uw madison math phd application

PhD Program

The PhD Statistics program provides excellent training in the modern theory, methods, and applications of statistics to prepare for research and teaching careers in academia or industry, including interdisciplinary research in a wide array of disciplines. The median time to degree is five years.

Students will take courses in modern theory, methods, and applications of statistics, demonstrate mastery of this material via a qualifying examination, and then conduct statistical research under the supervision of one of the many regular or affiliate faculty members in the department, resulting in a dissertation.

The PhD qualifying examination is primarily based on the first-year curriculum. Most students pass at the end of the summer after the first year of the program. Students select between two versions of the examination, one with questions from mathematical statistics and probability or the second with questions from mathematical statistics and statistical methods.

Graduates are prepared for positions in academia, business, or government. They have taken positions at leading universities such as UC-Berkeley, Penn, and Yale and at top companies such as Google, Facebook, and Eli Lilly. The department strives to support students in the PhD program as teaching, research, or project assistants.

Questions about our Statistics PhD Programs can be directed to our graduate program coordinator at  [email protected] .

Resources, Regulations, and Policies

• Statistics PhD Handbook 2024-2025 More
• Criteria for Satisfactory Progress More
• Current PhD Regulations More
• 2014 PhD Regulations More

PhD Statistics Program Options

There are two program options students can select from – PhD Statistics, Statistics Option or PhD Statistics, Biostatistics Option . 

We have a single admissions process for both options and we encourage applicants to select only one of the options and not list both when applying. Selection of the program to which you apply has very little influence on the admissions decision. If you are unsure of which program option to choose, students who enter our PhD program may readily switch between the programs. 

Please note that the Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics has a separate PhD program in Biomedical Data Science that is distinct from the programs in the Department of Statistics.

Statistics Option

Career Outcomes : Students will be prepared for research and teaching careers in academia, industry, and other disciplines.

Coursework : Students will take courses in several broad areas of statistical methods and theory. This includes two-semester sequences in mathematical statistics and in statistical methods, either a course in probability theory or a course in statistical computing, a statistical consulting course, and a wide variety of elective options.

Biostatistics Option

Career Outcomes : Students will be prepared for careers in clinical research, genetics, drug testing, and experimental design in academia, government, and private sector.

Coursework : Students in the Biostatistics named option complete the same required courses as are in the Statistics named option, but have additional required coursework in biostatistics and biology and fewer elective course requirements.

Applying to the PhD Statistics Program

The application deadline is December 1 for a fall term start (no spring admissions).   A reminder to only list either the Statistics Option or Biostatistics Option in your application, not both. Again, students who enter the PhD program in Statistics can readily switch between the programs.

We welcome applications from around the world and strive to admit well-qualified applicants who are interested in the diverse array of research interests of our faculty. We do not make preliminary evaluations of any applicant inquiry based on email communication. No decision will be made until after the deadline has passed and a completed file (including the application fee) has been received.

Before applying to the Statistics Department, please read the Graduate School Frequently Asked Questions. Note that there is a non-refundable application fee. Applicants whose native language is not English, or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English, must provide an English proficiency test score.

To be considered for financial assistantship, all required application materials listed below should be submitted via the electronic application at https://apply.grad.wisc.edu/ by the December 1 deadline.

• Letters of Recommendation
• Transcripts
• Statement of Purpose
• CV or Resumé
• Supplemental Application (Including a List of Courses)
• English Proficiency
• A minimum of three (3) letters of recommendation to be submitted electronically by the recommenders.
• The online application for admission asks for the name and email contact information of the references from whom you request recommendations. A recommendation request will be sent, by email, to each of your references. The email will include your name with a link to each department’s electronic recommendation form. The request can be sent at any time providing you meet department deadlines. You can change references or send a reminder through your application.
• It is common practice to contact your references ahead of time so that they expect your request.
• After you have submitted your application, you can view receipt of your recommendations through the online status system.
• As part of the online application, please upload a clear and easy-to-read PDF copy of your transcript from each institution of higher learning (post High School) that you have attended. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. If we offer you admission, you will be asked to provide an official copy of your transcript to the Graduate School at that time. Admission will be contingent upon receiving the official transcript.
• If courses at the institution were not taught in English, we will need an electronic copy of both the transcript in the original language, and the transcript in English.
• Your statement of purpose should include why you feel that the UW-Madison program is a good fit for you, and conversely, why you are a good fit for our program. What are you hoping to work on in the field with your degree? Are there any professors here that you would particularly like to work with? Any research areas in statistics that particularly excite you?
• The overall length of the statement is usually about 2 pages, single or double spaced. You can use whatever font and formatting you are comfortable with.

Please upload a PDF copy of your CV or Resumé to the online application.

A supplemental application is required as part of the online application. You will be asked to answer the following questions and provide the following information:

• Are you applying to the Biostatistics option? Yes/No (There is no advantage to applying to both programs.)
• List any major competitive honors, awards, and/or fellowships you have received.
• List any undergraduate or graduate research experiences.
• Provide a table with all courses you have taken, are currently taking, or plan to take prior to coming to UW-Madison that contain substantial mathematical, statistical, quantitative, or computational content. Include courses from other disciplines such as economics, physics, or engineering, if applicable. Use one row per course with columns for the course number, course title, textbook used (if possible), and grade received (if already completed). Upload this document as a pdf.

The GRE is not required.

• For all international degree-seeking students, see the  Graduate School requirements page  for additional information.

Consult the Graduate School for general information about graduate admissions to the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

If you have any further questions, please email [email protected] . Please include your full name and what semester you are interested in applying for.

Applied and Computational Mathematics

Applied and Computational Mathematics at UW-Madison

Welcome to the Applied and Computational Mathematics Group at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Our faculty members, postdoctoral fellows, and students are involved in a variety of research projects, including fluid dynamics, partial and stochastic differential equations, scientific computing, biology, biochemistry, topology, and data science.

To pursue graduate studies in Applied and Computational Mathematics, see the Mathematics Graduate Program .

• 1.1 News and opportunities
• 1.2 Workshops
• 1.3 Seminars
• 1.4 Tenured and tenure-track faculty
• 1.5 Postdoctoral fellows and researchers
• 1.6 Current graduate students
• 1.7.1 Fall 2023
• 1.7.2 Spring 2024

News and opportunities

Full a full list of recent events within the department, see the Mathematics Department Website .

• Parvathi Kooloth (former Ph.D. student of Leslie Smith) has been awarded the Dissertation Prize of the Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) (Fall 2023).
• Anjali Nair (Ph.D. student of Qin Li) has accepted a postdoctoral position as Kruskal Instructor at the University of Chicago (Fall 2023).
• Jason Torchinsky (Ph.D. student of Sam Stechmann) has accepted a postdoctoral position at Sandia National Lab (Fall 2023).
• Yue Sun (Ph.D. student of Chris Rycroft) won the top prize in the Gallery of Fluid Motion for her video ( linked here ), based on work in the AMEP lab (Fall 2023).
• The AMEP lab appeared in Sift and Winnow and in the Top 5 UW L&S stories of the year (Fall 2023).
• Jean-Luc Thiffeault was named a fellow of the American Physical Society (Fall 2022).
• Leslie Smith was named a fellow of the American Mathematical Society (Fall 2022).
• Maurice Fabien has joined the department (Fall 2022).
• Chris Rycroft has joined the department (Fall 2022).
• Tom Edwards (former Ph.D. student of Leslie Smith and Sam Stechmann) will begin a new job at Google in Fall 2021.
• Quanling Deng (former postdoc of Sam Stechmann and Nan Chen) has accepted a faculty position at the Australian National University to begin in January 2022.
• Ying Li (former Ph.D. student of Sam Stechmann) will begin as a Data Scientist at Wells Fargo Bank in November 2021.
• Leonardo Andrés Zepeda-Núñez has joined the department (Fall 2019).
• Amy Cochran has joined the department (Fall 2019).
• Jason Torchinsky (Ph.D. student of Sam Stechmann) has been awarded a Computational Science Graduate Fellowship from the Department of Energy (Spring 2019).
• Nan Chen has joined the department (Fall 2018).
• Will Mitchell (former Ph.D. student of Saverio Spagnolie) has accepted a faculty position at Macalester College to begin in Fall 2019.
• Lei Li (former Ph.D. student of Saverio Spagnolie) has accepted a faculty position at Shanghai Jiao Tong University to begin in Fall 2018.
• Jean-Luc Thiffeault was featured in Washington Post's Wonkblog on his paper exploring the mathematical history of taffy pullers. link to paper
• Gheorghe Craciun was featured in SIAM News on his recent proof of the Global Attractor Conjecture. link to paper
• Mathematical Fluids, Materials & Biology Ann Arbor, MI, June 12-15, 2019
• RTG Workshop: Turbulent and Coherent Convection 224 Ingraham Hall, May 27-29, 2015

Organized by Applied Math

• Applied and Computational Math Seminar (Fridays at 2:25pm, VV 901)
• Graduate Applied Math Seminar (Tuesdays at 3:45pm, Grainger 1190)
• Physical Applied Math Group Meeting (Rycroft/Spagnolie/Thiffeault) (Wednesdays at 4:00pm, VV 901)
• Networks Seminar (Anderson/Johnston/Craciun) (Wednesdays at 2:25pm, VV 901)

Other seminar series of interest

• Mathematics Colloquium (Fridays at 4:00pm, VV B239)
• Probability Seminar (Thursdays at 2:25pm, VV 901)
• SILO Seminar (Wednesdays at 12:30pm, 3rd floor WID)
• Chaos and Complex Systems Seminar (Tuesdays at 12:05pm, 4274 Chamberlin Hall)
• Physics Department Colloquium (Fridays at 3:30 pm; 2241 Chamberlin Hall)
• AOS Colloquium (Mondays at 3:30 pm; 811 AOSS building)
• Astronomy Colloquium (Thursdays at 3:45 pm; 4421 Sterling Hall)

Tenured and tenure-track faculty

David Anderson: (Duke, 2005) probability and stochastic processes, computational methods for stochastic processes, biochemical networks, mathematical/systems biology.

Sigurd Angenent: (Leiden, 1986) partial differential equations.

Nan Chen: (Courant, 2016) uncertainty quantification, data assimilation, geophysics, stochastic modeling, and data science.

Amy Cochran: (Cornell, 2013) population health science, computational psychiatry.

Gheorghe Craciun: (Ohio State, 2002) mathematical biology, biochemical networks, biological interaction networks.

Alberto Del Pia : (Padova, 2009) mathematical optimization, discrete optimization, data science, theoretical computer science

Maurice Fabien: (Rice, 2019) high-performance scientific computing, numerical analysis

Shamgar Gurevich: (Tel Aviv, 2006) Representation theory of groups, algebraic geometry, applications to signal Processing, structural biology, mathematical physics.

Qin Li: (Wisconsin, 2012) applied & computational mathematics.

Hanbaek Lyu (Ohio State, 2018) discrete probability, dynamical systems, networks, optimization, machine learning

Gloria Mari-Beffa: (Minnesota, 1991) differential geometry, applied math.

Laurel Ohm (University of Minnesota, 2020) Analysis of PDE arising in biofluid mechanics.

Sébastien Roch: (Berkeley, 2007) applied probability, statistics and theoretical computer science, with emphasis on biological applications.

Chris Rycroft: (MIT, 2007) mathematical modeling, computational mathematics

Leslie Smith: (MIT, 1988) applied mathematics. Waves and coherent structures in oceanic and atmospheric flows.

Saverio Spagnolie: (Courant, 2008) fluid dynamics, biological locomotion, soft matter, computational mathematics.

Sam Stechmann: (Courant, 2008) applied and computational math, climate and atmospheric science, scientific machine learning.

Jean-Luc Thiffeault: (Texas, 1998) fluid dynamics, mixing, biological swimming and mixing, topological dynamics.

Fabian Waleffe: (MIT, 1989) applied and computational mathematics. Fluid dynamics, hydrodynamic instabilities. Turbulence and unstable coherent flows.

Leonardo Andrés Zepeda-Núñez: (MIT, 2015) machine learning, numerical analysis, wave propagation, inverse problems.

Postdoctoral fellows and researchers

Thomas Chandler: (Oxford, 2021) soft matter, liquid crystals, complex fluids

Anakewit (Tete) Boonkasame: (UW Madison, 2012)

Marko Budišić: (UC Santa Barbara, 2012) dynamical systems

Yongyong Cai: (National University of Singapore, 2012)

Arthur Evans: (UCSD, 2011) soft matter, complex fluids

Matthew Johnston: (University of Waterloo, 2011) dynamical systems

Current graduate students

Graduate course offerings

• Math 632: Introduction to Stochastic Processes (David Keating, Sebastien Roch)
• Math 703: Methods of Applied Mathematics I (Leslie Smith)
• Math 714: Methods of Computational Math I (Sam Stechmann)

Spring 2024

• Math 632: Introduction to Stochastic Processes (David Clancy)
• Math 704: Methods of Applied Mathematics II (Jean-Luc Thiffeault)
• Math 705: Mathematical Fluid Dynamics (Saverio Spagnolie)
• Math 715: Methods of Computational Math II (Maurice Fabien)
• Math 717: Stochastic Computational Methods (Nan Chen)
• Math 801: Topics in Applied Mathematics

Locations of visitors to this page ( Clustermaps )

Navigation menu

Doctoral Program Admissions

Doctoral program in economics.

The Department of Economics doctoral program offers seven fields of study . The majority of students finish the program in five or 6 years.

After graduation our students successively apply the knowledge and skills gained in our program to a wide range of economic problems in a broad array of institutional settings. Our success in this is evidenced by our strong national reputation and our  placement record .

Admissions Information

• Admissions FAQ More
• Funding Information More
• Math Requirements More

Preparation for Doctoral Study

Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree, which must be completed before entering the program. You do not need to have a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics to receive admission to the program. Applicants have Bachelor’s Degrees in Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, and other disciplines.

Mathematics preparation should include multivariate calculus, elementary probability, and regression analysis. Graduate work in economics demands mathematical sophistication of a higher order than the requirements of most U.S. undergraduate economics programs would suggest. Students entering the graduate program are required to have taken a three-course sequence in calculus, a course in linear algebra, and a course in mathematical statistics. These prerequisites are a bare minimum, and additional background in mathematics and in graduate-level economics courses can ease the transition into the program. A detailed description of the department’s expectations about students’ mathematics preparation, both upon entry to the program and upon completion of first-year coursework, can be found on the  Math Requirements for Incoming Graduate Students page.

Application steps and requirements

Admission to the Economics doctoral program is a shared process at UW-Madison. The Admissions and Aid Committee in the Department of Economics will evaluate your application and make a recommendation to the Graduate School regarding admission. The program’s Admission Committee will inform you of their decision in March. If you have questions, please email [email protected]

When applicants receive an admission packet from the Economics Department indicating that they have been recommended for admission, this recommendation does NOT mean that they have been fully admitted. The applicant will have to finish the last steps of the admission process with the Graduate School. The Economics Admission and Aid Committee will forward admissions recommendations to the Graduate School with supporting materials. The Graduate School’s Office of Admissions will review the application and materials to ensure that the Graduate School minimum requirements are met.

To apply, fill out the Graduate School Online Electronic Application . You will select the “Economics PhD program” from the drop down program list. To complete the application, you will need to submit the materials listed below.

Please see the  Admissions FAQ  section if you have further questions.

The Application Deadline is December 5. Letters of recommendation and test scores must be received by December 31.

This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.

Statement of Purpose

There are no specific guidelines or requirements for the Statement of Purpose. Please review the Graduate School’s preparation page for general guidelines on the Statement of Purpose.

Transcripts

Please upload all transcripts or academic records from all your degree-granting institutions and any other institution where you have been enrolled. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application review. If our program recommends you for admission and you decide to enroll, you will then be required to submit official transcripts to the UW-Madison Graduate School.

The transcript uploaded must match the official transcript and there should be no changes or edits made to it. International academic records must be in the original language accompanied by an official English translation. Your school should provide an official translation of your documents; otherwise have a translation done by your school or an official translator. In some countries, these people are also notaries. Do not submit an evaluation from a credential evaluation service in lieu of a translation.

Supplemental Application

The Supplemental Application is a set of questions specific to the Economics PhD program application. It is also where you will upload your writing sample and math preparation form.

Economics PhD Supplemental Application Preview

Writing Sample

All applicants must submit a writing sample in English. The writing sample can be a research paper or an article demonstrating your ability to do research and present your research in a written form.

Math Preparation Form

Please complete the Math Preparation ( pdf ;  word ) form and submit it in PDF format. Please review our math preparation requirements .

Resume or C.V.

Please upload a current resume/ C.V. to the online application.

Letters of Recommendation

The application will require that you enter information for your recommenders and an email will be sent to them. Letters must be submitted electronically by your recommenders no later than December 31.

GRE scores are required for our PhD application and must be received by the Graduate School by December 31.

Have ETS send your scores to the Graduate School . The UW-Madison institutional code is 1846. Our institution does not use department codes.

English Proficiency Test Scores (if applicable)

International degree-seeking applicants must prove English proficiency. Accepted test scores include: TOEFL, IELTS; Duolingo will be accepted starting with our PhD admission cycle Fall 2025. See the  Graduate School Requirements for more information and exemption criteria.

Test scores must be received by the Graduate School by December 31.

Application Fee

  The  application fee  is required to submit the application.

• The Graduate School offers application fee grants to make sure that the application fee is not a barrier for students from key recruiting initiatives for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and students of DACA status. You can find eligibility information and how to apply on the  Graduate School’s Application Fee Grant website .
• The Economics Department also offers a limited number of application fee grants to ensure the fee is not a barrier for applicants that do not meet the Graduate School’s criteria. Please contact our graduate admissions staff at  [email protected]  for more information.

Financial Support and Funding Information

All paid applications from both domestic and international students need to be submitted by December 5th. Funding is awarded to applicants on a competitive basis. For detailed information on department and University Fellowship information, please see our funding  web page.

Tuition and fee information is available online at the  UW Office of the Registrar web page. Students employed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison at least one-third time as a project assistant or a teaching assistant receive a tuition waiver, a stipend, and health benefits.

University of Wisconsin - Madison PhD in Mathematics

Featured programs, how much does a doctorate in math from uw - madison cost, uw - madison graduate tuition and fees.

Does UW - Madison Offer an Online PhD in Math?

Uw - madison doctorate student diversity for math, male-to-female ratio.

Of the students who received their doctor’s degree in math in 2019-2020, 23.8% of them were women. This is in the same ballpark of the nationwide number of 25.4%.

Racial-Ethnic Diversity

Racial-ethnic minority graduates* made up 4.8% of the math doctor’s degrees at UW - Madison in 2019-2020. This is lower than the nationwide number of 12%.

PhD in Math Focus Areas at UW - Madison

Majors Related to a PhD in Math From UW - Madison

Popular Reports

Compare your school options.

• Skip to Content
• Catalog Home

Mathematics, BS

Mathematics is about understanding the world through studies of quantity, structure, pattern, and change to create logical solutions that make life more meaningful and more beautiful. Mathematics bridges the humanities and the sciences. Its position among the humanities is based on the study of mathematics as one of the liberal arts for more than two thousand years. The natural sciences have invariably turned to mathematics for techniques needed to explore the consequences of scientific theories. In the last few decades, social scientists have increasingly found higher mathematics of value in their training and research. Still an expanding subject, mathematics is a part of more new and challenging frontiers than at any time in its long history — with many new fields, from data science to quantum computing, requiring new techniques and inspiring ideas for exploration.

Graduating math majors have obtained employment in a variety of jobs in business, industry, and governmental agencies and also have obtained teaching positions at the secondary school level (such teaching positions normally require teaching certification). Others have continued their education at the graduate level in mathematics and other fields. Departments in a variety of fields that use mathematics, including some in the social and biological sciences as well as in engineering and the physical sciences, are interested in attracting math majors into their graduate programs. Math PhDs obtain academic positions at the college and university level and nonacademic positions entailing consulting and research. The math major requirements are flexible enough to allow preparation for various goals, interests, and careers.

Students interested in mathematics might also consider the related degree program in applied mathematics, engineering, and physics .

• How to Get in

Declaration

To declare a major in mathematics, a student must have completed the sequence MATH 221 , MATH 222 , and MATH 234 , or the sequence  MATH 375  and MATH 376 , with a 2.500 GPA or better. Major advisors may waive this requirement for students with alternative coursework and experiences (e.g., transfer students). Students should meet with a math advisor before declaring in order to discuss course selection and major plan. Advising information can be found in the Advising and Careers link.

Students who are declared in the Bachelor of Science-Applied Mathematics, Engineering, and Physics degree may not be declared in the Mathematics for Physical and Biological Sciences named option.

Students declared in the Mathematics certificate may not be declared in the Mathematics major at the same time. Students who wish to declare this major must first cancel their declaration in the Mathematics certificate.

University General Education Requirements

College of letters & science degree requirements: bachelor of science (bs), requirements for the major, residence and quality of work, named options, honors in the major, university degree requirements .

All undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set of common university general education requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. Various schools and colleges will have requirements in addition to the requirements listed below. Consult your advisor for assistance, as needed. For additional information, see the university Undergraduate General Education Requirements section of the Guide .

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in the College of Letters & Science must complete all of the requirements below. The College of Letters & Science allows this major to be paired with either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree requirements.

Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements

Non–L&S students pursuing an L&S major

Non–L&S students who have permission from their school/college to pursue an additional major within L&S only need to fulfill the major requirements. They do not need to complete the L&S Degree Requirements above.

The mathematics major requirements include exposure to at least two areas of advanced mathematics.  The program is ideal for any student who has a broad interest in mathematics both pure and applied, and functions well as a standalone or complementary program. The mathematics major also offers six named options for students interested in pursuing an applied focus area outside of mathematics as part of their major.

The mathematics major requires 7 distinct courses for at least 21 credits as described below.  Note that at most one course from each of the following groupings may be used to fulfill the minimum course and credit requirement (i.e.: seven courses and at least 21 credits): Intro Linear Algebra ( MATH 320 ,  MATH 340 ,  MATH 341 ,  MATH 375 ), Intro Differential Equations ( MATH 319 ,  MATH 320 , or  MATH 376 ), and Intro Probability ( MATH/​STAT  309  or  MATH/​STAT  431 ).

At least seven MATH courses for at least 21 credits are required for the major as follows 1 :

 Advanced MATH Elective (complete one)

Additional MATH Elective to achieve 7 courses and 21 credits in the major 

• 2.000 GPA in all MATH and major courses.
• 2.000 GPA on 15 upper-level major credits, taken in residence. 5
• 15 credits in MATH, taken on the UW–Madison campus.

View as list View as grid

• Mathematics: Mathematics for Data Science
• Mathematics: Mathematics for Economics and Finance
• Mathematics: Mathematics for Programming and Computing
• Mathematics: Mathematics for Secondary Education
• Mathematics: Mathematics for Statistical Analysis and Risk Assessment
• Mathematics: Mathematics for the Physical and Biological Sciences

Students may declare Honors in the Major in consultation with the Mathematics Honors advisor ; this should be done by the start of the junior year.  Honors in the major is not available in any Named Option program.

Honors in the Mathematics Major Requirements

To earn Honors in the Major, students must satisfy both the requirements for the mathematics major (above) and the following additional requirements:

• Earn a 3.300 University GPA
• Earn a 3.300 GPA for all MATH courses, and all courses accepted in the major
• Complete the following courses, with individual grades of B or better:

A course may only apply once toward the courses/credits required for the major.  Thus, a course used to meet the Analysis, Topology and Algebra requirement may  not  also be used to meet the requirement for MATH 500-699 requirement and a course used to meet the MATH 500-699 requirement may  not  also be used in the Additional Math requirement.

Only one of these courses will be used to fulfill minimum course/credit requirements for the major:   MATH 320 ,  MATH 340 ,  MATH 341 ,  MATH 375

At most one course in Introductory Probability may be used to fulfill the course/credit requirements for the major:   MATH/​STAT  309  and  MATH/​STAT  431 .

 At most one course in Elementary Differential Equations may be used to fulfill the course/credit requirements for the major:  MATH 319 ,  MATH 320 ,  MATH 376 .

MATH courses numbered 307–699 are considered upper level in the major.

At least one of the two sequences ( MATH 521 – MATH 522  or  MATH 541 – MATH 542 ) must be completed prior to enrolling in the Capstone project.

Chosen in consultation with the Mathematics Honors advisor.

• Learning Outcomes
• State, explain, and apply the principal results, definitions, and theorems of a wide collection of mathematical areas including at least one area of advanced undergraduate mathematics.
• Construct and evaluate mathematical proofs and arguments.
• Acquire a diverse set of skills and strategies in mathematical reasoning/problem solving.
• Use mathematics to model and analyze phenomena in other disciplines.
• Write, explain, and present mathematics to both experts and non-­experts.
• Four-Year Plan

This Four-Year Plan is only one way a student may complete an L&S degree with this major. Many factors can affect student degree planning, including placement scores, credit for transferred courses, credits earned by examination, and individual scholarly interests. In addition, many students have commitments (e.g., athletics, honors, research, student organizations, study abroad, work and volunteer experiences) that necessitate they adjust their plans accordingly. Informed students engage in their own unique Wisconsin Experience by consulting their academic advisors, Guide, DARS, and Course Search & Enroll for assistance making and adjusting their plan.

Mathematics Major - Bachelor of Arts/Science Degree

Math majors will naturally complete Quantitative Reasoning requirements with the introductory calculus courses required to declare the major.

Declaration of the Mathematics major requires a 2.500 cumulative GPA across the introductory calculus sequence. Students that are unable to establish a GPA for any courses in the introductory calculus sequence are encouraged to speak with a math major advisor as soon as possible.

An intermediate level math course is any numbered above 306 excluding MATH 320 , MATH 340 , or MATH 341 , or MATH/​CURRIC  471 .

An advanced level MATH course is any numbered above 500.

• Three-Year Plan

This Sample Three-Year Plan is a tool to assist students and their advisor(s). Students should use it —along with their DARS report, the Degree Planner, and Course Search & Enroll tools — to make their own three-year plan based on their placement scores, credit for transferred courses and approved examinations, and individual interests.

Three-year plans may vary considerably from student to student, depending on their individual preparation and circumstances. Students interested in graduating in three years should meet with an advisor as early as possible to discuss feasibility, appropriate course sequencing, post-graduation plans (careers, graduate school, etc.), and opportunities they might forgo in pursuit of a three-year graduation plan.

Departmental Expectations

Historically, students who have successfully complete a three year undergraduate degree with a major in Mathematics have the following qualifications: a minimum of 29 advanced standing credits, which include completion of the following with either course credit or via placement examination:

• MATH 221 and MATH 222
• Communication Part A
• 3-4 units of foreign language

Therefore the plan below assumes these requirements, but none other. When considering the plan below, students should note the following:

• Ethnic Studies and Communication Part B (obligatory in the first year)
• Physical, Biological, and Social Science Breadth (which may be prerequisites for more advanced electives)
• Humanities and Literature.
• Remaining schedule space should be considered electives.
• At least 26 of the non-MATH credits must be at the Intermediate or Advanced level.
• Consider using the elective space in the plan as follows: additional major or certificate, career readiness, graduate school preparation, and other personal interests.

• Advising and Careers

Students who are interested in the math major should visit a faculty advisor. Information about current advisor availability is on the Math advising page .

For advice on college algebra, pre-calculus, and calculus, see the  placement advising pages  of the department. 

Transition Courses

All majors are required to complete at least one of the following. It is suggested that majors (and those interested in the major) complete such a course as soon in their academic career as possible.

Graduate Study

Students preparing for graduate work in mathematics should take the following courses:

Students who plan to enter a mathematics PhD program should acquire a reading knowledge of at least one foreign language as early as possible. For mathematics study, the most useful languages are French, German, and Russian.

In recent years graduating math majors have obtained employment in a variety of jobs in business, industry, and governmental agencies and also have obtained teaching positions at the secondary school level (such teaching positions normally require teaching certification). Others have continued their education at the graduate level in mathematics and other fields. Departments in a variety of fields that use mathematics, including the social and biological sciences as well as in engineering and the physical sciences, are interested in attracting math majors into their graduate programs. Math PhD's obtain academic positions at the college and university level and nonacademic positions entailing consulting and research. The math major requirements are flexible enough to allow preparation for various goals.

L&S Career Resources

Every L&S major opens a world of possibilities.  SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps students turn the academic skills learned in their major, certificates, and other coursework into fulfilling lives after graduation, whether that means jobs, public service, graduate school or other career pursuits.

In addition to providing basic support like resume reviews and interview practice, SuccessWorks offers ways to explore interests and build career skills from their very first semester/term at UW all the way through graduation and beyond.

Students can explore careers in one-on-one advising, try out different career paths, complete internships, prepare for the job search and/or graduate school applications, and connect with supportive alumni and even employers in the fields that inspire them.

• SuccessWorks
• Set up a career advising appointment
• INTER-LS 210 L&S Career Development: Taking Initiative (1 credit)
• INTER-LS 215 Communicating About Careers (3 credits, fulfills Comm B General Education Requirement)
• INTER-LS 260 Internship in the Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Activate your Handshake account to apply for jobs and internships from 200,000+ employers recruiting UW-Madison students
• Learn about the impact SuccessWorks has on students' lives

Please visit the Math Department website for a complete list of faculty and instructional academic staff .

• Resources and Scholarships

The Department of Mathematics offers scholarships, awards, and prizes to declared math majors. Award applications are open during the spring semester so that award recipients may be selected before the end of spring semester and applied to fall enrollment.

Awards vary in scope and criteria. Some awards are open to students who exhibit financial need, while others are granted to students based on academic merit. Other awards are related to undergraduate research. Awards may be open to specific student populations, such as:

• Underrepresented students of color
• Self-identified women
• Graduating majors
• Early-career majors

Declared math majors are encouraged to apply for any awards in which they meet the qualifications.

• Requirements

Contact Information

Department of Mathematics College of Letters & Science Mathematics, BS https://www.math.wisc.edu/

Contact Information Van Vleck Hall 480 Lincoln Dr., Madison, WI 53706

Undergraduate Major Program [email protected]

Undergraduate Program Advising [email protected] https://www.math.wisc.edu/undergraduate/advising

Honors Program [email protected]

• /​api/​
• /​pdf/​
• Explore Graduate Opportunities
• Explore UW-​Madison's Undergraduate Opportunities
• Graduate Guide
• Nondegree/​Visiting Student Guide
• Pharmacy Guide
• School of Medicine and Public Health Guide
• College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
• College of Engineering
• African American Studies
• African Cultural Studies
• American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program
• Anthropology
• Art History
• Asian American Studies Program
• Asian Languages and Cultures
• Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
• Biology Core Curriculum
• Center for Law, Society, and Justice
• Chicana/​o and Latina/​o Studies
• Classical and Ancient Near Eastern Studies
• Communication Arts
• Communication Sciences and Disorders
• Computer Sciences
• Environmental Studies
• French and Italian
• Gender and Women's Studies
• German, Nordic, and Slavic
• Information
• Institute for Regional and International Studies
• Integrated Liberal Studies
• Integrative Biology
• La Follette School of Public Affairs
• Language Sciences
• Letters &​ Science -​ College-​Wide
• Applied Mathematics, Engineering, and Physics, BS AMEP
• Mathematics, BA
• Mathematics, Certificate
• Mead Witter School of Music
• Mosse/​Weinstein Center for Jewish Studies
• Planning and Landscape Architecture
• Political Science
• Religious Studies
• Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work
• School of Journalism and Mass Communication
• Spanish and Portuguese
• Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies
• School of Business
• School of Education
• School of Human Ecology
• School of Nursing
• School of Pharmacy
• Veterinary Guide

Application Opening and Closing Dates for Autumn 202 5

Applications to the MA/PhD and PhD open on 1 September 2024. The closing date is December 2, 2024.  A NOTE ON THIS DUE DATE : This application due date is real and is a completion due date. Applications and all required documents received after the due date will not be considered. Applications and all required documents must be uploaded to our online application system. We do not accept any mailed materials.

• Minimum 3.0 or B grade point average over the two most recent years of study (90 quarter or 60 semester credits) guarantees consideration. However, average GPAs for the students we have admitted have been higher. See recent applicant statistics below on this page.
• Ph.D. applicants must show proof of completion of a master’s degree prior to starting the program, though it is common for those applying to the Ph.D. program to be working on their thesis in the year during which they apply.
• M.A./Ph.D. applicants must show proof of completion of a U.S. equivalent bachelor’s degree prior to starting the program, though it is common for applicants to be in their senior year of college when they apply to the M.A./Ph.D. program.
• Full-time status is required for all funded students, but domestic U.S. residents who do not receive assistantships can enroll half-time (please note this is exceedingly rare).
• Applicants who are not native speakers of English must provide  evidence of English language proficiency  (see  Policy 3.2: Graduate School English Language Proficiency Requirements ) and  evidence of spoken English proficiency  (see  Policy 5.2: Conditions of Appointment for TAs who are not Native Speakers of English ).
• Applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States meet both requirements (Note: A master’s or doctoral degree does not satisfy this requirement). Applicants who do not hold a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. institution must have a minimum total score of 92 and speaking score of 26 if using the TOEFL, and a minimum total score of 7.0 and speaking score of 7.0 if using the IELTS. If proof is not provided that these minimums are met as of December 1, the applicant will not be considered.

Submit the following materials online:

• Graduate School online application . The Graduate School requires all applicants to use the web application (if you are truly unable to use the web application, e-mail [email protected] ).
• Application fee . The application fee must be received and recorded by Graduate Admissions prior to the application deadline. You must pay the fee online using a MasterCard or Visa card (both credit and debit cards are accepted) or a TeleCheck (an online “check” taken from your existing checking account). If eligible for and requesting an application fee waiver, please note you must submit your application a minimum of 7 days prior to the application deadline, and earlier is recommended. Details on application fee waivers are available here .
• Unofficial transcripts from each institution from which you received a degree of Bachelor or higher within the online application. Official transcripts are not required for the admissions application and should not be mailed. An unofficial transcript could be a scan of an opened official transcript, or a printout of your academic history from your university’s web portal. It must include all classes taken, grades received, and degrees granted.
• Important : It can take up to two weeks after your testing date or report request for UW to receive your scores, so the GRE should be taken/scores requested no later than November 15 to ensure your scores arrive by the December 1 application completion deadline.
• Important : It can take up to two weeks after your testing date or report request for UW to receive your scores, so the TOEFL or IELTS should be taken/scores requested no later than November 15 to ensure your scores arrive by the December 1 application completion deadline.
• Three recommendations . Letters of recommendation from professors are strongly preferred, but if you have been out of school for many years or have another reason for using non-academic references, other professional recommendations are acceptable. These recommendations are completed online and should not be mailed. The online recommendation includes a short questionnaire, ratings assessment, as well as the opportunity to paste or upload a letter. Please designate your recommenders within the online application early to allow enough time for them to submit their online recommendations no later than December 1.
• Describe explicitly why you have chosen to apply to earn an M.A./Ph.D. or Ph.D. in communication, and why specifically at the University of Washington. If there are additional UW departments in which you would like to take courses, feel free to mention them.
• Describe the main ideas and/or veins of theory that interest you as well as the kind of communication phenomena you wish to study.
• State your academic goals so that the admissions committee may determine whether your goals could be met in our department.
• Explain how the expertise of the 2-3 particular Graduate Faculty whom you selected in the Overview Questions section could support scholarly interests you would like to pursue.
• Write this letter honestly and to the best of your ability, because the admissions committee will read it for its substance and as an indicator of your readiness for and fit with this program.
• For Ph.D. applicants : Please provide a sole-authored academic writing sample , roughly 10-30 pages long, that demonstrates your research competence and your ability to produce original scholarship. This might be a thesis chapter, a journal publication, a seminar paper, or something similar. If necessary, edit your paper for length before submitting it with your application. The admissions committee will read your paper to evaluate your writing competence, the clarity of your argument, and the depth of your analysis and insight.
• For M.A./Ph.D. applicants : Please provide a sole-authored academic writing sample , roughly 10-30 pages. This is typically a paper you wrote for a college or university class, but it can also be a thesis chapter, a journal publication, or a seminar paper. The admissions committee will read your paper to evaluate your writing competence, the clarity of your argument, and the depth of your analysis and insight.
• Resume or curriculum vitae . If you don’t have a vitae, don’t worry. A resume will do. If you do have a vitae, use it instead.
• Overview questions. You will be asked about your career goals and research experiences, given the opportunity to explain any transcript anomalies, and asked to specify 2-3 Graduate Faculty by whom you would like to be mentored.
• In one or two pages, please describe how your experiences and/or academic interests could contribute to a diverse community of communication scholars. For example, you might describe interactions you have had with people of cultural or ethnic backgrounds different from your own, or you might write about intellectual exchanges you have had with persons holding different viewpoints. Your essay might also discuss the unique qualities of your own intellectual or cultural background and how these are likely to enhance diversity in any community.

Are you an international applicant? An international applicant is anyone who is not a United States citizen or a Permanent Resident (green card holder). Please go to the following at the Graduate School website for further information for international applicants: Graduate School international applicant information . Undocumented applicants should follow the instructions here for completing the online application.

• Applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States meet both requirements (Note: A master’s or doctoral degree does not satisfy this requirement). Applicants who do not hold a bachelor’s degree from a US institution must have a minimum total score of 92 and speaking score of 26 if using the TOEFL, and a minimum total score of 7.0 and speaking score of 7.0 if using the IELTS. If proof is not provided that these minimums are met as of December 1, the applicant will not be considered.
• Newly-admitted international students will be required to demonstrate adequate financial support without resorting to unauthorized employment. More information will be sent to applicants who receive an offer of admission. Financial documentation is not necessary at this stage of the application process.
• Full-time status is mandatory for all international students.

102 Communications Box 353740 Seattle, WA 98195 Phone: (206) 543-2660 Fax: (206) 616-3762

Graduate Program (206) 543-6745 Undergraduate Program (206) 543-8860

Make a Gift Privacy Terms of Use -->

Copyright 2020 Department of Communication

University of Washington

• Current Students
• Faculty & Staff

PhD—Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science

A Holistic View of Nursing Science

The UW School of Nursing Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science (PhD) program faculty are global leaders in nursing science. Students from all over the world create a community of scholars and learn from expert researchers. Our expert nursing scientists provide mentorship tailored to student needs using technology-driven instruction.

The UW PhD program is ideal for students with diverse backgrounds who want to become premier leaders in nursing research.

We maintain a holistic view of nursing science and our faculty’s scholarship represents a broad array of research projects and innovative methodologies. Some examples include:

• Symptom science
• Laboratory sciences
• Health promotion and disease management across the lifespan
• Policy analysis and advancement of cost-effective health care systems
• Health equity
• Innovative methodologies

Hear from #HuskyNurse Sarah McKiddy and her experience with the PhD program.

A Community of Scholars

We welcome applicants with a baccalaureate degree in any field. We encourage post-baccalaureate students, as well as most master’s and DNP students who are ready to begin intensive study of nursing science, to apply.

UW PhD students have a wide range of academic backgrounds, including:

• Public health
• Complementary and alternative medicine
• Healthcare systems and policy
• Music therapy

Our PhD program is highly individualized to create independent thinkers with demonstrated ability to articulate, investigate, and report on original research that substantially contributes to health care knowledge.

The flexible program reflects the enormous scope and impact of the latest nursing research and policymaking. Although the PhD curriculum can be completed in three years of full-time study, individual student program lengths are expected to vary.

Once offered admission as a PhD student, you are matched with a faculty adviser. Your adviser provides guidance and helps answer questions until you select a supervisory committee chair (between years one and three). Your chair then serves in an advisory capacity and as the supervisor for your dissertation.

View the PhD Sample Curriculum Grid PhD Required and Elective Courses

• Optional: Statistics Concentration

The first year of the full-time PhD program and the first two years of part-time focus on required core courses emphasizing nursing philosophy, conceptual frameworks, theory, and research methodologies.

In addition, students complete their statistics sequence and may take selected electives or engage in research or teaching practicum. Students complete the preliminary exam at the end of the first year of full-time study and the end of two years of part-time study.

Students who enter the PhD program with a BSN can earn an MS in Nursing Science during the program following successful completion of the first year of the PhD program and the preliminary examination.

After the first year of full-time study and the first two years of part-time study, courses and other scholarly activities are determined by you and your supervisory committee to comprise your individual program of study. The supervisory chair is a School of Nursing graduate faculty member whose research approach, interest, or research methods align with your proposed dissertation project.

You and your chair complete the supervisory committee by selecting faculty members from the School of Nursing, the UW at large, and other appropriate experts outside the University. This committee approves your program of study and guides you through the general examinations, dissertation research, and final defense.

The Nursing Science Statistics Area of Concentration requires a minimum of 14 credits of advanced statistical methods coursework above and beyond the 10 credits of statistics required for the PhD degree. Of these, two credits are fulfilled by the CSSS Seminar, and a minimum of 12 credits are fulfilled by at least four advanced statistics courses, three of which must come from the list of CSSS courses approved for the concentration.

All courses taken as part of the statistics concentration must be graded.

However, a 500-level course that is graded credit/no credit may be considered for inclusion in your Area of Concentration proposal if:

• In the course, you submit an individual project (i.e., not a group project); and
• Major course assignments are submitted to your Supervisory Committee for review

CSSS seminar: minimum two credits

A minimum of two quarters in CS&SS is required. The most up-to-date course descriptions for statistics course options can be found on the CSSS website .

Approved CSSS advanced statistics course options

The most up-to-date course descriptions for statistics course options can be found on the CSSS website .

Variation in area of concentration coursework

One advanced methodological course in nursing, political science, psychology, public health, sociology, statistics, economics, educational psychology, social welfare, and other related fields may be considered as part of the Nursing Science Statistics Area of Concentration four course requirements if it contributes to the overall coherence of the student’s program of study and is consistent with the student’s research goals.

This course would be in addition to the ten credits of statistics courses required for the PhD in nursing.

Admissions Requirements

• An in-process or earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in any discipline
• A minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0, or a 3.0 GPA for the last  60 semester/90 quarter graded college/university credits
• Meet the  Essential Behaviors for PhD Students
• International applicants   who plan on taking clinical nursing courses  must have an active, unrestricted U.S. RN license  at the time of application
• If your native language is not English,  proof of proficiency in English  (reading, writing, and comprehension)

Graduate School Data

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Graduate School is committed to data transparency about student experiences and employment outcomes. This page provides data highlights, links to interactive data dashboards, and information about national data initiatives in which UW–Madison is a partner.

Data resources for faculty and staff >>

Explore the Data

Admissions and enrollment.

For fall 2022, the admission rate was 32%. The enrollment (yield) rate was 40%. Admissions and enrollment information for individual programs is also available through the link below.

• Admissions and enrollment data More

Doctoral student funding

In fall 2022, 86% of PhD students had full funding through UW in the form of graduate assistantships and fellowships. Other students generally rely on a combination of funding sources such as external funding, employment, personal savings, and loans.

• Graduate student funding data More

Degrees awarded

UW–Madison granted over 3,300 graduate degrees in 2022-23 (2,590 master’s degrees, 771 PhD degrees), with a median time to degree of 6 years for a PhD degree and 1.8 years for a master’s degree.

• Graduate School degrees, retention, and completion More

Doctoral career outcomes

PhD alumni 5 years post-graduation held careers in a variety of sectors, including in academia (53% of PhD graduates), for-profit industries (34%), government (6%), non-profit organizations (6%), and other fields (1%).

• Doctoral career outcomes data More

Data publications

Understanding UW–Madison PhD Career Pathways: Career Preferences, Outcomes, and Alignment

Published August 2019

Data projects

Coalition for Next Generation Life Science

Recognizing the lack of clear marketplace information on career options for life scientists, UW–Madison joined eight other research universities and a major cancer institute to form a coalition that has publicly posted career outcomes data for biomedical scientists.

• Skip to Content
• Catalog Home

UW-Milwaukee Academic Catalog

Computer science.

Computer Science, PhD

The Doctor of Philosophy, the highest degree offered by the University, is conferred in recognition of marked scholarship in a broad field of knowledge as well as distinguished critical or creative achievement within a special area of the general field (the special area being the subject of the doctoral dissertation). The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computer Science program in the College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) is designed to meet the traditional high standards for such programs. The PhD in Computer Science is administered by the division of Computer Science in the department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Some aspects of the program are delegated to the CEAS Graduate Office.

The program is flexible, allowing the student to develop a plan of studies tailored to meet individual needs. Evaluation of the study plan is based on its appropriateness as a computer science program, the availability within the University of appropriate course offerings, and the availability within the division of Computer Science of a faculty member who is qualified to serve as the student’s major professor.

The PhD degree requires a minimum of 66 credits beyond the baccalaureate, including a dissertation. The student must also satisfy a residence requirement.

Many of the courses leading toward graduate degrees in CEAS are offered in the late afternoon or evening. So, students can complete much of their coursework on a part-time basis.

Admission Requirements

Credits and courses, additional requirements, application deadlines.

Application deadlines vary by program, please review the application deadline chart for specific programs. Other important dates and deadlines can be found by using the One Stop calendars .

An applicant must meet  Graduate School requirements  plus these program requirements to be considered for admission to the program:

• Applicants holding a MS degree in computer science will generally be admitted without deficiencies. Applicants holding a BS degree in computer science may be admitted only if they are exceptionally strong, such as with a record including successful completion of courses normally taken at the graduate level in computer science.
• Applicants holding MS degrees from domains outside of computer science may be admitted with specific program-defined course deficiencies, provided that the deficiencies amount to no more than two courses. The student is expected to satisfy deficiency requirements within three enrolled semesters. The deficiencies are monitored by the Graduate School and the division of Computer Science. No course credits earned in making up deficiencies may be counted as program credits required for the degree. The mathematics preparation must generally include mathematics equivalent to MATH 231 . Otherwise, the made-up deficiencies must be sufficient to assure that the applicant is able to proceed with advanced work directed toward the doctoral degree.
• A minimum grade point average of 3.0 on the basis of 4.0, in the highest degree granted. An applicant with a master’s degree in engineering or computer science having a GPA of less than 3.0, but at least equal to 2.75, may be admitted if substantial evidence can be submitted demonstrating that the applicant has the capacity to perform satisfactory doctoral work.
• All applicants are required to submit a brief (1 or 2 page) statement describing their professional goals and at least two letters of reference.
• The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for all international and domestic applicants.
• International students require proof of English language proficiency. Complete information is available at the  UWM Center for International Education .
• Applicants with a relevant master’s degree who intend to complete an additional master’s in Computer Science at UWM should announce their plans at the time of admission, and not later than the start of their second year into the PhD program.

Reapplication

A student who receives a master’s degree at UWM must formally apply for admission to the Graduate School as a doctoral student before continuing studies that will be credited toward the Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science.

The minimum degree requirement is 66 graduate credits beyond the bachelor’s degree. The minimum credit  distribution of coursework to be undertaken must be as follows depending on the option selected.

The 6-credit requirement in mathematics and/or quantitative methods may be met by satisfactorily completing certain courses specified by the Department or by taking the minor in mathematics. When such courses also count for either the major or the minor area, the remaining credits may be taken as approved electives.

The student must achieve a 3.0 GPA separately in each of the following areas: the major area, the minor area, and the quantitative methods area.

The minor is normally in another area offered in the College or in the physical sciences or mathematics or in management sciences. Consideration of any other area as a minor requires the prior approval of the Department.

A minimum of 26 credits, excluding doctoral thesis, must be at the 700 level or higher.

Major Professor as Advisor

The Graduate School requires that the student must have a major professor to advise, supervise, and approve the program of study before registering for courses. The incoming student will be assigned to an initial Program Advisor at the time of admission. Prior to the completion of 12 credits (9 credits for part-time students), the student must select a major professor who will be the student’s thesis advisor. The student, in consultation with the major professor, develops a proposed program of studies which is submitted for approval. For subsequent changes, the student must file a revised program of study for approval.

Foreign Language

There is no foreign language requirement for the degree.

The program residence requirement is satisfied either by completing 8 or more graduate credits in two consecutive semesters, exclusive of summer sessions, or by completing 6 or more graduate credits in each of three consecutive semesters, exclusive of summer sessions.

Qualifying Examination

Each student in the program must take and pass a Qualifying Examination to demonstrate that the student is qualified for doctoral-level work. The Qualifying Examination is a written exam and is structured in two parts: Part 1 and Part 2. The examination is offered twice a year during the regular academic year. 

Students entering with only a bachelor’s degree or with a master’s degree in an area unrelated to their major may take the Qualifying Examination for the first time after earning 12 credits of graduate work at UWM and must successfully pass the exam before earning 30 credits of graduate work at UWM.

Students admitted after completing an appropriate master’s degree must take this examination no later than the semester immediately after 18 credits of graduate work have been earned at UWM.

A student may take the Qualifying Examination twice. On the first attempt, the student must attempt both Part 1 and Part 2 of the examination.

• If the student passes both parts, then the student has passed the entire examination and will be permitted to proceed toward the Doctor of Philosophy degree.
• If the student fails both parts, then the student must take the entire exam again at its next offering.
• If a student passes only one of the two parts, then the student must take the examination again at its next offering, but may choose to take only the part of the examination that was not passed on the first attempt.
• If a passing grade is not obtained on the second attempt of the Qualifying Examination, the student will not be permitted to proceed toward the Doctor of Philosophy degree.

A student who fails the qualifying exam twice is subject to dismissal from the PhD in Computer Science program. A student may appeal the failure and dismissal within 30 days of being notified of the failure. If the student does not appeal or the appeal is not granted, the College will recommend to the Graduate School that the student be dismissed. A student who is dismissed from the PhD in Computer Science program because of failing the qualifying exam may not be enrolled in the PhD in Computer Science program for a complete calendar year. This does not preclude the student from being enrolled in any other degree program offered by the University. A student who wishes to re-enroll in the program after a calendar year has passed must apply as any other student would, including payment of fees. A student readmitted after having failed the qualifying exam twice must take the qualifying exam in the first semester of matriculation and this will count as the student’s first attempt at the exam. The student may appeal this requirement prior to the first scheduled day of classes. If the student fails the qualifying exam on this first attempt, the student is permitted the customary second attempt as described above. All appeals must be in writing and directed to the CEAS Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

Doctoral Program Committee

The Doctoral Program Committee is proposed by the major professor in consultation with the student and the department. The Committee must include at least five graduate faculty (three from major area, one from minor area, and one from any area, including the major and minor areas). The last member may be a person from outside the University (such as another university, a research laboratory, or a relevant industrial partner), provided that person meets Graduate School requirements. The Committee may have more than five members, provided that the majority of the Committee members are from the student’s major field.

Doctoral Preliminary Examination

A student is admitted to candidacy only after successful completion of the doctoral preliminary examination conducted by the Doctoral Program Committee. This examination, which normally is oral, must be taken before the completion of 48 credits of graduate work toward the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Computer Science and should be taken within the first seven years in the program. Prior to the examination, the student must present a proposal for a doctoral dissertation project. The examination may cover both graduate course material and items related to the proposed dissertation project.

Dissertation and Dissertator Status

The student must carry out a creative effort in the major area under the supervision of the major professor and report the results in an acceptable dissertation. The effort of the student and the major professor to produce the dissertation is reflected in the PhD in Computer Science program requirement that the student complete at least 18 credits of doctoral thesis. 

After the student has successfully completed all degree requirements except the dissertation, the student may enter Dissertator Status. Achieving Dissertator Status requires successful completion of the Doctoral Preliminary Examination and prior approval of the student’s advisor, the Doctoral Program Committee, and the Computer Science GPR of a dissertation proposal that outlines the scope of the project, the research method, and the goals to be achieved. Any proposal that may involve a financial commitment by the University also must be approved by the Office of the Dean. After having achieved Dissertator Status, the student must continue to register for 3 credits of doctoral thesis per semester during the academic year until the dissertation is completed.

Dissertation Defense

The final examination, which is oral, consists of a defense of the dissertation project. The doctoral defense examination may only be taken after all coursework and other requirements have been completed. The student must have Dissertator Status at the time of the defense.

All degree requirements must be completed within ten years from the date of initial enrollment in the doctoral program.

Print Options

Print this page.

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

All pages in the 2024-2025 Catalog.