Mathematical Sciences (PHD, MA)

Program Overview

The graduate program in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers Master’s of Arts and Doctorate of Philosophy degree programs in mathematics. The department also collaborates with the Department of Teaching, Learning and Educational Leadership, which offers both the MAT (master of arts in teaching) degree in mathematics adolescence education and the MSEd (master of science in education) degree in adolescence education in mathematics, as well as a 4+1 BA + MAT degree.

The department boasts a dedicated and distinguished faculty whose main areas of research are algebra, number theory, analysis, combinatorics, dynamical systems, geometry/topology, graph theory, probability and statistics. Students are required to take coursework in at least three of these areas of concentration, and encouraged to take advantage of the diverse range of electives and specializations available. Funding options such as teaching assistantships, or in some cases research fellow support are available. For additional funding opportunities visit these sites: Squier Assistantships; Office of External Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards; Scholarships, Graduate Fellowships & Postdoctoral Awards.

Degrees Offered

• PHD in Mathematical Sciences
• MA in Mathematical Sciences

Internships, Research Opportunities and More

The MA is designed to provide students with a solid foundation of knowledge to work with mathematics in depth, either for future placement in a PhD program or professional careers in the public and private sectors. The PhD track prepares students for teaching in higher education as well as higher-level careers in government and industry. Students who have substantial graduate-level training without an MA may enter the PhD program directly.

The department is committed to developing a lively, versatile curriculum that is applicable in the real world; many students report that their courses have been an essential foundation in their professional lives. The program also emphasizes faculty guidance and support; the department runs weekly seminars in all areas of research, where both faculty and graduate students are welcome to present. The department also runs annual or biannual events for the broad mathematical community, including:

• The Peter Hilton Memorial Lecture
• The BUGCAT conference (run by graduate students)
• The Zassenhaus conference

After You Graduate

Many graduates of the program enter the workforce as instructors in higher education. Alumni also pursue careers at the federal and private levels as statisticians, data analysts, consultants, researchers and programmers.

• Recent doctoral placements include mathematical/statistical engineer at Corning Incorporated, risk analyst for JP Morgan Chase, postdoctoral biostatistician at Janssen Research and Development and assistant professor at Ohio State University. Additional companies employing our alumnus include Amazon.com, Inc., Celgene, IBM Explorys – Watson Health and Wells Fargo Bank. In academia the following institutions employ our alums: Alfred University, Case Western Reserve University, Christopher Newport, University, Colgate University, Cornell University, Universidade Federal de Sergipe (Federal University of Sergipe), Harvey Mudd College, Indian Institute of Science, Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram, Institut fur Mathematik, Juniata College, Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University at Harrisburg, SUNY Brockport, SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Oswego, Texas State University, University of North Texas, University of Scranton, University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire, Ursinus College, Utica College and Trinity College.

Admissions Requirements

To be eligible for graduate study, you must:

• Provide a complete set of your undergraduate (and, if applicable, graduate) transcripts showing one of the following:
  • You have earned a bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
  • You are within one academic year of earning a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
  • You are eligible to apply as part of a memorandum of understanding between your current institution and Binghamton University
• Have earned, at minimum, one of the following:
  • A 3.0 GPA over your entire undergraduate career
  • A 3.0 GPA during your last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits of your undergraduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
  • A 3.0 GPA in a graduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
  • In consideration of the different grading scales used around the world, the department evaluates international transcripts to determine on a case-by-case basis whether they demonstrate one of the above requirements.

To apply, you must submit the following materials. For general guidelines for these materials, see the Admission Requirements website.

• Online graduate degree application with graduate degree application fee
• Transcripts from each college or university that you have attended
• Personal statement of 2 to 3 pages describing your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your career aspirations, your special interests within your field, and any unusual features of your background that might need explanation or be of interest to the graduate admissions committee
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official GRE scores

International students must also submit the following materials. For more information about these materials, see the International Students section of the Admission Requirements website.

• International Student Financial Statement (ISFS) form
• Supporting financial documentation (such as bank statements, scholarship or sponsor letters, etc.)
• Proof of English proficiency (such as official TOEFL/IELTS/PTE Academic/Duolingo* scores)
  • *In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Graduate School at Binghamton University has temporarily approved the use of the Duolingo English Test as proof of English proficiency through the 2023 application cycle.

This information is subject to change. While we make every effort to update these program pages, we recommend that you contact the department with questions about program-specific requirements.

Deadlines

For more information, visit the Mathematical Sciences website.