bus pass).  Â鶹ÒùÔº also live in nearby communities (Louisville, Lafayette, Gold Hill...) which are easily accessible by car or transit.  University-run graduate student and family housing is two blocks from the mathematics department, including a childcare center.  There is a regular schedule of social activities for students and faculty, ranging from departmental gatherings and special events (such as our fall departmental ropes course challenge) to informal outings.

We are seeking students with a passion for mathematics in its many forms, who wish to be a part of a thriving mathematical community, to contribute to expanding the boundaries of mathematical knowledge, and to participate in our undergraduate teaching mission.