Part I: Program Overview
The graduate program in mathematics at Michigan State University is one of the best in the country.
The Department of Mathematics has a world class faculty and is rated as a Group I departmentby the National Research Council – the highest grouping. Almost all major areas of mathematics are covered by the research interest of the faculty, including Algebra, Analysis, Applied Mathematics, Combinatorics, Differential Equations, Dynamical Systems, Graph Theory, Geometry, and Topology.
At Michigan State University, we offer a variety of programs at both the masters and the doctoral levels. There is great flexibility within programs, to provide our students with as broad a program as they want in pure, applied mathematics, or mathematics education. Master of Science degrees are offered in mathematics, applied mathematics, and a professional master’s degree in industrial mathematics. The Department also offers a Master of Arts degree for teachers. Doctoral candidates may specialize in almost any active research field of modern mathematics. It is our hope that we give our students the best possible preparation for the many career opportunities available in academics, industry, and government.
It is very important for applicants to submit application material on time to be considered for teaching and research assistantship and for a variety of possible university or college fellowships. All application material should be submitted by December 31st for the following academic year. The complete application package should be mailed to:
Ms. Barbara S. Miller
Graduate Secretary
A-213 Wells Hall
Michigan State University
East Lansing , MI 48824-1027
and should include the following:
1. University Application.
Go to the website: http://grad.msu.edu/apply.htm, following the appropriate link to go to an interactive form that will allow you to send all of your information directly to M.S.U. over the internet. When a completed application has been received by the university, it will automatically be sent to the Department of Mathematics. You can also print out an application form from this website, fill it out, and mail it to M.S.U.
2. Departmental Application
Go to the website: http://www.math.msu.edu/Academic_Programs/graduate/application.aspx to complete the departmental application. This will give us more information about your background and your interest in any particular field.
3. Letters of Recommendation
Request three letters of recommendation from professors who can assess your promise of success in one of our graduate programs. You can print out the forms for letters of recommendation from http://grad.msu.edu/apply.htm. The document name is Recommendation for Admission form.
4. Transcripts
Send official transcripts to the address above. Do not send copies to the graduate school or to Admissions.
5. GRE Scores
The three standard sections of the GRE, verbal, quantitative, and analytic are required for admission. The GRE subject test in mathematics is required for applicants who want to be considered for teaching and research assistantship or for fellowships. Applicants should request that an official copy of their scores be sent to the department. If possible, you should send an unofficial copy with your other application material.
6. TOEFL Scores (International Students Only)
Applicants for whom English is not their primary language are required to submit TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores. In September 2005, ETS began offering a new version of TOEFL which includes a speaking test and is scored on a different scale than the previous two tests. Although we prefer the new version of the test, we will accept old test scores taken within two years of application (scores from tests taken over two years ago cannot be verified). Our department requires a score of at least 600, with no subscore below 55, on the paper-based exam, a computer-based score of 250, with no subscore below 22, and an internet-based score of 100, with no subscore below 21 for reading or below 22 for the listening, speaking, or writing sections of the exam.
With the new version of the TOEFL, we will post our minimum requirement on our website: http://www.math.msu.eduMore information is available at the following websites:
The Graduate School Home Page:
Application Information for M.S.U.:
Mathematics Department Home Page:
Graduate Programs in Mathematics Department:
http://www.math.msu.edu/Academic_Programs/graduate/Default.aspx
Graduate Students Rights and Responsibilities (GSRR):
http://vps.msu.edu/SpLife/grr1.htm
MSU/GEU Contract:
http://grad.msu.edu/geu/agree.pdf
Guidelines for Integrity in Research and Creative Activities:
http://www.msu.edu/user/gradschl/all/ris04activities.pdf
Guidelines for Graduate Student Advising and Mentoring Relationships:
http://www.msu.edu/user/gradschl/all/ris04relations.pdf