A rigorous program for professional success

"Everything is really good about Michigan Tech. The programs are difficult but very complete. And I'd give an A+ to the faculty. They are the best I've ever seen. I'm happy to be here."

—Sriniva Kuppa
PhD candidate, mathematics
Hyderabad, India

The program
Mathematics is the language of science and engineering, and is increasingly important in scientific research, engineering design, finance, economics, and many other areas.

Mathematicians at Michigan Tech are involved in many exciting areas of research, including

• coding theory
• cryptography
• financial mathematics
• imaging
• laser optics
• materials science
• mathematical software
• modeling (combustion in diesel engines, food processing, nonlinear fluid dynamics)
• statistical genetics
• wildlife statistics

Coursework in mathematical sciences prepares students with the theoretical and computational tools for research in one of these areas. A close working relationship with a faculty mentor helps students make the transition from coursework to research.

Degree options
At Michigan Tech, you can earn an MS or PhD in Mathematical Sciences, with a concentration in one of the following areas:

• Applied mathematics
• Discrete mathematics
• Statistics
• Pure mathematics (MS only)

For a student entering with a BA or BS, the PhD normally takes 5–6 years to complete. Most students complete an MS in 2 years.

Although students specialize in one of the above areas, they are encouraged to broaden their backgrounds by taking courses in every option.

Internships
PhD students are encouraged to complete an internship of one or two semesters at a company or national laboratory engaged in scientific research. For example, recent students have done internships at IBM and Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Computational Science and Mathematics

Many of the mathematicians at Michigan Tech are deeply involved in computational methods, and the Department of Mathematical Sciences is an excellent place to study the computational aspect of mathematics. In addition to the department’s network of workstations, students have access to a variety of high-performance computers through the University’s program in Computational Science and Engineering (CS&E).

Many of the graduate courses in mathematical sciences are cross-listed with CS&E, including courses in discrete and numerical optimization, numerical differential equations, computational fluid dynamics, combinatorial algorithms, and numerical linear algebra.

Financial aid
Each supported student receives a full ride (tuition and stipend) as a Graduate Teaching Assistant or a Graduate Research Assistant.

GTAs act as classroom or lab instructors. Classroom instructors teach pre-calculus, calculus, and sometimes more advanced subjects independently, while lab instructors lead computer labs in which the students use sophisticated computer algebra software. In either role, GTAs gain experience that is useful in many careers.

The department has one of the most thorough GTA training programs in the nation, including

• a course on teaching college mathematics for classroom instructors;
• a course on computer algebra for lab instructors;
• a teaching seminar;
• an established mentoring program.

GRAs assist faculty members who have research projects funded by industry or an agency, such as the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, etc. Typically, the research performed by a GRA will form a part of his or her thesis.