nyu math phd program

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Mathematics

Degrees and fields of study.

• Mathematics (Non-Degree)
• M.S. in Mathematics
• Joint M.S. in Scientific Computing (with Computer Science)

Ph.D. in Mathematics

• Ph.D.  in Atmosphere Ocean Science and Mathematics
• Ph.D.-J.D. in Mathematics/Law (Dual Degree)

See also Mathematics in Finance .

Application Deadlines

Applications and all supporting materials must be  submitted online by 5PM  Eastern Time. If a listed deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or U.S. federal holiday, then the next business day will be the actual deadline.

Non-Degree Program

• November 1 : Spring admission
• May 1 : Summer admission
• August 1 : Fall admission

M.S. Program

• April 15 : Summer admission
• April 1 : Fall admission

Joint M.S. Program

• February 15 : Fall admission, strongly recommended deadline
• May 1 : Fall admission, final deadline

All Ph.D. Programs

• December 18 : Fall admission, strongly recommended deadline
• Ph.D.-J.D. applicants must submit  two separate applications  — one to GSAS, and another to NYU Law. Please consult  NYU Law Admissions  for the J.D. application deadline.

Requirements

In addition to the general application requirements, the department specifically requires:

Test Scores

Ph.D. in Mathematics: optional. 

Ph.D. in Atmosphere Ocean Science and Mathematics: please do not submit.

M.S. in Mathematics: optional. 

Joint M.S. in Scientific Computing: optional.

TOEFL/IELTS

Applicants must submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores unless they:

Are a native English speaker; OR

Are a US citizen or permanent resident; OR

Have completed (or will complete) a baccalaureate or master's degree at an institution where the language of instruction is English.

Statement of Academic Purpose

In a concisely written statement, please describe your past and present work as it relates to your intended field of study, your educational objectives, and your career goals. In addition, please include your intellectual and professional reasons for choosing your field of study and why your studies/research can best be done at the Graduate School of Arts and Science at NYU. The statement should not exceed two double-spaced pages.

Writing Sample

Writing sample not required.

Video Statement

Optional for all applicants. Please read the detailed instructions on the Videos and Online Materials page.

Special Instructions

The Ph.D. program in Mathematics offers the opportunity to conduct research in New York  or at  NYU Shanghai . Applicants who are interested in opportunities at Shanghai should indicate their interest in the campus section of the application.

Non-degree applicants to Mathematics who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, or applicants who hold a current H1-B visa, must use the online application to apply. Other non-degree applicants must follow special instructions. Refer to  Application Policies  for more information. As part of the application, all applicants must provide a final and official academic transcript showing proof that the bachelor’s degree or equivalent was conferred, including all courses with grades received. The TOEFL is required of applicants who are not native English speakers. The GRE, letters of recommendation, and résumé are optional (please leave items blank on the application if you do not provide). The statement of purpose should explain why you want to attend the program as a non-degree student and describe the courses you plan on taking.

Useful Links

• GSAS Bulletin
• Department Website
• Email [email protected]
• Application Portal
• Back to Programs, Requirements and Deadlines

The Graduate School of Arts and Science reserves the right to change this information at any time. This page supersedes all previous versions.

Last updated August 2023.

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Department of Mathematics

www.math.nyu.edu 251 Mercer Street, New York, NY 10012-1110 • 212-998-3005

Director, Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences

Professor Caflisch

Chair of the Department

Professor Kleiner

Director of Undergraduate Studies

Associate Professor Young

Vice-Chair for Undergraduate Affairs

Professor Leingang

The undergraduate division of the Department of Mathematics offers a wide variety of courses in both pure and applied mathematics. Faculty are members of the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, which has become a leading research center through its tradition of integrating mathematical theory and applications.

In addition to the mathematics major, joint programs are available in mathematics and (1) computer science, (2) data science, (3) economics, and (4) engineering. These majors lead to the B.A. degree in four years, with the exception of the engineering option, which leads to the B.S. degree from the College of Arts and Science and the B.S. degree from the NYU Tandon School of Engineering in five years. An accelerated, five-year B.A. and M.S. mathematics program is offered with the Graduate School of Arts and Science, as well as an M.A. in mathematics education program with Steinhardt. The department also provides honors programs in (1) mathematics, (2) mathematics and computer science, and (3) economics and mathematics for outstanding students. In addition, independent study courses are available for students with special interests.

Mathematics majors are encouraged to spend a semester studying away. Currently, mathematics courses are offered at NYU Abu Dhabi, NYU London, NYU Paris, and NYU Shanghai.

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Transfer Credits for Current NYU Students

• B.S. at Tandon School of Engineering

If you are a student transferring to NYU, please read our page for Transfer Students instead.

Current NYU students may transfer up to 8 credits from outside institutions, pending school and departmental approval. This page explains the math department’s guidelines for evaluating those courses.

Course Content

The content of the transfer course must be equivalent to a course the department offers. If the course titles are similar, chances are the content is comparable. Here are some important examples and exceptions:

• The department does not offer courses comparable to “College Algebra” or “Elementary Statistics.”
• Courses titled “Business Calculus” or “Applications of Calculus” are also generally not equivalent to our calculus sequence. If a university offers several streams of calculus, NYU’s is most likely equivalent to the most rigorous stream that is not labeled “Honors.”
• Our Mathematics for Economics sequence was specially developed at NYU through a collaboration with the Department of Economics, and almost no university offers a similar sequence.
• A course titled “Linear Algebra and Differential Equations” may be evaluated for equivalence to MATH-UA 140 Linear Algebra, but not MATH-UA 262 Ordinary Differential Equations.

These NYU math courses are eligible for transfer credit by current NYU students:

• MATH-UA 120 Discrete Mathematics
• MATH-UA 121 Calculus I
• MATH-UA 122 Calculus II
• MATH-UA 123 Calculus III
• MATH-UA 131 Mathematics for Economics I
• MATH-UA 132 Mathematics for Economics II
• MATH-UA 133 Math for Economics III
• MATH-UA 140 Linear Algebra

Current NYU students may not fulfill the Analysis requirement, or any advanced mathematics electives, with transfer credit. Current NYU students must complete these requirements at NYU CAS.

Course Instruction and Assessment

The transfer course must be taught and assessed in a manner similar to our equivalent course. If the transfer course meets online, it must be fully synchronous and include approximately 2800 minutes of instructional time. All exams must be held in person or take place in a live-proctored virtual setting. Self-paced courses based on pre-produced lecture videos and asynchronous exams will not qualify for MATH-UA transfer credit.

For more information

For all matters concerning undergraduate advisement in mathematics, students should contact one of our advisement team.

Students whose last (family) name begins with letters A–M should contact Adam Staszczuk, Assistant Director, Academic Affairs, at [email protected].

Students whose last (family) name begins with letters N–Z, should contact Jackie Tucciarone, Program Administrator, at [email protected].

More information and links to useful resources can be found on our Advisement page.

• Undergraduate Transfer Credit Policy

Engineering, Mathematics, and Technology

Take your place at the cutting edge of innovation—and gain the practical skills to take engineering, biotechnology, data science, or robotics to the next level. With an advanced degree that focuses on engineering, mathematics, or technology, you prepare yourself for a career as an environmental engineer, data analyst, inventor, research, or professor.

• No. 5 Mathematical Analysis programs
• No. 8 Geometry programs 
• No. 9 Mathematics programs

Analytics/Computers/Cybersecurity/Data

Engineering, mathematics.

Virtual Office Hours: Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Email: [email protected] Phone: 212-992-4723

Applied Urban Science and Informatics:   AdvC , MS Center for Urban Science and Progress

Computer Science: MS , PhD * Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences

Computing, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation:   MS Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences

Cybersecurity: MS Tandon School of Engineering

Cybersecurity Risk and Strategy: MS School of Law and Tandon School of Engineering

Data Analytics and Business Computing: MS NYU Shanghai and Stern School of Business

Data Science: MS , PhD ✝ Center for Data Science

Digital Humanities: AdvC Graduate School of Arts and Science

Global Security, Conflict, and Cybercrime:   MS School of Professional Studies

Human Capital Analytics and Technology: MS School of Professional Studies

Quantitative Management: MS Stern School of Business

Scientific Computing: MS Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences

*Interested applicants may have the opportunity to participate in the NYU Abu Dhabi Global PhD Student Fellowship program or the NYU Shanghai doctoral study and research program . ✝ Interested applicants may have the opportunity to participate in the NYU Shanghai doctoral study and research program .

Biomedical Engineering: MS Tandon School of Engineering

Chemical Engineering: MS , PhD * Tandon School of Engineering

Civil Engineering: MS , PhD * Tandon School of Engineering

Computer Engineering: MS Tandon School of Engineering

Computer Science: MS , PhD ✝ Tandon School of Engineering

Electrical Engineering: MS , PhD ✝ Tandon School of Engineering

Environmental Engineering: MS Tandon School of Engineering

Financial Engineering: MS Tandon School of Engineering

Industrial Engineering: MS Tandon School of Engineering

Mechanical Engineering: MS , PhD * Tandon School of Engineering

Mechatronics and Robotics: MS Tandon School of Engineering

Traffic Engineering: AdvC Tandon School of Engineering

Transportation Planning and Engineering:   MS , PhD ✝ Tandon School of Engineering

*Interested applicants may have the opportunity to participate in the NYU Abu Dhabi Global PhD Student Fellowship program . ✝ Interested applicants may have the opportunity to participate in the NYU Abu Dhabi Global PhD Student Fellowship program or the NYU Shanghai doctoral study and research program .

Applied Physics: MS Tandon School of Engineering

Applied Statistics for Social Science Research:   MS , MS/MPA Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development; dual w/ Wagner Graduate School of Public Service

Biostatistics: MS School of Global Public Health

Mathematics: MS , PhD * Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences

Mathematics: MS Tandon School of Engineering

Mathematics in Finance: AdvC , MS , MS/MBA Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences; dual MBA w/ Stern School of Business

Statistics: PhD Stern School of Business

*Interested applicants may have the opportunity to participate in the NYU Shanghai doctoral study and research program .

Bioinformatics: MS Tandon School of Engineering

Biomaterials: MS College of Dentistry

Biomaterials/Clinical Research: MS/MS College of Dentistry

Biotechnology: MS Tandon School of Engineering

Biotechnology and Entrepreneurship: MS Tandon School of Engineering       

Construction Management: MS School of Professional Studies

Construction Management: MS Tandon School of Engineering

Digital Media Design for Learning: AdvC , MA Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development

Educational Communication and Technology: PhD Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development

Executive Construction Management: AdvC Tandon School of Engineering

Game Design: MFA Tisch School of the Arts

Games for Learning: MS Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development

Integrated Design & Media: MS Tandon School of Engineering

Interactive Media Arts Global Low-Residency: MA Tisch School of the Arts and NYU Shanghai

Interactive Telecommunications: MPS Tisch School of the Arts

Management and Systems: MS School of Professional Studies

Management of Technology: MS Tandon School of Engineering

Music Technology: AdvC , MM , PhD Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development

Nursing Informatics: MS , MS/MPH Rory Meyers College of Nursing; dual MPH w/ School of Global Public Health

Project Management: MS School of Professional Studies

Technology, Culture, and Society: PhD Tandon School of Engineering

Transportation Planning: AdvC Tandon School of Engineering

Urban Infrastructure Systems: MS Tandon School of Engineering

If you’re excited by more than one subject and would like to combine them to create your own individualized program of study, you may be interested in the MA in Individualized Study degree at the Gallatin School of Individualized Study.

Back to Programs and Degrees

Mathematics in Finance (MS)

Program description, dual degree.

The Department of Mathematics is part of the  Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences , an independent division of  New York University . Based in Warren Weaver Hall, at the heart of New York University’s Washington Square campus, it is one of the top-ranked Mathematics departments worldwide (#4 in the US and #9 in the world as per the  Shanghai rankings ; #6 in the US and #8 in the world as per the  QS rankings ).

The Master's degree in mathematics encompasses the basic graduate curriculum in mathematics, and also offers the opportunity of some more specialized training in an area of interest.  A typical Master's course of study will involve basic courses in real analysis, complex analysis and linear algebra, followed by other fundamental courses such as probability, scientific computing, and differential equations. Depending on their mathematical interests, students will then be able to take more advanced graduate courses in pure and applied mathematics.

The Mathematics in Finance Department offers a dual degree with the NYU Stern School of Business: Mathematics in Finance MS/Master of Business Administration.

See Mathematics in Finance for admission requirements and instructions specific to this program.

All applicants to the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) are required to submit the  general application requirements , which include:

• Academic Transcripts
• Test Scores  (if required)
• Applicant Statements
• Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
• Letters of Recommendation , and
• A non-refundable  application fee .

See Mathematics in Finance for admission requirements and instructions specific to this program. 

Program Requirements

Master's project, additional program requirements.

Students complete their Master’s Project in the “Project & Presentation” course. They conduct research in smaller groups (2-3 students), supervised by faculty, adjunct faculty members, and/or subject matter experts in the financial industry.  Students produce a written report (Master’s thesis) and give a final presentation; each contributing equally to their final grade.

Sample Plan of Study

Learning outcomes.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will have acquired:

• Development of computer software skills, including facility with a high- level language such as Python, and the ability to work with financial databases.
• Development of mathematical skills, including the tools from probability, statistics, and scientific computing that are most useful in quantitative finance.
• Development of a broad understanding of financial markets and the many investment instruments they encompass.
• Development of familiarity with widely-used financial models for pricing, hedging, risk-management, asset allocation, and other applications of quantitative finance. This includes understanding the models' hypotheses and limitations.
• Acquisition of specialized skills associated with selected quantitative career paths; examples of such skills include algorithmic trading, statistical arbitrage, and financial machine learning.
• Acquisition of "soft skills" that are crucial for placement and career advancement, including the ability to network effectively, the ability to interview well, and the ability to work well as part of a team.

NYU Policies

Graduate school of arts and science policies.

University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages .

Academic Policies for the Graduate School of Arts and Science can be found on the Academic Policies page . 

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Math Education

Bachelor of science teaching mathematics grades 7–12, initial certification.

Prepare for your mathematics teaching career by learning pedagogical strategies and math content, and gaining hands-on experience through student teaching.

Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education: Teacher Residency Initial Certification

In one year, you’ll earn your master of arts in teaching (MAT) through an immersive teacher residency experience paired with technology-enhanced course work.

Master of Arts in Teaching Teaching Mathematics: Transformational Teaching Grades 7–12, Initial Certification

Gain content knowledge and pedagogical skills through courses and student teaching as you prepare for a career as a math teacher in middle and high schools.

Application Extended: Still Accepting Applications

Master of Arts Teaching Mathematics Grades 7–12, Professional Certification

Advance your career by studying modern mathematics, pedagogy, and current issues in education as you prepare for your professional teaching certification.

Doctor of Philosophy Teaching and Learning

Become a first-rate scholar and practitioner in a focus area of your choosing, including literacy education, mathematics education, special education, and more.

Minor Teacher Education

Explore a career as a classroom teacher or in fields such as psychology, advocacy, or social work through the study of education and human development in this undergraduate minor.

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PhD Program Overview

Our center offers an interdisciplinary PhD in Atmosphere Ocean Science and Mathematics (AOSM) . The program shares many exciting features with the PhD in Mathematics . Our goal is to train mathematically talented students both in the tools of modern applied mathematics and disciplinary atmosphere-ocean science. By drawing students from new pools of talent, our program seeks to be a significant channel for the recruitment and training of excellent students into the important and highly interdisciplinary fields of atmosphere, ocean, and climate science. We are committed to the education and training of our graduate students.

The Courant Institute at New York University  has a world-leading reputation in applied mathematics and scientific computation and the placement of the Center within the Courant Institute provides a unique platform for interdisciplinary research. Our students greatly benefit from being part of the broader NYU community, and the NYC area.

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NYU Shanghai Launches New Mathematics PhD

NYU Shanghai is partnering with the NYU Graduate School of Arts and Science (NYU GSAS) and the NYU Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences to launch a new PhD program in Mathematics, with an eye toward welcoming its inaugural class in Fall 2019. Mathematics students of any nationality may apply for admission between now and January 31, 2019.

The Mathematics PhD will be NYU Shanghai’s sixth doctoral degree program and will be similar in structure to the university’s PhD programs in biology, chemistry, computer science, neural science and physics, which are also offered in collaboration with NYU GSAS and academic departments based in New York City.

Professor Vladas Sidoravicius gave a presentation at the International Conference on Moving Interfaces and Related Phenomena in Mathematics and Physics at NYU Shanghai on March 31, 2017.  

NYU Shanghai Mathematics PhD students, to be enrolled in the NYU GSAS Mathematics PhD program, will begin their studies with coursework at the Courant Institute in New York, and then transition to full-time residence at NYU Shanghai. In Shanghai, the PhD candidates will undertake doctoral research under the supervision of NYU Shanghai faculty. Upon graduation, students will receive a PhD degree in Mathematics from New York University.

“A PhD program is a crucial step for Mathematics at NYU Shanghai. It will be a core asset to attract top faculty here, as well as strong students. After a broad initial graduate education at Courant, our students will come back to Shanghai for their thesis work, with one of our faculty members,” said Gerard Ben Arous, Global Network Professor of Mathematics and Associate Provost for the Quantitative Disciplines, NYU Shanghai. “We are fortunate to be able to rely on the breadth and the strength of the Courant Institute, which is one of the top research institutes worldwide, both in applied and pure mathematics.”

“NYU Shanghai’s Mathematics community already draws faculty, post-doctoral fellows, and other visiting academics from around the world to study, do research, and teach here. We anticipate that PhD students will benefit from this environment while also enhancing it with their original ideas and creative energies,” said Eric H. Mao, Assistant Dean of Graduate and Advanced Education, NYU Shanghai.

All admitted students will be granted a NYU Shanghai Doctoral Fellowship, which includes full-tuition scholarship and fees, international health insurance, travel funds, and an annual stipend that is equal to those provided to NYU Mathematics PhD students.

Current supervising faculty in the PhD program are Ben Arous, Pierre Tarres, and Vladas Sidoravicius. Ben Arous specializes in probability theory and formerly served as Director of the Courant Institute, as well as NYU’s Vice Provost for Science and Engineering Development, from 2011 to 2016. Tarres , an Associate Professor of Mathematics and former Leverhulme Prize recipient, focuses on self-interacting random processes and their relationship with stochastic algorithms and learning processes in game theory. Sidoravicius , a Professor of Mathematics whose academic experiences have spanned the globe, from Brazil to Lithuania to Russia and elsewhere, is an expert on discrete probability and statistical mechanics.

Ben Arous, Tarres, and Sidoravicius are also all members of the NYU-ECNU Institute of Mathematical Sciences at NYU Shanghai , which is dedicated to the development of a unique research and training environment to advance modern mathematics and its applications.

Professor Pierre Tarres presented his research at the International Conference on Moving Interfaces and Related Phenomena in Mathematics and Physics at NYU Shanghai on March 31, 2017.  

With a history that goes back more than 130 years, NYU GSAS is one of the oldest schools of New York University. The school now enrolls over 5,000 students in a broad spectrum of programs including doctoral, master’s, and joint degree programs. NYU Courant traces its roots at New York University to the 1930s, and since then, has forged a tradition of excellence in pure and applied mathematics. The Mathematics faculty numbers 50, and more than 90 PhD students are currently pursuing degrees in New York City.

Since Fall 2015, nearly 20 students have been admitted to NYU Shanghai PhD programs. In addition to NYU GSAS, NYU Shanghai has also partnered with the NYU Tandon School of Engineering to offer such programs.  The PhD in Mathematics is the second program to be jointly offered with the Courant Institute, after the PhD in Computer Science , which enrolled its first students in Fall 2016.

For more information about the PhD in Mathematics program, prospective students can visit the following pages: NYU Shanghai PhD Programs and NYU Courant Mathematics PhD . Applications are to be submitted through the NYU GSAS Application Portal , and requirements are the same as for the NYU GSAS PhD in Mathematics . For more detailed instructions, prospective students can contact [email protected] .

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The School of Education, in cooperation with the Department of Mathematics, in the College of Arts and Sciences, offers a Ph.D. degree in Mathematics Education. The program is designed for students who have demonstrated a high level of mathematical capability and are committed to full-time graduate study. It emphasizes preparation for academic positions in three areas:

• Research on the teaching and learning of mathematics.
• Teacher preparation and professional development.
• Teaching mathematics education at the college level.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Explain foundational knowledge of mathematics education history, theories, research, and instructional practice

2. Synthesize understanding of a topically-focused body of mathematics education literature

3. Model a reflective stance toward the teaching and learning of mathematics

4. Model an advocacy and leadership oriented professional identity

5. Demonstrate varied expertise as a mathematics educator, including undergraduate and graduate teaching, field supervision, advising and mentoring

6. Conduct publishable original mathematics education research

Ph.D. in Mathematics Education

Successful completion of the doctoral program typically requires three to four years of study beyond the master’s degree. Each student’s program of study is tailored to fit the individual’s background, professional experience, and career goals and to satisfy degree requirements.

Most doctoral students earn the majority of their mathematics education credits by working closely with the mathematics education faculty in courses, independent study projects, and internships. Students are encouraged to develop strong backgrounds in mathematics, research design and methods, and learning theories.

Course Requirements

Students complete a minimum of 90 graduate credits beyond the baccalaureate degree, including the following:

• at least 48 credits in mathematics (MAT), mathematics education (MTD), and other education courses;
• Qualitative emphasis: EDU 603   , EDU 791   , EDU 810   , EDU 815    
• Quantitative emphasis: EDU 603   , EDU 791   , EDU 737   , EDU 886   , EDU 888    
• EDU 781    Institutions and Processes of Education

Other Requirements

• preliminary exams (written questions followed by an oral exam);
• qualifying exams (written questions followed by an oral exam, a research presentation at a professional conference, and submission of a paper for publication;
• a research apprenticeship (after successful completion of preliminary exams); and
• dissertation work (9-24 credits),
• participation in MTD 830 Research Seminar in Mathematics Education (faculty and doctoral students discuss and present research in the field)

Special Opportunities

Students have the opportunity to work with faculty members through internships in conjunction with the following courses:

EED 323 Primary Grade Mathematics Methods and Curriculum

EED 423 Intermediate Grade Mathematics Methods and Curriculum

SED 413/613 Methods and Curriculum in Teaching/Mathematics (for grades 7-12)

SED 416/616 Assessment & Data-Driven Instruction

MAT 117/118 Foundational Mathematics via Problem Solving I and II

Financial Assistance

The majority of full-time students in this program are supported by assistantships, awarded by either the Department of Mathematics or the School of Education’s Teaching and Leadership Department.   Research assistantships are awarded through mathematics education faculty grants.

Financial awards are also available from the Graduate School or School of Education competitive scholarship, for qualified students.  The application processes for these awards are described on the Graduate School or School of Education website. 

Students may contact the program coordinator for more information.

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Physics (Ph.D.)

Why pursue a Ph.D. in physics at UNH?

Expand your career opportunities within academia, industry or research through our physics Ph.D. program. You’ll work through a core curriculum exploring the fundamental areas of physics while also engaging with electives in your area of interest. You’ll apply advanced methodologies while conducting original research. If you are interested in teaching physics, you’ll also have the opportunity to pursue a cognate in college teaching. As a doctoral student in our program, you’ll have the opportunity to receive support through teaching assistantships, research assistantships or fellowships.

Program Highlights

The Department of Physics offers excellent research opportunities for graduate students. UNH physicists are engaged in world-class research in applied optics, condensed matter, nuclear and particle physics, education, and high energy theory and cosmology. The Space Science Center fosters research and education in all the space sciences, ranging from the ionosphere to the Earth's magnetosphere, the local solar system, and out to the farthest reaches of the universe. In addition, UNH has just reached the top tier of research universities, Carnegie Classification R1, and our research portfolio brings in more than $110 million in competitive external funding each year.

Potential career areas

• Government research
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• Renewable energy
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Curriculum & Requirements

Program description.

The Physics Ph.D. program prepares students for a career in industry, education, research or academia. Students will progress from studying a core curriculum encompassing fundamental areas of physics to taking elective classes in their area of interest. They will then conduct original research in a particular research area, leading to their PhD dissertation and defense.

For more details, please consult the physics graduate student handbook .

Requirements for the Program

Degree requirements.

For Space Science students, these courses must include Plasma Physics ( PHYS 951 ) , Magnetohydrodyamics of the Heliosphere ( PHYS 953 ) , and one of Magnetospheres ( PHYS 987 ) , Heliospheric Physics ( PHYS 954 ) .

Students are required to

• demonstrate proficiency in teaching,
• pass the written comprehensive exam, and
• pass an oral qualifying exam on a thesis proposal.

Degree candidates are required to

• register for a minimum of two semesters of PHYS 999 Doctoral Research ,
• pass the oral dissertation defense, and
• successfully submit the final dissertation to the Graduate School.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will master the theoretical concepts in advanced mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics at the graduate level.
• Students will have an advanced understanding of the mathematical methods, both analytical and computational, required to solve complex physics problems at the graduate level.
• Students will be proficient in experimental physics.
• Students will develop and demonstrate proficiency in teaching at the undergraduate level.
• Students will have a specialized knowledge of their chosen field of advanced research in physics.
• Students will be able to present advanced scientific ideas effectively in both written and oral form.
• Students will be well prepared for postgraduate study in physics and related disciplines, as well as advanced careers in a multitude of fields ranging from scientific and technical to financial.

Application Requirements & Deadlines

Applications must be completed by the following deadlines in order to be reviewed for admission:

• Fall : Jan. 15 (for funding); after that on rolling basis until April 15
• Spring : N/A
• Summer : N/A
• Special : Spring admission by approval only

Application fee : $65

Campus : Durham

New England Regional : VT

Accelerated Masters Eligible : No

New Hampshire Residents

Students claiming in-state residency must also submit a Proof of Residence Form . This form is not required to complete your application, but you will need to submit it after you are offered admission or you will not be able to register for classes.

Transcripts

If you attended UNH or Granite State College (GSC) after September 1, 1991, and have indicated so on your online application, we will retrieve your transcript internally; this includes UNH-Durham, UNH-Manchester, UNH Non-Degree work and GSC. 

If you did not attend UNH, or attended prior to September 1, 1991, then you must upload a copy (PDF) of your transcript in the application form. International transcripts must be translated into English.

If admitted , you must then request an official transcript be sent directly to our office from the Registrar's Office of each college/university attended. We accept transcripts both electronically and in hard copy:

• Electronic Transcripts : Please have your institution send the transcript directly to [email protected] . Please note that we can only accept copies sent directly from the institution.
• Paper Transcripts : Please send hard copies of transcripts to: UNH Graduate School, Thompson Hall- 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824. You may request transcripts be sent to us directly from the institution or you may send them yourself as long as they remain sealed in the original university envelope.

Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions must be submitted and applicants must disclose any previous academic or disciplinary sanctions that resulted in their temporary or permanent separation from a previous post-secondary institution. If it is found that previous academic or disciplinary separations were not disclosed, applicants may face denial and admitted students may face dismissal from their academic program.

Letters of recommendation: 3 required

Recommendation letters submitted by relatives or friends, as well as letters older than one year, will not be accepted.

GRE Optional

The GRE scores are optional, if you wish to provide scores please email the scores directly to the department once you have submitted your application online.

Personal Statement/Essay Questions

Prepare a brief but careful statement regarding:

• Reasons you wish to do graduate work in this field, including your immediate and long-range objectives.
• Your specific research or professional interest and experiences in this field.

Important Notes

All applicants are encouraged to contact programs directly to discuss program-specific application questions.

International Applicants

Prospective international students are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent examination scores. English Language Exams may be waived if English is your first language. If you wish to request a waiver, then please visit our Test Scores webpage for more information.

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Transfer Credits for Current NYU Students

• B.S. at Tandon School of Engineering

If you are a student transferring to NYU, please read our page for Transfer Students instead.

Current NYU students may transfer up to 8 credits from outside institutions, pending school and departmental approval. This page explains the math department’s guidelines for evaluating those courses.

Course Content

The content of the transfer course must be equivalent to a course the department offers. If the course titles are similar, chances are the content is comparable. Here are some important examples and exceptions:

• The department does not offer courses comparable to “College Algebra” or “Elementary Statistics.”
• Courses titled “Business Calculus” or “Applications of Calculus” are also generally not equivalent to our calculus sequence. If a university offers several streams of calculus, NYU’s is most likely equivalent to the most rigorous stream that is not labeled “Honors.”
• Our Mathematics for Economics sequence was specially developed at NYU through a collaboration with the Department of Economics, and almost no university offers a similar sequence.
• A course titled “Linear Algebra and Differential Equations” may be evaluated for equivalence to MATH-UA 140 Linear Algebra, but not MATH-UA 262 Ordinary Differential Equations.

These NYU math courses are eligible for transfer credit by current NYU students:

• MATH-UA 120 Discrete Mathematics
• MATH-UA 121 Calculus I
• MATH-UA 122 Calculus II
• MATH-UA 123 Calculus III
• MATH-UA 131 Mathematics for Economics I
• MATH-UA 132 Mathematics for Economics II
• MATH-UA 133 Math for Economics III
• MATH-UA 140 Linear Algebra

Current NYU students may not fulfill the Analysis requirement, or any advanced mathematics electives, with transfer credit. Current NYU students must complete these requirements at NYU CAS.

Course Instruction and Assessment

The transfer course must be taught and assessed in a manner similar to our equivalent course. If the transfer course meets online, it must be fully synchronous and include approximately 2800 minutes of instructional time. All exams must be held in person or take place in a live-proctored virtual setting. Self-paced courses based on pre-produced lecture videos and asynchronous exams will not qualify for MATH-UA transfer credit.

For more information

For all matters concerning undergraduate advisement in mathematics, students should contact one of our advisement team.

Students whose last (family) name begins with letters A–M should contact Adam Staszczuk, Assistant Director, Academic Affairs, at [email protected].

Students whose last (family) name begins with letters N–Z, should contact Jackie Tucciarone, Program Administrator, at [email protected].

More information and links to useful resources can be found on our Advisement page.

• Undergraduate Transfer Credit Policy