A major or minor in mathematics can open doors to a number of awesome career opportunities. Many of these careers will just require a bachelor's degree. Some careers, however, will require graduate study--such as a master’s degree or a PhD.
Curious about whether grad school is right for you? Want to know how to go about applying to grad school?
Check out our Applying to Graduate School Guide below.
Applying to Graduate School Guide
Both master’s degrees and PhDs are offered in mathematics and applied mathematics from a number of universities around the world. If you like mathematics, then you might want to consider applying to a graduate program.
Unlike an undergraduate degree, where you take courses from a broad range of topics, in mathematics graduate school you will focus exclusively on mathematics. Along the way, graduate programs typically have exams or presentations (sometimes called “qualifying exams”) as you prepare the foundation of studies. After passing these exams, students will then begin to focus on a research question and make an original contribution to mathematics by writing a thesis (U.S. master's programs) or dissertation (U.S. PhD programs).
Having a graduate degree in mathematics is more versatile than you might think. As part of your work, you will develop many technical skills which will make you a valuable member in many industries, including academia (becoming a math professor), data science, software engineering, finance and other areas.
- Build relationships with faculty
Getting to know a professor well, perhaps through a sequence of courses, or as a course grader, or through an independent study or research project is highly recommended. - Consult with your professors
It’s never too early to start talking with your professors about graduate school. Starting conversations early can be a great first step. - Take upper division math courses
Although there’s no perfect formula, we recommend that if you are interested in going to graduate school in math that you try to take as many upper division math courses as you can. Demonstrating that you’ve taken full advantage of the opportunities here will go a long way with your application. - Participate in research
USD offers research opportunities during the summers which can help you get an idea of what research in math is like. - Expand your horizons
We also recommend considering a study abroad program with an emphasis in mathematics. The Budapest Semester in Mathematics is an excellent program that USD students have attended in the past. - Participate in a post-baccalaureate program
Post-baccalaureate programs are designed to help students bridge the gap between undergrad and graduate school or between a master's program and a PhD program.
It’s sometimes helpful to think of a graduate program as like an apprenticeship that can open many opportunities. And remember, by and large, if a PhD program accepts you, then they believe in you and think you will succeed in their program.
We also want to mention that USD’s math majors are well-prepared to apply to graduate programs in other fields, including law, medical school, environmental and ocean science, economics, statistics, actuarial science, data science, etc.
Master’s programs are typically two years and PhD degree programs can vary in length, but are typically 5 - 6 years.
Most PhD programs in mathematics (and other sciences) will pay you to attend graduate school! Typically the way this is structured is that schools will waive your tuition and offer you a living stipend in exchange for you being a TA (teaching assistant) or RA (research assistant).
Funding at master’s programs are a little more varied, but there are still often TA positions available.
If you are on the fence about whether to apply for a master’s or PhD program, chat with some of your professors about different options.
If you are interested in learning more about graduate programs, we recommend reaching out to your professors here at USD. All of us have gone to graduate school, and we can share our different experiences as well as answer any questions you may have.
Note that because different programs are very different you might get different answers from different people. We recommend that if you are interested in applying to grad school you talk to as many people as possible. For additional information, check out the American Math Society's page on Applying to Graduate School as well as their page on choosing a graduate school.
Some people will start straightaway in a PhD program after finishing their math degree at USD. Others will opt to complete a master’s program first. There are pros and cons to all of these options depending on your goals and preparation. Make sure to consult your professors so you can get an understanding of all the different options.
As you consider your options, we also recommend looking into post-baccalaureate programs which are designed to help students bridge the gap between undergrad and graduate school or between a master's program and a PhD program.
Applications to graduate programs are typically due around December or January.
Most grad school applications require:
- A personal statement
- Your official transcript
- Letters of recommendation
Make sure to give your recommendation letter writers plenty of time (ideally more than a month) to write a strong letter of recommendation. It’s advised to ask the professors who know your work best, especially faculty who have taught you in an upper division course or with whom you've conducted research. - GRE (possibly)
Some schools might require the GRE General Test or the GRE Math subject test, but this is less common in recent years. - Application fees
There is usually an application fee, but if you receive financial aid from USD it is possible to have these fees waived.
Unlike applying to undergraduate programs, in grad school, the committees will be almost 100% focused on your mathematical preparation and your interest in pursuing math. This can feel different than when you were applying to colleges where there was a lot of emphasis on extracurricular activities, for instance.
A successful applicant will explain in their application why they want to pursue further training in mathematics and what their career goals are. It will be very appropriate to talk about why you love math and what experiences you had as an undergraduate. Your USD professors can help offer feedback on your essay and it’s advised to start early!
It’s important to apply to a large number of programs. Your professors can help you come up with a good list. Remember that competition can be fierce--people from all over the world, including people who have already completed master’s programs, will be applying for these positions as well.
There can be a lot of randomness in the system and you shouldn’t be disappointed if you don’t get into a particular program. Working with a professor to find a good list of schools (including some “reach” schools) is strongly advised.