Apply to the PhD Program Apply to the Master's Program
About our graduate program
Please note: Information about graduate programs in actuarial science and risk management can be found at via the University of Illinois ASRM website.
PhD in Mathematics
Applicants should possess a strong background in undergraduate mathematics. The PhD usually requires four to six years of study. In 2015–2016, the mean time to degree was 5.5 years, and 88% of our PhD graduates took 6 years or fewer. The principal stages are:
- Comprehensive Requirements
- Preliminary Examination (Thesis Proposal)
- Doctoral Thesis
Students who wish to earn a doctorate should apply directly to the PhD program. Students can usually earn a Masters degree along the way to the PhD.
For detailed degree requirements, please see the Guide for Graduate Students in Mathematics.
PhD Concentration in Actuarial Science and Risk Analytics
This concentration attracts students with strong interest in financial risk analytics and actuarial applications of mathematics, and equips them with advanced analytical tools for professional and academic careers. Students in the Concentration complete coursework or professional exams in Probability, Risk Modeling and Analysis, Mathematical Statistics, Theory of Finance, and Actuarial Models for Life Contingencies or Financial Economics. Concentration students are not required to take graduate abstract algebra.
MS in Mathematics
The MS in Mathematics program allows students a wide range of course choices and can offer good preparation either for a job in industry or for pursuit of a doctorate in mathematics at another university. It is rare, though not impossible, for students to enter the PhD program at the University of Illinois after finishing the MS in Mathematics. The degree requires 32 credit hours and can normally be completed in 18 months. A master's thesis is optional. Applications are accepted for Fall semester each year. Financial aid is generally not available, although students in this program are occasionally hired as teaching assistants after they are enrolled.
Students entering the program should have completed at least six courses in mathematics at the junior-senior level (beyond calculus). It is strongly recommended that the entering student has taken courses that cover the syllabi of the following:
- Math 417 - Introduction to Abstract Algebra
- Math 447 - Real Variables
- A course in computer programming
MS in Applied Mathematics
The MS in Applied Mathematics program is intended for students wishing to pursue a career in applied mathematics. It is also suitable as preparation for a PhD program in Applied Mathematics. It is rare for students to enter the PhD program at the University of Illinois after finishing this degree. Students may choose one of three tracks: Optimization and Algorithms, Applications to the Sciences, or Computational Science and Engineering. This degree program requires 32 credit hours and can normally be completed in 18 months. A master's thesis is optional. Applications are accepted for Fall semester. Financial aid is generally not available, although students in this program are occasionally hired as teaching assistants after they are enrolled.
Students entering the program should have completed at least six courses in mathematics at the junior-senior level (beyond calculus). For the Optimization and Algorithms option, it is strongly recommended that the entering student has taken at least one course in each of linear algebra, real analysis, and probability or statistics and has taken a course in theoretical computer science other than a programming course. For the Applications to the Sciences and Computational Science & Engineering options, it is strongly recommended that the entering student has taken at least one course in each of linear algebra, real analysis, probability or statistics, and differential equations and has training in computer programming.
MS in Actuarial Science
For information on actuarial science courses, faculty, and social and networking activities organized by students, see the Actuarial Science and Risk Management program's website.
MS in Predictive Analytics and Risk Management
For information on this program, see the Actuarial Science and Risk Management program's website.
MS in Teaching of Mathematics
The MS in the Teaching of Mathematics is intended for those who wish to teach at the high school or community college level. It does not lead to certification to teach in public schools. The program requires 32 credit hours and can normally be completed in 18 months.
A teaching assistantship and full tuition waiver (plus partial fee waiver) will be offered for three semesters to all admitted applicants who are native speakers of English or satisfy the English Proficiency Requirement for International Teaching Assistants.
Students entering the program should have completed at least six courses in mathematics at the junior-senior level (beyond calculus). It is strongly recommended that the entering student has taken courses which cover the syllabi of the following:
- Math 402 – Non Euclidean Geometry
- Math 417 - Intro to Abstract Algebra
- Math 444 - Elementary Real Analysis
- A course in applied statistics/probability
- A course in programming or computer science
Mathematics Graduate Office
267 Altgeld Hall
E-mail: math-grad@illinois.edu
Telephone: 217-333-5749