Programs of Study
The Department of Mathematics is one of nine departments within North Dakota State University’s College of Science and Mathematics. The other departments include Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Coatings and Polymeric Materials, Computer Science, Geosciences, Physics, Psychology, and Statistics.
The Department of Mathematics offers graduate study leading to the degrees of Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). The M.S. degree program requires 30 credit hours of relevant course work, while the Ph.D. degree program requires 90 credit hours and successful completion and defense of a dissertation.
The Master of Science degree is offered in two options: the Thesis Option and the Comprehensive Study Option. The Thesis Option emphasizes research and preparation of a scholarly thesis, whereas the Comprehensive Study Option emphasizes a broader understanding of a major area of mathematics. A candidate has three calendar years from the time of enrollment in the Graduate School to complete the master’s degree. Extensions may be granted after review and approval by the Graduate Committee, subject to Graduate School policy.
The Doctor of Philosophy degree is awarded in recognition of high scholarly attainment as evidenced by a period of successful advanced study, the satisfactory completion of prescribed examinations, and the development of an acceptable dissertation covering a significant, original aspect of mathematics.
Advanced work may be specialized among the following areas:
algebra, including algebraic number theory, commutative algebra, and homological algebra
analysis, including analytic number theory, approximation theory, ergodic theory, harmonic analysis, and operator algebras
applied mathematics, differential equations, dynamical systems
combinatorics and graph theory
geometry/topology, including differential geometry, geometric group theory, and symplectic topology
Beginning with their first year in residence, students are strongly urged to attend research seminars and discuss research opportunities with faculty members. By the end of their second semester, students select an advisory committee and develop a plan of study specifying how all degree requirements are to be met. One philosophical tenet of the Department of Mathematics graduate program is that each mathematics graduate student will be well grounded in at least two foundational areas of mathematics. To this end, each student’s background is assessed, and the student is directed to the appropriate level of study. Ph.D. students have three years from first enrolling in a 700-level Mathematics course as a graduate student to complete the written Preliminary Examination requirement.
Research Facilities
There is exceptional research infrastructure in place; new partnerships underway; and world class opportunities available for undergraduate, graduate, faculty, and staff researchers and those engaged in creative pursuits at this student-focused, land-grant, research institution. With more than $150 million in research expenditures annually, NDSU’s research intensity frequently places it in lists of top 100 research universities.
For information on NDSU’s Research and Creativity Activity, prospective students should visit: https://www.ndsu.edu/research/.
Financial Aid
Graduate students at North Dakota State University may be eligible for College of Science and Mathematics and program-specific scholarships. Some examples of these awards are the merit-based Graduate School Research Award, the Graduate School Teaching Award, and the Steinhaus-Rhinehart Scholarship for rising seniors who intend to pursue a graduate degree in the biological sciences.
Teaching assistantships and a small number of research assistantships are available. Graduate tuition is waived for research and teaching assistants. Assistantship applications are considered at any time. However, opportunities are improved for those received by March 1 preceding the fall semester of intended enrollment.
For detailed information on financial aid opportunities, prospective students should visit https://www.ndsu.edu/onestop/finaid/.
Cost of Study
For up-to-date information on costs, visit the website: https://www.ndsu.edu/onestop/accounts/tuition/.
Living and Housing Costs
Information about on-campus housing for graduate students can be found at https://www.ndsu.edu/reslife/general_apartment_information/. There is not a specific graduate residence hall, but graduate students can live in the University apartments. In addition, there are numerous housing options in the Fargo-Moorhead community.
Student Group
In fall 2016, there were 2,082 graduate students among NDSU’s total student population of 14,432; about 1,956 students (approximately 430 graduate students) were in the College of Science and Mathematics. International students come from more than 80 countries and compose more than 25 percent of the graduate student body.
Student Outcomes
There are more than 77,000 NDSU graduates living and working across the United States, especially the Midwest. The school’s alumni association offers its members extensive social and professional networking opportunities.
Students and graduates of NDSU can use the Career Center to refine cover letters and resumes, conduct mock job interviews, and find open positions via on-campus recruiting events and online career boards.
M.S. and Ph.D. degree holders from North Dakota State University have career options in academia, pure research, and industry. These include, but are not limited to, astrophysicists, biostatisticians, business statisticians, chemical company executives, database managers, environmental geologists, geophysicists, information scientists, national laboratory research administrators, and more.
Location
NDSU is located on the eastern edge of North Dakota in Fargo, the state’s largest community. With its sister city, Moorhead, Minnesota, directly across the Red River, Fargo is one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle and offers a family friendly environment with excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and a low crime rate; an active arts and cultural scene, including a symphony, civic opera company, art museums, and community theater; and many places to shop and eat, including numerous restaurants, coffee shops, and a newly refurbished downtown district.
The University
North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student-focused, land-grant, research university, with several programs ranked in the Top 100 by the National Science Foundation. NDSU is fully accredited as an institution by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. As a public land-grant university, NDSU provides cultural and educational outreach to the residents of the state, region, and beyond. Combined with a strong commitment to student success and the advancement of research of all disciplines, NDSU offers a dynamic environment for students to improve themselves and the world around them.
NDSU’s Graduate School offers 53 doctoral degrees, 86 master’s degrees, an education specialist degree, and 15 certificate programs.
In addition to offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs, the College of Science and Mathematics supports the North Dakota Governor’s Schools program for academically talented high school students, as well as the Center for Science and Mathematics Education, which supports K–12 and higher education instruction.
Applying
The Department of Mathematics graduate program is open to all qualified graduates of universities and colleges of recognized standing. In addition to the Graduate School requirements, which can be found online at https://bulletin.ndsu.edu/graduate/admission-information/, applicants must have earned a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 or equivalent in all advanced mathematics courses at the baccalaureate level.
All students in full standing and, in certain situations, students in conditional status are eligible for assistantships. International students must show proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English. In particular, they must pass an oral proficiency interview, which is a Test of Spoken English (TSE) prior to receiving a teaching assistantship.
Application requirements include the online application, application fee, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and, if applicable, a test of English proficiency score (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic).
