Graduate Study in Mathematics

A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in pure or applied mathematics requires roughly five years of graduate work beyond the bachelor's degree. The first years are spent in course-work, while the later years are spent primarily doing original research culminating in a dissertation. Most graduate students in mathematics can get financial support for their study-both tuition and a stipend for living expenses. In return for this support the student usually performs some service for the department, most commonly teaching introductory undergraduate courses. Highly qualified students may receive fellowships or research assistantships that require little or no teaching.

About one-half of Ph.D.'s in mathematics find long-term employment at academic institutions, either at research universities such as Duke or at colleges devoted primarily to undergraduate teaching. At research universities, the effort of most faculty members is divided between teaching and conducting research in mathematics. The employment situation for Ph.D.'s in mathematics for academic positions is currently very tight. Most nonfaculty mathematicians are employed by government agencies, the private service sector, or the manufacturing industry.

Students considering graduate school in mathematics are urged to consult with the mathematics faculty and with the Director of Graduate Studies. The choice of graduate school and the area of study may make a significant difference in future job prospects. The Director of Undergraduate Studies receives material on graduate programs in mathematics from all over the country; this material is posted near the departmental office (121 Physics) or kept on file in 217 Physics. Frequently, much information about these programs is available through the World Wide Web; information about Duke's program is available at http://www.math.duke.edu.