The Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge occupies the No. 1 spot in U.S. News and World Report's 2010 Graduate Programs in Mathematics Ranking. One of the most competitive schools in the nation, MIT has an award-winning 60-member faculty. MIT's professors have won awards such as the Abel Prize, National Medal of Science and two MacArthur awards, among others. In 2010, 17 of the professors were members of the National Academies of Science and Engineering, and 23 were part of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
MIT offers programs in pure and applied mathematics leading to the Doctor of Philosophy and the Doctor of Science degrees. According to the MIT website, the applied mathematics program focuses on biology, combinatorics, computer science, scientific computing, numerical analysis and areas of physical applied mathematics. Students can find mathematics-related courses through other academic departments, such as engineering, at MIT.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
77 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02139-4307
617-253-1000
web.mit.edu
Harvard University, also in Cambridge, Massachusetts, occupies the No. 2 position. Harvard reports that its program is designed for students intending to become research mathematicians. The doctoral program includes a qualifying examination, offered twice annually. Before entrance into the independent research portion of the program, a candidate must pass the exam to demonstrate his mastery of the basic concepts of mathematics. After passing the exam, the student can begin his dissertation with the guidance of a faculty member. Any student seeking a doctorate at Harvard must have reading knowledge of two modern languages in addition to English, such as Russian, German, French or Italian.
Harvard University
Massachusetts Hall
Cambridge, MA 02138
617-495-1000
harvard.edu
Princeton University, ranked No. 3, is in Princeton, New Jersey. The Mathematics Department at Princeton has 58 regular faculty members and 12 visitors and research staff members as of 2010. The Mathematics Graduate Studies program also has strict language requirements. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to read mathematical texts in two of the following languages: French, Russian or German. During the student's studies she will take the language examination twice.
Students ready for the general examination will take an oral exam administered by Mathematics Department faculty members. The candidate must demonstrate mastery of algebra and real and complex variables. Upon passing the oral exam, the student may continue her investigation and begin the doctoral dissertation.
Princeton University
1 Nassau Hall
Princeton, NJ 08544-9400
609-258-3000
princeton.edu
Stanford University, in Stanford, California, occupies the fourth spot in the U.S. News and World Report ranking. Its Mathematics Department stresses that its program, while emphasizing research training, is designed to prepare the candidate for a career in academia. To qualify for Stanford's program, a student must pass a test in real analysis and another in algebra. The student's first year course and seminar schedule will prepare him for the general examination, which tests his knowledge of algebra, complex analysis and real analysis. Stanford's doctoral students also become teaching or research assistants throughout their studies. Before beginning a dissertation, the candidate must pass the Departmental Area Examination.
Stanford University
450 Serra Mall
Stanford, CA 94305
650-723-2300
stanford.edu