Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mathematics

University of Houston

The PhD degree is a research degree and the principal requirement is that a student writes an original research thesis (also referred to as their doctoral dissertation). The thesis is produced using research conducted under the supervision of a faculty member, and it is examined by a committee of three departmental faculty and an outside expert.To qualify to write a thesis, a PhD candidate in Mathematics must first satisfy our Candidacy Requirements. After this, they must choose an advisor from the Mathematics Department faculty. The candidate's thesis is developed and written with the guidance of this advisor, who will later chair the thesis defense committee.Although doctoral research does not officially begin until after candidacy requirements are met, it is strongly recommended that PhD students discuss possible research opportunities with faculty members soon after they enter the program. Entering students should also outline an appropriate sequence of courses to learn the essential material for pursuing their research interests, in whatever subfield of mathematics they intend to work in.

College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics