Graduate Degrees in Mathematics

Mathematics

The Department of Mathematics at CU Boulder offers a Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in mathematics. We also offer a Master of Science. Students may obtain an MA/MS as either an undergraduate student through the Bachelor’s–Accelerated Master’s degree program or as a graduate student.

The department hosts numerous visiting scholars and postdoctoral fellows. There is an active seminar culture, including many seminars run by students. Our course offerings include a regularly scheduled rotation of algebra, analysis, topology, geometry, foundations, number theory and more, as well as topics courses whose more advanced subject matter varies year-to-year based on the interests of faculty and students.

Degree Types

MA ᐧ MS ᐧ PhD

We have an award-winning graduate faculty, with a broad range of research interests.

The majority of mathematics graduate students receive a full-time teaching assistantship.

Our graduate students have excellent opportunities for research, including a first-year summer research experience.

Degree Options & Application Requirements

Mathematics

Master of Arts/Master of Science

30 total credit hours
To earn an MA, students must pass a master's examination based on the student’s particular program. Additionally, students can pursue a thesis option, which requires 4–6 credit hours of thesis work and a thesis defense.
For the MS in applied mathematics, 6–12 credit hours must be in an approved minor program outside the mathematics department, and at least 18 credit hours must be approved inside the mathematics department.
As a rule, graduate students are admitted to the PhD program in mathematics and earn an MA or MS when they complete their PhD comprehensive exam. Students may choose to leave the program with an MA/MS degree. Under certain circumstances, students can be admitted to the graduate program for a terminal MA/MS degree, in which case the prerequisites are the same as for the doctoral program.
Students may earn this degree as part of the Bachelor's–Accelerated Master's degree program, which allows currently enrolled CU Boulder undergraduate students to earn a bachelor's and master's degree in a shorter period of time.

Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

For program details, review the course catalog for the MA/MS.

Doctor of Philosophy

Students must complete at least 30 credit hours of approved graduate coursework and 30 credit hours of thesis work.
Before being admitted to candidacy for the PhD in mathematics, a student must take two graduate courses each in algebra, real analysis and geometry/topology en route to passing two out of three preliminary exams in these fields. In addition, the student must take a course in complex analysis. The student must then pass a comprehensive exam.

Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

For program details, review the course catalog for the PhD in mathematics.

Research Areas

Algebra
Analysis
Foundations
Geometry
Mathematical Physics
Number Theory
Probability and Statistics
Topology

Learn More About Research Areas at CU Boulder

Funding Opportunities

We understand funding opportunities play a major role in helping you to decide whether a program is right for you. At CU Boulder, PhD students are supported through research and teaching assistantships. Students are also encouraged to apply for their own sources of funding.

Explore General Funding Explore Department-Specific Funding

Graduate Student Resources

Student success is best met with holistic support and resources. CU Boulder offers robust resources, programming and opportunities to help students establish meaningful connections, adjust to graduate student life and find assistance when they need it. Whether it’s academic, social, or health and wellness support, the university provides an array of resources to meet the diverse needs of our students.

Graduate Student Organizations