 |
Advice to SLU students who are interested in graduate
school
in the mathematical sciences
Overview
Advice on courses in
mathematics
Advice on
courses outside mathematics
Activities
Outside the classroom
A final word of advice
Overview
There are many different kinds of graduate programs in the mathematical
sciences. In addition to "regular" master's and Ph.D. programs
in
mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics, there are
"professional" master's programs that prepare students for specific
kinds of jobs, such as financial mathematics, actuarial science, or
K-12 mathematics teaching. The advice given here will help you
prepare for all of these programs, but it is most closely tailored to
doctoral programs in pure or applied mathematics. If you are
interested in a different kind of program, ask the faculty how the
advice given here should be modified.
Advice on
courses in mathematics
Take as much math as you can.
In addition to the calculus sequence, Principles of Mathematics (MATH
266), and Introduction to Linear Algebra (MATH 315), you should try to
take 7-10 upper-level math courses. These should include the
400-level sequences in algebra (MATH 411/412) and analysis (MATH
421/422). [You can still think about graduate study in
mathematics, even if you have not taken these two sequences, but you
will not be eligible for many of the highly competitive programs, and
you will probably have to play catch-up when you get to graduate
school.]
You should seek both breadth and
depth
in your course work. Taking courses in several different
branches of mathematics will help you decide what parts of mathematics
you like best and will prepare you for graduate programs of different
types. It will also provide a good background for the Graduate
Record Exam in mathematics. Taking sequences (particularly the
algebra and analysis sequences) will let you study a single area in
depth and will prepare you for the level at which graduate courses are
taught.
The faculty can help you choose
courses that match your needs and prepare you for the kind of graduate
program in which you are interested. If you are interested
in analysis or applied mathematics, for example, then complex variables
would be a good course to take. Differential equations also play
a central role in applied mathematics. If you are interested in
statistics, then you should take the probability-statistics
sequence. If you want to explore an area of mathematics that
isn't offered at Saint Louis University, it may be possible to
take
relevant courses at Washington University and University of Missouri -
St. Louis.
As for scheduling, you should plan to take two math courses each
semester, after you finish Introduction to Linear Algebra (MATH
315). The ideal situation is one in which you finish Introduction
to Linear Algebra (MATH 315) by the end of your sophomore year.
That will enable you to take the algebra and/or analysis sequence in
your junior year, so that you can consider taking some graduate courses
during your senior year. Taking graduate courses as an
undergraduate strengthens your application to graduate school.
Advice on
courses outside mathematics
Taking a course in computer science can be useful, especially in
applied mathematics. Experience with programming helps you develop your
analytical skills, and some summer research programs specifically
recruit students with computer skills.
If you are interested in getting a Ph.D. in mathematics, take French,
German, or Russian as an undergraduate. Most Ph.D. programs in
mathematics require students to demonstrate a reading proficiency in
French, German, or Russian. Although it is possible to learn
these
languages in graduate school, it is more efficient to learn one of them
now.
Activities
outside the classroom
Participate in at least one
mathematics-related activity outside of class. These
activities demonstrate your commitment to mathematics, and they are
fun! They will also help you to decide whether you are interested
in going to graduate school in math. Here are some examples of
things that you can do:
Since most graduate students in mathematics have financial aid packages
that involve teaching introductory courses, it's a good idea to get
some experience explaining mathematics to others. This can take the
form of tutoring or giving a talk to the Math/CS Club or at a math
conference.
Find out whether the graduate programs in which you are
interested require the GRE Subject Test in Mathematics. If they
do, familiarize yourself with the topics covered on the test and study
carefully for the test. Do not take the test "cold," half of it
is on calculus, and your calculus may be rusty by the time you take the
test. Note that you probably want to sign up for the November
subject test and it has a September registration deadline.
A final word of advice
Seek advice from many sources.
Graduate programs in mathematics vary widely in what they include and
what they expect from applicants. Seek the advice of at least
three faculty members about what courses you should take and what other
activities you should be involved in.
Page maintained by Mike May, S.J.,
December 2007
|
