Mathematics and Statistics with Interdisciplinary Applications (PhD)
Overview
The doctoral program in Mathematics and Statistics with Interdisciplinary Applications (MSIA) is designed to provide a strong mathematics and statistics background to support intense quantitative work in diverse disciplines. The curriculum will prepare scholars to work on problems at the intersection of mathematics, science, engineering, medicine, finance, computer science, and other quantitative disciplines. The program aims to be the most inclusive and broadly interdisciplinary in Texas.
Admission requirements
Undergraduate students with a degree in a relevant application area do not require an undergraduate degree in mathematics or statistics.
Program Requirements for Students with a Bachelor’s Degree
Students admitted with a bachelor’s degree will complete a minimum of 72 hours to earn the PhD in MSIA as follows:
- Required Core Courses – 12 hours
- Prescribed Electives – 15 hours
- Interdisciplinary Courses – 9 hours
- Dissertation/Seminar/Interdisciplinary Courses – 36 hours
Program Requirements for Students with Master’s Degree
Students admitted with a master’s degree will complete a minimum of 57 hours to earn the PhD in MSIA as follows:
- Required Core Courses – 6 hours
- Prescribed Electives – 6 hours
- Interdisciplinary Courses – 9 hours
- Dissertation/Seminar/Interdisciplinary Courses – 36 hours
Milestone Requirements
- Comprehensive Exam – Students will be required to pass the Comprehensive Exam by the end of the second year of graduate study. Through close advising, the first-year coursework will be tailored to a student’s background and similarly, the comprehensive exam will also be tailored to each student’s coursework, background, and research goals. Depending on their background, some students may take the comprehensive exam during their first year while others will take it in the 2nd year. The comprehensive exam will consist of written exams covering topics in each of the eight subjects covered in the core courses. A separate exam in each subject will be offered at the beginning of the fall, spring, and summer semesters. To advance, the student must pass at least three subject exams. An “A” grade in one of the core courses will exempt the student from at most one exam. Students may take each exam up to three times but must pass all the required exams to remain in the program.
- Candidacy Exam – students must pass a candidacy exam to progress into their dissertation.
- Dissertation Defense – students must successfully defend their dissertation.
In addition to general requirements of admissions to the UTRGV Graduate College, the doctoral program in Mathematics and Statistics with Interdisciplinary Applications will also require:
- B.S. or B.A. in a STEM field or related field, with at least 3 advanced undergraduate courses in Mathematics from the following areas: Linear Algebra, Differential Equations Modern Algebra I, Real Analysis I, Probability and Statistics Complex Variables or earned a Master's degree in Mathematics or a related field from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or a recognized international equivalent in a similar or related field with at least 3 undergraduate classes as given above;
- TOEFL score of 79 or better for international students if the medium of instruction in their bachelors or master’s program was not English;
- GRE General Test is required and the GRE Subject test in Mathematics is recommended;
- Three letters of recommendation.
The program will accept part-time students as well as transfer students from other graduate programs. Transfer of graduate credit based on policies set out by the UTRGV Graduate College.
Program Requirements
Required Core Courses - 6 or 12 Hours
Prescribed Electives - 6 or 15 Hours
Interdisciplinary Courses - 9 Hours
Computational Mathematics and Computer/Electrical Engineering
Mathematical Biology and Nonlinear Mechanics
Data Analytics and Medical Applications
Mathematical Physics
Dissertation/Seminar/Interdisciplinary Course - 36 Hours
Total Credit Hours: 57