math phd application cv

Guide to Writing a PhD CV

Written by Chris Banyard

Writing a CV for your PhD application is an important part of the process. A CV for a PhD application needs to be an academic CV . These differ from traditional CVs in several key ways. They provide a great opportunity for you to display your education background and any relevant research experience in a short and concise way.

This page explains how to write a CV for a PhD application , as well as including several PhD CV examples to give you an idea of how to format your own resume. We’ve also given some handy tips for making a good impression with your PhD CV.

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What is an academic cv.

An academic CV is similar to a standard CV, so the same general guidelines apply.

Keep it professional, up-to-date, relevant, clear and concise. All information should be presented in reverse-chronological order (most recent first).

Any CV should always be tailored to the specific application. And so for a PhD you should ldirectly reference the project specification if possible. The most important and most relevant aspects of you PhD CV should be at the top.

However, there are some key differences between the two documents. An academic CV for a PhD application focuses on academic experience and accomplishments . Anything not relevant to this shouldn’t be included.

How long should an academic CV be?

There can be more pages in an academic CV template compared to a general CV. This is due to the additional sections and information that may be required for academia. For late career researchers, CVs can cover lots of pages. But, for an early career researcher such as a PhD student, an academic CV should last no more than four pages . However, you should still make an effort to keep the CV relevant and concise – in most cases two pages should still be enough.

PhD cover letters

An academic CV is often accompanied by a PhD cover letter. This will give you the chance to expand on the experience you've laid our in your CV and fill in any gaps.

Read more about PhD cover letters .

PhD CV format

An academic CV has several additional sections compared to a standard CV .

1. Personal profile and research interests

2. publications, 3. research experience, 4. teaching experience, 5. funding and awards, 6. professional society membership.

This section is often found at the top of an academic CV. It is usually a short summary of your research experience and your specific interests. This should directly address the job or project application. This could be in the form of bullet points, short sentences, or a short paragraph.

As with all aspects of a PhD CV, it is better to show, not tell . Give evidence of skills, interest and enthusiasm where possible rather than just stating it outright.

If you are deeper into your academic career, and have lots of publications and research experience, you may not need to have a research interests section – it should be fairly clear from your research experience.

• I have spent four years of study in the field of 18th Century History following my research interest
• I’ve developed a particular interest in the French Revolution, on which I have published several popular history articles
• I would love to advance my understanding of the period further, through PhD study with an expert at a remarkable institution

I’m enthusiastic about Science and I really like learning. My research interest is Physics. I’ve got undergraduate and Masters degrees in Physics, so I want to do a PhD next.

This should include any journal articles, books (or chapters), reports and patents. Again, these should be in reverse chronological order. Ensure the referencing style is consistent and embolden your name where there are several authors.

You can include works in progress if necessary – just ensure this is clearly labelled.

If this is a long list, it may be better suited as an appendix .

This includes invited research projects , talks , conference attendance / participation, and other presentations .

It could be arranged by project (in reverse chronological order) or by experience (i.e. laboratory experience, presentations etc., in order of relevance). You can include your current research – this could be worthy of greater detail.

It may be useful to focus on the expert and technical skills involved in this experience, especially if they are relevant to the application.

Include the names of supervisors for each research project / experience, plus a brief summary of each (highlighting relevant or impressive aspects).

Research experience is arguably the most important part of an academic CV. It’s what many employers / project supervisors will look for and could be a deciding factor in the application process.

2017-present: Investigation into Viral Capsid Protein Self-Assembly

Masters degree research project, supervised by Prof J. Bloggs. Developed in-depth knowledge of literature searching, basic molecular biology techniques, and in vitro protein analysis. Presented research at several academic conferences through posters and oral presentations.

2016: Redox Sensors of Bacillus subtilis

Undergraduate research project under the supervision of Dr S. Smyth. Gained experience of protein crystallisation and bioinformatic analysis. My research report for this project was awarded a First Class mark.

Laboratory research. I have research experience in Molecular Biology laboratories at the Universities of Aberdeen and Dundee, developing relevant skills such as PCR, genetic cloning, protein purification, and protein crystallisation.

Presenting. I have presented research using a variety of techniques, including talks, posters, and workshops. These have been presented to academic experts at national conferences.

Academic writing. I have written many pieces of assessed research writing. These include literature reviews, research reports, and meta-analyses. All marks shown in Education section.

Teaching is an increasingly important part of academia, and teaching skills or experience are useful to have on an academic CV (provided they are relevant to the application).

Show any teaching, training, demonstrating, mentoring and supervision experience. Include the level of the students (i.e. undergraduate, postgraduate), and any additional work you did to accompany this such as marking, planning or organisation.

Here you can list any grants, awards, bursaries, scholarships, and fellowships you may have.

This may be for things such as:

• research projects
• conferences
• presentations
• academic posters
• anything else appropriate

Funding and awards are competitive and demonstrating an ability to succeed with them is an important skill in academia.

Again, list these in reverse chronological order, and include the award or funding monetary amount if it’s the convention in the particular research field.

Being a member of a professional society (for example the Biochemical Society) is a good way to show enthusiasm and commitment for a research area. Always include the dates of your membership.

What if I don’t have publications / experience?

As a PhD applicant, it is unlikely that you will already have lots of publications, research experience or academic funding / awards.

If you do, this will go a long way to building a successful application.

However, as an undergraduate or new postgraduate student you will not be expected to have lots of this.

It is important to include any experience you have (for example, a research project at Masters level) and show an enthusiasm for research.

It could be worth changing your PhD CV to a more skills-based format. In this way, you can put more focus on transferable skills that are useful in academia, and less focus on research experience.

If your CV still seems bare, it may be beneficial for your academic CV if you can find ways to get research experience or develop research skills.

Academic CV flexibility

There is some flexibility in writing a CV – you can change the sections included to better suit you or better suit the application.

General CV sections

Some of the same sections as a general CV should be included in an academic CV. However, these may need to be adjusted to be appropriate for a position in academia.

This should be your name, fairly large and clear, at the top of the page. It is not necessary to write “CV” or “Curriculum Vitae” – this should be obvious to the reader.

Include your contact information below this, such as your address, phone number and email.

For an academic CV, this is an important section and usually is found near the top of the CV. List by degree, plus titles, with the most advanced first (i.e. PhD, Masters, Bachelors etc.). It is acceptable to include your current degree, clearly noted.

This section is vital to show the hard skills necessary to be eligible for the position. For example, if a PhD project description states that applicants require a Masters degree, then your relevant Masters degree should be prominent here.

If useful to the application, you can include individual courses on a degree with their marks. But, give course titles and do not include course codes – these are usually just for internal administration purposes.

Results pending

A student applicant may not have received exam / dissertation results at the time of applying. This is acceptable – just include any results or marks you have already.

Other skills

Research and teaching skills may already be included in specific sections, but this section may serve for any other relevant skills .

This can include things like administrative experience, professional development, additional training, and languages (with proficiency noted).

• Administration experience: treasurer for University English Literature Society, management of local business’ social media accounts
• Technology skills: Diploma of Graphic Design & Desktop Publishing (awarded by International Career Institute)
• Languages: French (fluent), German (conversational)

I like reading books. I have experience of working in a local shop. Good with animals. Can do 46 keepie-uppies in a row. . .

Discussion of CV content at the interview

If you are shortlisted for a PhD interview , you may be asked to discuss the contents of your CV. Therefore, you can keep the CV concise and clear, and expand later at the interview if it is relevant.

For an academic CV, you will have referees , not references. This section will be at the bottom of your CV.

Check the application information regarding the number and nature of referees to include. There are usually two or three referees, at least two of which are academic. Non-academic referees may be included if specified or required, particularly if you’ve taken some time out of education before applying for the programme in question.

Keep the referencing style consistent.

Check that your referees are aware of their inclusion on your CV and have given you permission.

Should I include a photo of myself?

In the UK, USA and Canada, a photo should not be included. In some professions, this will cause the CV to immediately be discarded due to anti-discrimination laws.

However, in some countries, for example in continental Europe, photos are often included at the top of a CV. Always check the conventions of the country you are applying to.

Layout and formatting

Most of the same rules apply for a general CV as for an academic CV. However, it may be useful to check the common PhD resume format conventions for a specific academic field – these can sometimes vary.

Organisation

For all CVs, the most important parts for the application are placed at the top. Generally speaking, you should follow this PhD CV template when ordering the sections of your resume:

• 1. Name and contact information
• 2. Education
• 3. Publications
• 4. Research experience
• 5. Teaching experience
• 6. Funding and awards
• 7. Professional society membership
• 8. Referees

The exact order of these can be adjusted to better suit the application and the applicant.

There is some flexibility in the PhD resume formats. You may choose a style that you like, but it should follow the following rules.

The format of the CV should always be clear, with a readable, normal-sized font and line-spacing where possible. Make sure the format is consistent throughout.

Headings and subheadings can be larger and / or emboldened. There should be clear spaces or definitions between each section.

UK and Canada CV vs. USA CV

There can be differences in the layout and formatting of CVs in different countries. UK / Canadian CVs tend to be shorter and more condensed than their American counterparts. Always check the conventions of the country you are applying to.

Tips for writing an academic CV

As you write your academic CV for a PhD application, there are plenty of things you should bear in mind to make sure that you give a strong impression to those reading it. These are our tips for producing a great academic CV:

• Make sure that your CV is clear, reads well and is scannable . This means ensuring that the most important – and impressive – information is obvious at a glance. Don’t make the admissions officer work hard to discover what a brilliant candidate you are.
• Don’t allow sections to be split across two pages – this can harm the readability of your academic CV.
• Avoid jargon and unexplained abbreviations .
• Ask a second, third or even fourth pair of eyes to comb your CV for potential typos and grammatical errors.
• Bear in mind that you don’t need to repeat information already included in your cover letter , research proposal and personal statement as part of your PhD application.
• Try not to use too many font sizes or styles , which can make your CV look jumbled and inconsistent. At the same time, bold and italics can be useful with clarity – just don’t overdo it.
• Check that the CV is specific to the job or project description , and that there is no irrelevant information carried over from another PhD application.
• Ensure that the appropriate sections are in reverse chronological order .
• Use the PDF file format to prevent potential formatting issues.

Finally, always get additional advice and opinions. Not all advice is good, but you should always get help to find any mistakes or opportunities for improvement. Advice from someone who is experienced in the research field – perhaps a PhD graduate themselves – who can offer discipline-specific help on the academic CV will be particularly useful.

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Department of Mathematics

Mathematics phd program.

The Ph.D. program in the Department of Mathematics provides students with in-depth knowledge and rigorous training in all the subject areas of mathematics. A core feature is the first-year program, which helps bring students to the forefront of modern mathematics. Students work closely with faculty and each other and participate fully in both research and student-run seminars.

Questions? Email [email protected]

• The firm deadline for applications for Autumn 2025, is December 5, 2024.
• The (general and advanced) GRE tests are no longer accepted. Please do not submit these scores.

• How to write an Academic CV for a PhD Application
• Applying to a PhD
• The purpose of an academic CV for a PhD application is to provide a summary of your educational background and demonstrate the research skills and relevant experience you have that make you capable of undertaking a PhD.
• It should be divided into nine sections : (1) contact information, (2) research interests, (3) education, (4) research and work experience, (5) teaching experience, (6) relevant skills and experience, (7) publications and conferences, (8) professional memberships, (9) referees.
• It should ideally be up to two pages for a new research student, but can extend up to four pages if required.
• The smaller details matter more than you think – write concisely, use consistent formatting, avoid jargons and general statements, check spelling and grammar, and have at least one academic to proofread it for you, ideally in the same area you are applying to.

Introduction

So you are nearing the end of your current degree or making a return to education, and you’ve decided to make your next step a PhD. While the road ahead will be filled with much excitement, you’ll need to secure your position first. This will all begin with a strong PhD application and an equally impressive academic CV and personal statement or cover letter.

Together with your personal statement or cover letter, your CV will show who you are as an individual and what you have to offer. It needs to be concise, correctly formatted and well written to convince your preferred university and supervisor that you are the right student for the project.

This step-by-step guide will get you on your way to creating an outstanding academic CV for your next PhD application. We’ll discuss the sections your CV should be structured into, what each of these sections should include, and how it should be written. We’ll also give you valuable tips that are sure to get your readers’ attention.

What Is an Academic CV?

When applying for a PhD position, it’s common for the university to request a curriculum vitae (CV) from you to accompany your application.

An academic CV may appear similar to a standard CV used for job applications, but they are two relatively unique documents.

Where a standard CV focuses mostly on what your previous responsibilities have been and what you have accomplished to date, an academic CV concentrates on your academic background, achievements and experiences . Your academic CV will be used by a PhD supervisor to determine whether you can meet the challenges associated with undertaking a demanding PhD research project, as not everyone can.

How to Write an Academic CV for A PhD Application

A good academic CV should be broken into nine section headings:

• Contact Information
• Research Interests / Personal Profile
• Research and Work Experience
• Teaching Experience
• Relevant Skills and Experience
• Publications and Conferences
• Professional Memberships
• Referees / References

Below, we discuss what each of these sections should contain and how they should be written.

1. Contact Information

Start your CV by providing your contact details. All of the following should be included:

• Full name  – Your name should be your document title, formatted in bold and centralised text.
• Email address and contact number
• Location  – Your town/city and country, e.g. ‘Birmingham, UK’, will be sufficient; it’s not necessary to provide your full home address.
• Profiles  – Include a link to any professional profiles you may have, such as LinkedIn or ResearchGate.

NOTE:  Some individuals include a profile photo but be careful before doing so. While this would be expected in some countries such as those in Asia, the Middle East and Africa, this would not be the case in other countries such as the UK and US. This is because it can lead to complications with labour and anti-discrimination laws and potentially cost you your application. We therefore strongly advise you to look into the norms and regulations of the host country before deciding to do so.

2. Research Interests / Personal Profile

For an academic CV written for a PhD position, your ‘research interests’ section will double as you ‘personal profile’. As a brief introduction to yourself, this will be an important section as it sets the first impression of you for the reader.

Use bullet points or a brief paragraph to summarise who you are, your relevant qualifications, your research interests and your relevant skills and experience. When writing this section, your focus should be on two aspects: demonstrating your  ability to conduct a PhD  and your  enthusiasm for the project .

To create an impactful research interests’ section, adhere to the following:

• Tailor to each research project you apply for:  One of the easiest ways to do this is to read the project description attached to the PhD advert, identify two to three of the most prominent keywords, and incorporate them into your writeup.
• Keep it short:  This section is only an introduction, so keep it concise and punchy over long and detailed; 50 – 60 words is a good target.
• Make every word count:  As 50 – 60 words isn’t much, be as specific as you can. Avoid clichés such as “I am committed to research and have a high attention to detail” at all costs; not only are they generic and overused, they also don’t provide the reader with any useful insights into you.

3. Education

A PhD CV is all about academic achievements and qualifications, so your education section should be given high importance and form the bulk of your CV, especially as it will be used to determine if have the core skills required for the position.

Working in reverse chronological order, provide a breakdown of your current academic qualifications. For most of you, this will be an undergraduate Bachelor’s degree and a postgraduate Master’s degree.

When listing your qualifications, provide the full name of the degree, the degree type, and the duration in terms of its start and end year. You do not need to limit this to your past qualifications; if you’re currently studying or taking an external course, include them as well, but state that they are ongoing and provide an expected grade if you have one.

If your degree is relevant to the PhD project you are applying to, include a list of the modules you completed and your corresponding marks; the same applies to your final year dissertation project.

Note:  If you list your relevant modules, streamline their names by removing any course codes. For example, “FN01 Fluid Dynamics” should become “Fluid Dynamics”. Course codes are only used for internal purposes, and each university will have its own system, so remove them to avoid any possible confusion.

Feel free to also list your GCSEs, A-Levels or other relevant academic qualifications if applicable to the field you are applying to, however, this isn’t necessary, and most supervisors will not ask for them. The exception to this is if your university degree is not directly related to the project you are applying for, but your previous qualifications are. In these cases, include them to help demonstrate the suitability of your academic background.

Finally, list any honours, awards and prizes that you have won or any other notable academic achievements that will help to strengthen your application.

4. Research and Work Experience

Your research and relevant work experience is just as, if not more, important than your educational background. This is because most applicants applying for the position will have similar qualifications, so your research experience can often be the deciding factor when all other things are considered equal.

Your research experience may include both paid and voluntary, full-time and part-time work, as well as university project work. However, in all cases, the experience you mention should be relevant to the project you are applying for or have helped you develop skills that make you a more capable researcher. For example, it’s not necessary to mention your time in retail, but any previous time as a laboratory or teaching assistant or teaching support absolutely will be.

If you any discuss research that you have done as part of your studies, present them as individual project listed in reverse chronological order, as before. You can also include research projects you are currently working on, regardless of how developed they are.

When discussing any projects, include the following:

• What the project was about,
• What research methods you used,
• The skills you gained,
• Any notable achievements or outcomes.

5. Teaching Experience

Since one of the main career paths after a PhD is an academic career, teaching experience can significantly strengthen your academic CV. However, it is generally accepted that not all applicants will have teaching experience, but if you do, include it here.

When discussing your teaching experience, state what level it was at, e.g. undergraduate or postgraduate, and what it involved, i.e. marking, teaching, supervising or organising.

6. Relevant Skills and Experience

This section should describe all other skills and experiences that will help strengthen your application.

They should be specific to the PhD project or demonstrate your potential to become a competent researcher. This includes:

• Technical skills and experience, e.g. the use of computer software packages or research equipment common to the project you’re applying for.
• Non-project specific courses you’ve sat, e.g. an academic writing and communication course.
• Languages you know with their proficiencies noted.

7. Publications and Conferences

Most students won’t have academic publications, but if you do, list them here. Formal publications can include anything from journal articles, which is most likely to an adaptation of your final year dissertation project if you do have one, and published reports. If you have these, list them in reverse chronological order using the reference system adopted by the university you are applying to, as this is what the PhD supervisor will most likely be used to.

If you aren’t a published author or co-author, you can still include other text publications that you may have been involved in, such as online articles, magazines, newsletters and blogs. The topics of these publications should relate to your field or academia in general and be written in a formal tone that showcases your critical thinking and writing skills.

If you’ve ever given a conference presentation, include it here with details of the name, date and location of the conference, the title of your presentation and a summary of what it was about.

Even if you haven’t presented in conferences, you should still list any you have attended, including any seminars or talks. This is a useful way to illustrate your interest in the subject and your commitment to gaining new knowledge within your field.

TIP:  If you haven’t attended many conferences or seminars, consider attending several upcoming ones relevant to the research area you’re interested in. Not only is this a great way to learn more about the field in terms of its latest developments and gaps, but it can also be an effective way to make your academic CV more relevant if it’s currently light on research experience.

8. Professional Memberships

Being affiliated with an academic group, society or professional body demonstrates your enthusiasm for your field and for connecting with other like-minded individuals within the community.

When listing these, include the name of the group, the associated membership dates and the position you have held within it.

9. Referees / References

Your references will form the last section of your academic CV.

Your PhD application should specify the number of referees you should include, but if it does not, try to include at least two, but ideally three.

Two of the referees should be academic, with most students choosing their personal tutor and their final year’s dissertation project supervisor. It can be other staff members, but the essential requirement is that it is someone who knows you well enough to be able to substantiate your abilities and character.

If you don’t have two academic referees, you can use a professional referee as long as they are still relevant to the project you are applying for. This will most likely be the case for those who have worked in industry for some time before deciding to return to education.

When creating your reference list, list your referees in order of relevance and how well they know you, not in alphabetical order. This is so if only the first referee is called upon, it will be the individual who can provide you the most useful reference. The following information should be provided:

• Professional title,
• Name of current university,
• Phone number and email address.

It’s imperative that you first seek permission from the individuals before listing them as a referee. It would also be beneficial to send them a copy of your CV, cover letter and application form so they can familiarise themselves with the broader details in case they are called upon.

Tips for Creating a Standout Academic CV

No matter how impressive your academic achievements are or how much experience you have accumulated in your field, the PhD supervisor may never find out if your CV is too difficult to read. With this in mind, here are a few tips for achieving a high degree of clarity:

Formatting for Clarity

• Highlight key information through the use of bolding, italics and underlining, but be careful not to overdo it so that it loses its purpose.
• Keep your formatting consistent throughout, such as indentations, font type and font size, vertical spacing and margins.
• Insert page numbers on each page.
• Avoid jargon and abbreviations to maximise clarity.
• Avoid splitting sections across two pages.

Keep It Concise

• Try to limit your CV to two pages and not more than four. If you need to go over two pages, make sure the most important information is on the first two pages.
• Avoid dense paragraphs, overly long sentences and generic statements. The aim is to pass on essential information in a way that doesn’t require the reader to have to extract it themselves. This leads to the next tip,
• Use bullet points whenever possible, they’re easier to digest than paragraphs.

NOTE:  Remember that you will also submit a cover letter or personal statement alongside your CV, so don’t feel the need to cover everything to a high level of detail here as you will have the opportunity to do so elsewhere.

Check and Revise

• As a rule of thumb, the academic CV you submit as part of your PhD application should be the third or fourth version you produce. Try to keep a day or two between each version so that you always approach it with a fresh perspective.
• Proofread for any spelling and grammar mistakes. Although this will seem like we’re stating the obvious, a small mistake can be enough to jeopardise your chances considering that there will be many other high-profile candidates for the supervisor to choose from.
• Have your document checked, first by an academic such as your tutor, and second by a professional proofreader or by an advisor from your university’s careers team. The former will check for technical issues, the latter for common curriculum vitae formatting, spelling and grammar mistakes.

Save in PDF Format

If the submission method allows for it, convert your CV to PDF format. This significantly reduces the likelihood of compatibility and reformatting issues when opened by the supervisor.

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Apply for a Ph.D.

How to apply to a math ph.d. program.

You can pursue a Ph.D. degree in mathematical sciences in three disciplines.

• Pure mathematics
• Applied mathematics
• Mathematical statistics

Admissions requirements

Applications are invited from individuals with a strong background in mathematics who have an M.S. in mathematics or have successfully completed a bachelor's degree with advanced courses in mathematics.

A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required.

Competitive applicants will have successfully completed the following coursework:

• Linear algebra
• Abstract algebra
• Complex analysis
• Real analysis
• Numerical analysis
• Partial differential equations (PDE)
• Ordinary differential equations (ODE)
• Probability

Application instructions

To apply to a Ph.D. program, you'll need to complete Indiana University's online graduate application.   Visit the Graduate Office website   to learn more about the centralized application system. You can also find   tips for applying .

International applicants can   visit the Office of International Affairs website   for information about the application process.

To start your application,   select the term you are applying for , then click   Apply Now   to access the application portal. Find your math program by using the search and filter functions.

Start your application

Application tips

Information for international applicants

What to submit with your application

Gre test scores.

• GRE is not required for application or financial support.
• GRE is encouraged and is considered as a plus for the application.
• Math subject GRE is more important than general GRE.

The IU Indianapolis school code for the GRE is 1325.

Proof of English proficiency

If your native language is not English, you must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following:

• Official TOEFL scores
• Official IELTS scores
• Proof of successful completion of a post-secondary degree at a college or university in a native-English speaking country or country recognized by IU Indianapolis for TOEFL exemption within two years of the anticipated enrollment semester.

TOEFL scores

Your TOEFL score report must not be more than two years old (The IU Indianapolis school code for the TOEFL is 1325). You must have one of the following:

• Score of 570 on paper-based test with the same minimum scores as the internet-based test
• Score of 230 on computer-based test
• Speaking 18
• Listening 14

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

You must have scores of at least 6.5 with the following sub-scores:

• Reading: 6.5
• Listening: 6.0
• Speaking: 6.0
• Writing: 5.

Official PTE (Pearson Test of English) score of at least 58.

Duolingo english test (det)—you must have a minimum score of 105..

Note: After admission is granted and prior to course registration, non-native speakers of English may be required to take the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Placement Test through the IU Indianapolis Testing Center and take supplemental English courses if prescribed based on the results.

This information will be provided in the admission letter sent by the Office of International Affairs, if admission is granted.

U.S. Permanent Residents

Non-native speakers of English who are U.S. permanent residents must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the IU Indianapolis approved options for admission purposes. After admission is granted and prior to course registration, U.S. permanent residents may be required to take the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Placement Test through the IU Indianapolis Testing Center and take supplemental English courses if prescribed based on the results. 

Personal statement

The Graduate Admissions Committee is looking for a statement that outlines your personal and professional goals (300–500 words). This must be uploaded to the online application.

Tips for writing a personal statement »

Resume or CV

You will be required to upload a current resume or CV in the Program Materials section of the application.

Three letters of recommendation

Requests for letters of recommendation are submitted through the online application. You must list three references on your online application with their contact information (valid email address, title, institution, mailing address, and phone number) so that the requests may be sent.

Official transcripts

Official transcripts and evidence of degrees awarded from each post-secondary school attended must be sent directly to the department:

If the original documents are not in English, you must submit a certified translation of each official transcript and degree certificate. Notarized copies are NOT acceptable.

If you are requesting a transcript directly from an academic institution, please have the institution submit the official transcript to mathgrad@iu.edu . If you are a student wishing to submit an electronic transcript directly, please submit the transcript through the application system. Do not send emails with attached transcripts.

Application and materials deadlines

For fall semester admission:.

February 1 for consideration for university fellowships and departmental financial support. Applications received by March 1 will be considered as space and funding allow.

For spring semester admission:

November 15 (October 1 for international students)

Ready to apply?

Ph.D. Program

Degree requirements.

In outline, to earn the PhD in either Mathematics or Applied Mathematics, the candidate must meet the following requirements.

• Take at least 4 courses, 2 or more of which are graduate courses offered by the Department of Mathematics
• Pass the six-hour written Preliminary Examination covering calculus, real analysis, complex analysis, linear algebra, and abstract algebra; students must pass the prelim before the start of their second year in the program (within three semesters of starting the program)
• Pass a three-hour, oral Qualifying Examination emphasizing, but not exclusively restricted to, the area of specialization. The Qualifying Examination must be attempted within two years of entering the program
• Complete a seminar, giving a talk of at least one-hour duration
• Write a dissertation embodying the results of original research and acceptable to a properly constituted dissertation committee
• Meet the University residence requirement of two years or four semesters

Detailed Regulations

The detailed regulations of the Ph.D. program are the following:

Course Requirements

During the first year of the Ph.D. program, the student must enroll in at least 4 courses. At least 2 of these must be graduate courses offered by the Department of Mathematics. Exceptions can be granted by the Vice-Chair for Graduate Studies.

Preliminary Examination

The Preliminary Examination consists of 6 hours (total) of written work given over a two-day period (3 hours/day). Exam questions are given in calculus, real analysis, complex analysis, linear algebra, and abstract algebra. The Preliminary Examination is offered twice a year during the first week of the fall and spring semesters.

Qualifying Examination

To arrange the Qualifying Examination, a student must first settle on an area of concentration, and a prospective Dissertation Advisor (Dissertation Chair), someone who agrees to supervise the dissertation if the examination is passed. With the aid of the prospective advisor, the student forms an examination committee of 4 members.  All committee members can be faculty in the Mathematics Department and the chair must be in the Mathematics Department. The QE chair and Dissertation Chair cannot be the same person; therefore, t he Math member least likely to serve as the dissertation advisor should be selected as chair of the qualifying exam committee . The syllabus of the examination is to be worked out jointly by the committee and the student, but before final approval, it is to be circulated to all faculty members of the appropriate research sections. The Qualifying Examination must cover material falling in at least 3 subject areas and these must be listed on the application to take the examination. Moreover, the material covered must fall within more than one section of the department. Sample syllabi can be reviewed online or in 910 Evans Hall. The student must attempt the Qualifying Examination within twenty-five months of entering the PhD program. If a student does not pass on the first attempt, then, on the recommendation of the student's examining committee, and subject to the approval of the Graduate Division, the student may repeat the examination once. The examining committee must be the same, and the re-examination must be held within thirty months of the student's entrance into the PhD program. For a student to pass the Qualifying Examination, at least one identified member of the subject area group must be willing to accept the candidate as a dissertation student.

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5 PhD Resume Examples Made to Work for 2024 

• PhD Student Resumes by Type
• PhD Student Resumes by Role
• Write Your PhD Resume
• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

With the role of a PhD student, you’re the intellectual powerhouse driving groundbreaking research and contributing to the advancement of knowledge. Your expertise allows you to dive deep into complex subjects, developing innovative solutions and pushing the boundaries of what’s already known. 

At the same time, you’ll need to balance your responsibilities as a teacher as well, imparting your knowledge to the undergraduates at your institution. Crafting a resume and creating a cover letter that demonstrate your ability to shine in this diverse role is no easy task.

Luckily, we’re here to guide you through the maze of showcasing your academic journey. With our varied PhD application resume examples , you’ll find the ideal resume template to help you craft your own winning resume in no time.

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• Thankfully, Liam does a great job highlighting his internship and project achievements and how both are applicable in helping sustainably improve production.

PhD Student Resume

• One strategy you can use to boost the chances of your PhD student resume to clinch an enrolment slot into the health sciences department is by harnessing the achievements from a volunteer project that brought screening services to a marginalized community.

PhD Application Resume

• Therefore, achievements in increasing student participation and engagement accompanied by metrics in improved grades and assessment scores would go a long way to prop your suitability.

Engineering PhD Resume

• Hence, including it in your engineering PhD resume will do wonders and show that you’re a state-approved individual who knows what they’re doing. Employers will almost always prefer a licensed professional over an unlicensed one.

PhD Scientist Resume

• That’s where you’re going to include some numbers to add readability to your PhD scientist resume. Now, don’t be random and use metrics for impactful bullet points like decreasing experimental errors or analyzing a large number of samples.

Related resume examples

• Research Assistant

Adapt Your PhD Resume to the School You’re Applying to

As an aspiring PhD student, your resume is your scholarly calling card, showcasing the intellectual artillery you bring to the academic battlefield. 

This is where you can showcase your skills and express why you’re the right person to join the program. To do this, tailor your skills section to align with the specific requirements of your desired program and department. 

Highlight your expertise in research methodologies, statistical analysis, and any specialized software or equipment you’ve mastered. For the more technically inclined, don’t shy away from showcasing hard skills like Python, Matlab, Java, or Tableau.

You can also include a couple of soft skills because they’re essential for giving lectures and mentoring students. Just remember to reinforce them with demonstrable examples in the experience section later. 

Want some pointers?

15 top PhD skills

• Microsoft Office
• Google Sheets
• Research Methodologies 
• Academic Writing
• Public Speaking
• Lesson Planning
• Grant Proposals
• Grading Essays
• Collaborative Research

Your PhD work experience bullet points

From conducting groundbreaking research to publishing papers, your journey as an academic is about more than just the day-to-day grind. In the experience section of your resume, the real spotlight should be on your transformative contributions. 

If this isn’t your first PhD, highlight achievements from your previous studies like securing research grants, publishing impactful papers, or successfully leading research projects. If you’re moving up from postgraduate studies, highlight the best and most impressive accomplishments from your master’s and bachelor’s degrees. 

Add some numbers to make your accomplishments pop. This could be the number of students mentored, successful experiments and research projects, or the reach of your published work. 

• Highlight the number of your articles or research papers that were published in reputable journals.
• Quantify the success of research projects with metrics such as project scope, budget management, or studies carried out.
• Demonstrate your ability to secure research funding by specifying the number and value of grants obtained.
• Showcase your impact as a mentor or tutor by talking about the number of students you’ve guided or the way they were able to improve their grades through your help.

See what we mean?

• Created engaging course materials using Articulate Storyline, resulting in a 39% increase in student engagement and comprehension
• Managed EHR software to document patient assessments, vital signs, and medication administration, maintaining 99.99% accuracy in recordkeeping
• Partnered with farmers to develop customized crop management plans, resulting in a 31% increase in yields
• Assisted in the development and implementation of assessments, leading to a 33% reduction in student dropout rates

9 active verbs to start your PhD work experience bullet points

• Innovated 
• Collaborated

3 Tips for Writing a PhD Resume With Little Prior Experience

• Mention your involvement in conferences and workshops. This will showcase your ability to engage with and contribute to the broader scholarly community.
• Echo your passion for knowledge throughout your resume, and look into the future. Outline your career objectives , illustrating your commitment to making a lasting impact through your PhD studies.
• Any and all academic achievements look great on a PhD resume, so make sure to add them. Talk about your GPA, awards won, or competitions you’ve participated in to show your drive as a college student.

3 Tips for Writing a PhD Resume for Your Second PhD

• Research is often independent, and academics are sometimes considered lone wolves. That’s why it’s important to emphasize your leadership and collaboration skills explicitly. The school needs to know you can mentor students and collaborate with other colleagues effectively—so turn up the enthusiasm for this area!
• If you’re going for a research role, it’s essential to be at the forefront of your field—following all the latest papers and studies. You can show this by mentioning your participation in research initiatives or the conferences you like to attend. 
• Show that you put just as much effort into your students as you put into your research by sharing student performance and engagement metrics. You can also discuss your favorite lecture and seminar-planning techniques to convey your passion and commitment. 

Absolutely! While not mandatory, a tailored career summary can be a powerful tool. Customize it for the PhD position, mentioning the specific program and academic role. Don’t forget to highlight things like research methodologies, data analysis, and any unique contributions to your academic field.

Choose a clean and professional format that prioritizes your academic achievements and research experience. Use clear headings, bullet points, and a consistent structure, much like you would in a research paper. 

Include skills that align with the specific requirements of the PhD program and your academic discipline. Highlight technical and soft skills relevant to research, teaching, fieldwork, and collaboration.

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CV for PhD Application: How to Write One Like a True Scholar (+CV Example)

• Klara Cervenanska , 
• Updated March 13, 2024 11 min read

A PhD is the highest level of academic qualification you can achieve. To secure your position, however, you first need an impressive CV for your PhD application.

Earning a PhD degree requires you to produce extensive research in a narrowly defined subject within a certain discipline and to make a considerable original contribution to your field.

Hence why PhD programs are always very selective. The admission rates hover around 10% and only about half of the admitted candidates actually finish the degree, according to a recent psychology research .

As a result, less than 1% of the population attains a PhD.

So, how do you become a part of the 1%?

The process of attaining a PhD starts with a strong application which includes an impressive academic CV .

A CV for PhD application needs to be carefully crafted, well formatted, and contain specific sections.

We'll show you how to craft a stellar PhD application CV, and a sample academic CV from a real person admitted to a PhD program in France.

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

What is an academic CV?

What to include in an academic cv for phd application.

• How to write an academic CV for a PhD application?

Tips on how to write a CV for PhD application

How to tailor your cv for different phd programs, phd cv example.

First, there are two types of career documents job seekers widely use. A resume and a Curriculum Vitae (CV).

These two documents are similar but not identical.

So, let's have a look at the key differences between a CV vs a resume :

• A resume is used when applying for a position in industry, non-profits, or the public sector. It should focus on skills and past experience while being tailored to a specific job position. The length of the document shouldn't be more than 1 or 2 pages.
• A curriculum vitae (CV) is used when applying for positions in academia, science, or medicine. It focuses on education, research background and scholarly accomplishments. Finally, its length depends on the number of references, publications, etc.

There are even more types of CVs. A general CV, an industry (professional) CV, or an academic (research) CV — which is exactly the one you'll need.

In a nutshell, an academic CV is a career document that provides extensive information about your educational and research background. Scholars and researchers use this document when applying for jobs in academia — such as a PhD application.

Lastly, an academic resume is a term you can often come across, too. To avoid any confusion, it's the same as an academic CV. A more appropriate term is, however, the latter.

Rules are important in academia. That's why all academic CVs usually follow pretty strict structures regarding their content and formatting.

First, let's have a look at the resume sections you should include in a CV for PhD application:

• Contact information. Include your full name, email, phone number, and location.
• (Research) objective. A concise, brief paragraph outlining your research plans and strategies.
• Education. It should form the bulk of your CV and detail you educational background.
• (Research) experience. Your research experience can often set you apart from other candidates.
• Publications. Include anything from journal articles, published reports, to your research dissertation.
• Awards. Mention all awards and accomplishments you’ve received in reverse chronological order.
• Skills. These should be relevant to the PhD project or show that you have what it takes to succeed as a researcher.
• References. Finally, try to include at least two references, such as your dissertation supervisor and one other member of staff.

Let's have a closer look at each of the 8 CV sections in the next chapter.

How to write an academic CV for a PhD application ?

Applying for a PhD will be a lot less stressful if you follow this quick guide on how to write a CV for a PhD application:

You should always start your CV or your resume by providing your contact details to form the CV header . Include your full name, your professional email address, and your mobile number. Additionally, you can include your location. However, we don't advise including your full home address for privacy reasons. Entering the country and city you reside in is usually enough. Since a CV is a bit different than a resume, we don't recommend including links to your social media .

Research objective is basically a brief paragraph at the beginning of your CV outlining your research plans, interests, and strategies. It paints a picture of you as a person and will guarantee that the admissions committee will be interested in reading and learning more about your professional background. Your research plans and strategies should align with the PhD project you're applying for. Hence, read the project description carefully and make sure to tailor your objective accordingly. Ideally, without making stuff up.

The education section should form the bulk of an academic CV. No one expects a potential PhD candidate to have 10 years of experience in the field. But what's expected is an appropriate educational background. A common practice is to list your education in a reverse chronological order. This means listing your Master's degree first and then a Bachelor's degree. For each degree, provide the full name of the degree, the type, its duration, the relevant courses and modules, the corresponding (or expected) marks, GPA , and any relevant projects or presentations. Also, include the name and the description of your final year dissertation project.

In this section, introduce all of the research projects you worked on, whether they were a part of your undergraduate degree, your master's degree, or you have undertaken this project elsewhere. You can include any voluntary , part-time , or full-time work experience you deem relevant for the PhD project of your choice. For instance, skip the part-time bartending job and rather include a teaching experience or a voluntary project you undertook.

Of course, it's okay if you don't have any publications yet. If that's the case, simply skip this section. However, if you do have any work published at this stage, list it in this section. The publications can include anything from journal articles, published reports, contributions to peer-reviewed journals, or an adaptation of your dissertation project. Make sure to check the citation style your institution or field prefers and use it consistently in your publications section. The most common ones are APA, MLA, and Chicago.

In this CV section, list relevant honors, achievements, or awards you earned for going beyond average — again in reversed chronological order. It includes scholarships, university fellowships, competitions, work-related awards, or academic awards . For instance, you can mention a very high GPA, subject-specific awards, or any grants you received. However, keep in mind that mentioning how much money was involved is only common in scientific fields.

The skills you mention in your academic CV should be relevant to the PhD project you're applying for or show that you have what it takes to succeed as a researcher. Between the two types of skills , hard and soft, hard skills are more appropriate to include in your CV for PhD application. Examples of hard skills include Python, data analysis, polymer synthesis, C++, Chem Draw, Ahrefs , languages, or other computer skills . However, completing a PhD degree usually also involves demonstrating your teaching abilities. For this reason, listing soft skills such as a good oral communication and presenting is also a good idea.

While a references section in a regular resume is pretty much redundant, in a CV for PhD application it's a must-have . Why? Well, having a person attest to your skills and achievements is a great way to leverage your professional experience. The person you ask should be articulate and in a reputable position. Your best bet is to ask your dissertation supervisor, a professor you had a good relationship with, or one who taught the subject most relevant for the desired PhD program. Finally, don't forget that your references have to agree with having their contact information shared, first. Read our quick guide on how do you ask someone to be your reference .

Apart from making sure the content of your CV is spot on, you should also follow some well-established formatting tips.

A clear layout and composition ensure your CV is professional and easy to read.

Here are a few tips to help you achieve that:

• Keep the formatting consistent. If you choose a certain font type and size, stick to it. The same goes for margins, spacing, and capitalization.
• Less is often more. It might be tempting to use bolding, italics, or underlining in order to make the document "easy" to read. However, an excessive use of these features actually has the exact opposite effect.
• Avoid long paragraphs. A CV is all about providing objective facts regarding your professional background. Hence, no need to provide generic statements or go into too much detail. And if you happen to write more text, you can always divide it using bullet points.
• Use professional language. It goes without saying, but don't use slang. Similarly, use professional jargon and abbreviations within reasonable limits.
• Don't limit yourself to one or two pages. The length of your academic CV depends on the number of publications, awards, references, and experiences. Unlike a resume, a CV is a complete summary of your academic and professional background.
• Convert your CV to PDF. Doing this considerably reduces the risk of compatibility and formatting issues. A PDF file keeps your formatting intact across various devices.

Too much to keep in mind? Kickresume's CV & resume builder can save you the headache and provides useful templates with appropriate formatting designed by career professionals.

When applying for different PhD programs, it's crucial to tailor your academic CV to suit each specific program. 

This doesn't just improve your chances of catching the eye of admissions committees ; it demonstrates your genuine interest and alignment with their goals. 

To effectively tailor your CV for different PhD programs, follow these three tips:

#1 Understand program requirements and values

How do you do that? Start with in-depth research about the PhD program:

• Visit the program's website
• Look at the curriculum
• Attend open days
• If possible, reach out to alumni 

Once you have a clear picture of the program's values and requirements, you can begin to customize your CV. 

For example: If a program emphasizes community outreach, you might highlight your involvement in science education for underprivileged youths or your participation in community-based research projects. 

This demonstrates not only your alignment with their values but also your active contribution to areas they care about.

#2 Emphasize transferable skills for PhD programs

This applies to people switching fields or applying to a program that isn't a direct continuation of your undergraduate degree. 

Let's say you're moving from a background in chemistry to a PhD in molecular biology. 

It's crucial to highlight how your analytical skills, understanding of chemical processes, and any lab work or research experience directly apply to molecular biology. 

For instance: Discuss your experience with techniques that are common in both fields, like chromatography or spectrometry, and how they've prepared you for the research you aim to conduct in molecular biology. 

Tailoring your CV in this manner demonstrates your ability to bridge different disciplines and apply your skills in new contexts.

#3 Adapt your CV for international PhD programs

Adapting your CV for international programs involves more than just translating it into another language. 

Start by researching the academic culture and CV formats preferred in the country you're applying to. This might include:

• the preferred length
• whether to include personal information such as a photo
• emphasis on certain types of experience or qualifications

For instance: in some countries, a detailed list of courses and grades might be important, while in others, a focus on research experience and publications is key. 

Websites of the target universities, country-specific academic career resources, advice from current international students, or even online forums like Reddit are invaluable for this purpose.

Finally, to help you tie everything we talked about together, we thought one picture is worth a thousand words.

Here's a CV sample from a person who managed to get accepted into a PhD program at the university of Lyon in France.

There are several things Herrera included to ensure her CV was successful:

• A complete professional and academic background. We can see that this section forms the bulk of the resume. As it should.
• Plenty of hard skills. Herrera included 7 hard technical skills and multiple languages. All of these skills are very valuable in academia.
• A succinct description of all projects. She includes the full name of the projects, their duration, and theme.
• References, publications, and certifications. All of these sections are included in the full version of this resume and can be found by clicking the button below the sample CV.

Lyon University PhD Student Resume Sample

This resume sample was contributed by a real person who got hired with Kickresume’s help.

Klara graduated from the University of St Andrews in Scotland. After having written resumes for many of her fellow students, she began writing full-time for Kickresume. Klara is our go-to person for all things related to student or 'no experience resumes'. At the same time, she has written some of the most popular resume advice articles on this blog. Her pieces were featured in multiple CNBC articles. When she's not writing, you'll probably find her chasing dogs or people-watching while sipping on a cup of coffee.

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Maths Graduate CV example

Build your CV on this template 

Embarking on your career journey with a Maths degree in hand, you’re ready to demonstrate the analytical prowess that employers crave.

Yet, to land that dream job, your CV must translate your mathematical acumen into an irresistible professional narrative.

This guide will offer you essential tips and a Maths Graduate CV example to help you craft an application that truly adds up to success.

Article contents

Maths Graduate CV example

CV templates 

Use this CV example as a guide to formatting and structuring your Maths Graduate CV, so that busy recruiters can easily digest your information and determine your suitability for the role.

It also provides some insight into the key skills, experience and qualifications you need to highlight.

Build your CV now 

Maths Graduate CV format and structure

Hiring managers and recruiters are frequently overloaded with applications, and if they can’t identify the relevant information in your CV within a few seconds, your application may be overlooked.

To avoid this, it’s essential to format and structure your CV in a manner that makes it simple to pick out the most important information, even if the reader is in a rush.

Tips for formatting your Maths Graduate CV

• Length: It’s essential to keep your CV concise, regardless of whether you have one year or thirty years of experience. Recruiters are frequently managing multiple roles and responsibilities and do not have the luxury of reading lengthy CVs. Therefore, limit your CV to two sides of A4. If you have little industry experience, one page is sufficient.
• Readability : To help recruiters quickly skim through your CV, it’s important to format your section headings with bold or a different colour font and break up lengthy paragraphs into short sharp bullet points. This enables them to easily identify important information and assess your suitability.
• Design & format: While it’s okay to add your own spin to your CV, avoid overdoing the design. If you go for something elaborate, you might end up frustrating recruiters who, above anything, value simplicity and clarity.
• Photos: Headshot photos aren’t required in a CV by most employers, but some creative and artistic industries like to see them. If you decide to include one, make sure you look smart and professional in the picture.

Quick tip: Creating a professional CV style can be difficult and time-consuming when using Microsoft Word or Google Docs. To create a winning CV quickly, try our quick-and-easy CV Builder and use one of our eye-catching professional CV templates.

CV structure

To make it easy for busy recruiters and hiring managers to digest your CV, divide the content into several key sections when writing it:

• Contact details: Always list your contact details at the very top to avoid them being missed.
• Profile: Start with an introductory paragraph that catches recruiters’ attention and summarises your offerings.
• Work experience/career history: List your relevant work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your current position.
• Education: Provide a concise summary of your education and qualifications.
• Interests and hobbies: You can include an optional section to showcase any hobbies that demonstrate transferable skills.

Now you understand the basic layout of a CV, here’s what you should include in each section of yours.

Contact Details

Start off your CV with a basic list of your contact details. Here’s what you should include:

• Mobile number
• Email address – It’s often helpful to make a new email address, specifically for your job applications.
• Location – Share your town or city; there’s no need for a full address.
• LinkedIn profile or portfolio URL – Make sure the information on them is coherent with your CV, and that they’re up-to-date

Quick tip: Delete excessive details, such as your date of birth or marital status. Recruiters don’t need to know this much about you, so it’s best to save the space for your other CV sections.

Maths Graduate CV Profile

Your CV profile is basically a short introductory paragraph, which summarises your key selling points and highlights why you’d make a good hire.

So, write a well-rounded summary of what you do, what your key skills are, and what relevant experience you have.

It needs to be short, snappy and punchy and, ultimately, entice the reader to read the rest of your CV.

How to write a good CV profile:

• Make it short and sharp: Recruiters are busy, so to ensure your profile is actually read, it’s best to keep it short and snappy. 3-5 punchy lines makes for the perfect profile.
• Tailor it: Recruiters can spot a generic, mass-produced CV at a glance – and they certainly won’t be impressed! Before you write your profile (and CV as a whole), read through the job advert and make a list of any skills, knowledge and experience required. You should then incorporate your findings throughout your profile and the rest of your CV.
• Don’t add an objective: If you want to discuss your career objectives, save them for your cover letter , rather than wasting valuable CV profile space.
• Avoid generic phrases: “Determined team player who always gives 110%” might seem like a good way to fill up your CV profile, but generic phrases like this won’t land you an interview. Recruiters hear them time and time again and have no real reason to believe them. Instead, pack your profile with your hard skills and tangible achievements.

Example CV profile for Maths Graduate

What to include in your maths graduate cv profile.

• Experience overview: Showcase your aptitude for the job you are aiming for by giving a brief summary of your past work history , including the industries you have worked in, the kinds of employers you have served, and the roles you have held.
• Targeted skills: Highlight your skills which are most relevant to Maths Graduate jobs, to ensure that recruiters see your most in-demand skills as soon as they open your CV.
• Important qualifications: If you have any qualifications which are highly relevant to Maths Graduate jobs, then highlight them in your profile so that employers do not miss them.

Quick tip: If you are finding it difficult to write an attention-grabbing CV profile, choose from hundreds of pre-written profiles across all industries, and add one to your CV with one click in our quick-and-easy CV Builder . All profiles are written by recruitment experts and easily tailored to suit your unique skillset.

Core skills section

In addition to your CV profile, your core skills section provides an easily digestible snapshot of your skills – perfect for grabbing the attention of busy hiring managers.

As Maths Graduate jobs might receive a huge pile of applications, this is a great way to stand out and show off your suitability for the role.

It should be made up of 2-3 columns of bullet points and be made up of skills that are highly relevant to the jobs you are targeting.

Important skills for your Maths Graduate CV

Quantitative Analysis – Applying mathematical techniques to analyse and interpret numerical data, providing actionable insights for complex business decisions.

Statistical Modelling – Building and validating statistical models to predict trends, patterns, and relationships within large datasets.

Algebraic Proficiency – Solving equations and understanding algebraic structures, crucial for formulating mathematical models and problem-solving.

Calculus Expertise – Leveraging differential and integral calculus to address problems in various fields like physics, engineering, and economics.

Geometry Knowledge – Understanding the properties and relations of points, lines, surfaces, and solids to model and solve real-world spatial problems.

Numerical Methods – Utilizing algorithms for solving scientific and engineering problems that are modelled in mathematical forms.

Mathematical Programming – Creating optimisation models and using programming languages to find solutions for various operational research problems.

Data Management – Organising, storing, and retrieving large sets of data efficiently, ensuring data integrity and accessibility for analysis.

Financial Mathematics – Understanding financial models and theories to calculate the present and future value of financial instruments.

Coding Proficiency – Writing and debugging code in programming languages like Python or R, essential for automating data analysis and model development.

Quick tip: Our quick-and-easy CV Builder has thousands of in-demand skills for all industries and professions, that can be added to your CV in seconds – This will save you time and ensure you get noticed by recruiters.

Work experience

By this point, employers will be keen to know more detail about you career history.

Starting with your most recent role and working backwards, create a snappy list of any relevant roles you’ve held.

This could be freelance, voluntary, part-time or temporary jobs too. Anything that’s relevant to your target role is well-worth listing!

Structuring each job

Your work experience section will be long, so it’s important to structure it in a way which helps recruiters to quickly and easily find the information they need.

Use the 3-step structure, shown in the below example, below to achieve this.

Start with a 1-2 sentence summary of your role as a whole, detailing what the goal of your position was, who you reported to or managed, and the type of organisation you worked for.

Key responsibilities

Next up, you should write a short list of your day-to-day duties within the job.

Recruiters are most interested in your sector-specific skills and knowledge, so highlight these wherever possible.

Key achievements

Round up each role by listing 1-3 key achievements , accomplishments or results.

Wherever possible, quantify them using hard facts and figures, as this really helps to prove your value.

Sample job description for Maths Graduate CV

Completed a 3-month summer internship working at a market-leading data management company specialising in the development and implementation of data capture systems for the financial services industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Developed and maintained SQL databases for data storage and retrieval.
• Utilised Tableau to create visual representations of complex datasets.
• Executed SQL queries for routine data extraction, transformation, and ETL processes.
• Assisted in data collection, cleaning, and pre-processing for machine learning models.

Quick tip: Create impressive job descriptions easily in our quick-and-easy CV Builder by adding pre-written job phrases for every industry and career stage.

Education section

At the bottom of your CV is your full education section. You can list your formal academic qualifications, such as:

• GCSE’s

As well as any specific Maths Graduate qualifications that are essential to the jobs you are applying for. Note down the name of the qualification, the organisation at which you studied, and the date of completion.

Hobbies and interests

This section is entirely optional, so you’ll have to use your own judgement to figure out if it’s worth including.

If your hobbies and interests could make you appear more suitable for your dream job, then they are definitely worth adding.

Interests which are related to the industry, or hobbies like sports teams or volunteering, which display valuable transferable skills might be worth including.

An interview-winning CV for a Maths Graduate role, needs to be both visually pleasing and packed with targeted content.

Whilst it needs to detail your experience, accomplishments and relevant skills, it also needs to be as clear and easy to read as possible.

Remember to research the role and review the job ad before applying, so you’re able to match yourself up to the requirements.

If you follow these guidelines and keep motivated in your job search, you should land an interview in no time.

Best of luck with your next application!

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Program synopsis and training.

 The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in mathematics is the highest degree offered by our program. Graduates will have demonstrated their ability to conduct independent scientific research and contribute new mathematical knowledge and scholarship in their area of specialization. They will be well-supported and well prepared for research and faculty positions at academic institutions anywhere in the world. Owing to their independence, analytic abilities, and proven tenacity, our PhD graduates are also sought after by private and government employers.

Our PhD program offers two tracks, one for Theoretical Mathematics and one for Applied Mathematics . The tracks differ only in the course and  qualifying requirements during the first two years. Applicants are required to decide on one of the tracks and applications will be evaluated subject to respective criteria described below.

Once students have passed their Qualifying Requirements, the two tracks merge and there is no distinction in later examinations and research opportunities. In particular, the candidacy exam for both tracks consists of a research proposal, the graduate faculty available for advising is the same, and the final degree and thesis defense are independent of the initially chosen track.

Expected Preparations for Admission

Competitive applicants to the theoretical track are expected to have strong foundations in Real Analysis and Abstract Algebra, equivalent to our Math 5201 - 5202  and Math 5111 - 5112 sequences.

Expected preparations for the applied track include the equivalents of a rigorous Real Analysis course (such as Math 5201 ), a strong background in Linear Algebra, as well as an introductory course in Scientific Computing.

Besides these basic requirements, competitive applicants in either track submit evidence for a broad formation in mathematics at the upper-division or beginning graduate level. Relevant coursework in other mathematical or quantitative sciences may also be considered, especially for the applied track.

Prior research experiences are not required for either track, and we routinely admit students without significant research background. Nevertheless, applicants are encouraged to include accounts of research and independent project endeavors as well as letters of supervising mentors in order to be more competitive for fellowship considerations. The research component is likely to have greater weight in applications to the applied track.

These prepared documents serve to provide our admission committee with a narrative overview of the applicant's mathematical trajectory. Their primary focus should, therefore, be to enumerate and describe any evidence of mathematical ability and mathematical promise. The information included in the documents should be well-organized, comprehensive, informative, specific, and relevant. This will help our committee to properly and efficiently evaluate the high number of applications we receive each year.

Our Graduate Recruitment Committee will generally  not  consider GRE test scores for this Autumn 2024 admissions. If you have already taken the test, please do not self-report the scores to us. In exceptional circumstances students may have the option to report unofficially. 

International students whose native language is not English and are not exempt should score at least a 20 on the Speaking portion of the TOEFL or at least 6.5 on the IELTS Speaking portion.  We also recommend an overall score of at least 95 on TOEFL or at least 7.0 on IELTS.  For a list of exempt countries, please see  https://gpadmissions.osu.edu/intl/additional-requirements-to-apply.html

Qualifying Requirements by Track

The qualifying requirements for the theoretical track are fulfilled by passing our Abstract Algebra course sequence  ( Math 6111 , Math 6112 ) and  our Real Analysis course sequence ( Math 6211 , Math 6212 ), each with at least an A-, or  by passing a respective examination.

The qualifying requirements for the applied track combine a mandatory Scientific Computing course ( Math 6601 ), one of the algebra or analysis courses, and three additional courses chosen from  Math 6602 , Math 6411 ,  Math 6451 , and the courses comprising the algebra and analysis sequences.

The breadth requirements in the applied track are more flexible than in the theoretical track, but also include a mandatory graduate course in a non-math STEM department from an approved list. 

You can find more information about our PhD program requirement here .

Opportunities & Outcomes

The research opportunities and academic outcomes of our doctoral program are described in detail in the Graduate Program Prospectus  [pdf]. 

Our department has about 80 active graduate faculty on the Columbus and regional campuses. Virtually every area of mathematics is represented in our program, with a sampling displayed below.

• Commutative, Non-commutative, & Quantum Algebra
• Analytic, Algebraic, Computational Number Theory
• Algebraic Geometry, Tropical Geometry
• Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Physics
• Real and Complex Analysis
• Functional Analysis, Operator Algebras
• Combinatorics and Graph Theory
• Differential Geometry
• Dynamical Systems and Ergodic Theory
• Financial and Actuarial Mathematics
• Logic and Foundations
• Probability Theory, Statistical Mechanics
• Mathematical Biology
• Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations
• Representation theory
• Scientific Computing
• Topology, Topological Data Analysis

See also our  Applied Mathematics Topics List  [pdf].

Our program offers many support opportunities without teaching duties as well, to allow more time for scientific endeavors. These opportunities include university fellowships, external funding, and departmental fellowships and special assignments. See the  Financial Support  page for more details.

The median time to degree completion in our program is below six years but also varies significantly among our students, with as little as four years for students entering with substantial prior preparations. Funding is guaranteed for six years and can be extended to seven years with advisor support and the permission of the Graduate Studies Committee.  

Most of our graduates continue their careers in academia. Post-doctoral placements in the last two years include, for example, UCLA, Stanford, ETH-Zürich, Brown University, University of Michigan, Northwestern University, University of Vienna, EPF Lausanne, Free University at Berlin, Purdue University, and University of Utah. In recent years our graduates also went to Princeton University, IAS, University of Chicago, Yale University, University of Michigan, Cal-Tech, Northwestern University, University of Texas, Duke University, SUNY Stony Brook, Purdue University, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, and Indiana University. Recent non-academic placements include Google, Facebook, Amazon, NSA, and prestigious financial institutions.

Students also have access to training and networking opportunities that prepare them better for careers in private industry and teaching - for example, through the Erdős Institute  - and are regularly offered highly competitive positions in the industry. 

Nearly half of the graduate population consists of domestic students coming from both larger universities and smaller liberal arts colleges with a solid math curriculum. And as a program group member of the National Math Alliance , we are dedicated to enhancing diversity in our program and the scientific community. The International students in our program come from all parts of the world with a wide variety of educational backgrounds.

Prospective students:  [email protected]

Graduate Office Department of Mathematics The Ohio State University 231 W 18th Avenue ( MA 102 ) Columbus, Ohio 43210 United States of America                

Phone: (614) 292-6274 Fax: (614) 292-1479

[pdf] - Some links on this page are to .pdf files. If you need these files in a more accessible format, please email  [email protected] . PDF files require the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader software to open them. If you do not have Reader, you may use the following link to Adobe to download it for free at:  Adobe Acrobat Reader .

Prospective PhD Students

Admitting Term :

We only admit students in Fall semesters.

Deadlines :

The deadline to submit your application for Fall admission is December 15th .

The deadline to submit letters of recommendation and test scores for Fall admission is January 1st.

Required Application Materials

To be uploaded as pdfs to the Graduate School application :

• Transcripts from each institution attended. An unofficial transcript is acceptable for the initial review. If you are recommended for admission, the Graduate School will require official transcripts. Additional information about international degrees is on the Graduate School website .
• Coursework (different from transcript). In a list or table format, state all advanced mathematics courses you have completed, are currently enrolled in, or intend to take. For each course give the name of the school where you took it, the course number, the title, description, books used, and the grade you received (for completed courses). If you have more than 20 courses, please include ONLY the most advanced courses. ( sample )
• Statement of reason for graduate study ( samples )
• CV/Resume ( sample )

To be requested through the application:

• Three (3) letters of recommendation that address the question of mathematical promise. These letters should be from mathematics faculty, or other faculty familiar with the demands of graduate work in mathematics.

To be sent by ETS directly to the Graduate School using institution code 1846 (and no department code):

• (if applicable) English proficiency exam scores
• (optional) GRE general scores
• (optional) GRE subject scores

To review the status of your submitted application, sign into MyUW with your netID . Any requests for information or changes in your status will be emailed to you or noted in MyUW.

[email protected]

• Departmental Application Requirements More
• Additional Application Information More
• Graduate School Application Requirements More
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) More
• Admissions & Enrollment Data More
• Doctoral Career Outcomes More

More Information

This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.

Students offered admission to the PhD program are also offered financial support, typically in the form of a teaching assistant position . This support is guaranteed for 5 years, assuming satisfactory progress. It is the department’s policy to try to continue to support those beyond the period of guaranteed support who are making satisfactory progress in their research and whose teaching performance is satisfactory. The department does not require that students teach. In later years, PhD students may serve as research assistants for their thesis advisors.

The department also has access to some outside funds for fellowship support of graduate students. Applicants to the PhD program are automatically considered for all available forms of financial support. Outside fellowships may be for beginning study or for later years.

Graduate assistants, including TAs and RAs, and graduate fellows receive a salary and tuition remission (except segregated fees , International student fee , and a one-time official document fee ) and are eligible for health insurance .

Student Fees

All graduate students are required to pay student fees called Segregated Fees . The cost of segregated fees are listed with  Tuition Rates (select Graduate or most Capstone Certificates program). These fees are paid Fall and Spring semesters and Summer term. The payment schedule is here .

Health Insurance

Graduate assistants, including TAs and RAs, and graduate fellows have the option to receive excellent benefits through the university’s  state group health insurance plan . This is the same health insurance that covers faculty and staff.

Waiver for Prior Math Graduate Courses

A graduate student can receive a waiver from the Department for up to 12 credits toward UW-Madison Ph.D. course requirements for graduate courses taken at other institutions. These courses will not appear on the UW-Madison transcript nor count toward the Graduate School cumulative GPA or credit requirements, but will fulfill the Department’s requirement toward coursework if approved. Coursework earned ten or more years prior to admission to a doctoral degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.

To confer credits, complete the Transfer Credit Approval Form . Submit this form along with syllabi for each course to the Director of Graduate Studies for approval.

International Students

Incoming Students

Incoming students whose native language is not English are required to take the SPEAK test to demonstrate their ability to speak clearly and listen effectively. Those not enrolling in ITA training (below) should contact the PhD Graduate Coordinator to register.

International students that did not attend a US institution for undergraduate studies are required to attend International Teaching Assistant (ITA) training mid-July to mid-August.

All international students are required to attend International Student Services (ISS) Orientation upon arrival.

International Student Services

UW-Madison has an active  International Student Services  (ISS) organization that offers workshops, events, and information for international students throughout their academic career. They will answer questions about visas, employment, dependents, and other issues.

Improving English Skills

There are various organizations at UW-Madison and the community for international students to improve their English,  PEACE ,  Conversational English ,  Madison Friends of International Students  (MFIS), in additional to the  English as a Second Language  (ESL) courses. There are also student-run organizations at the  Wisconsin Involvement Network  (WIN).

Graduate Student Life

Graduate Student Life is a  microsite  for new and incoming graduate students. It includes information on housing, transportation, living in Madison, being a student at UW–Madison, thriving in graduate school, and a section for international students.

Mathematician CV: Job Description, Sample & Guide

Create a standout mathematician cv with our online platform. browse professional templates for all levels and specialties. land your dream role today.

Welcome to our comprehensive Mathematician CV Example guide. Here, you'll find valuable insights into how to craft a compelling CV that catches the eye of potential employers. With our help, you'll be able to highlight your skills and qualifications in the best possible light, and create a successful job application.

We will cover:

• How to write a CV , no matter your industry or job title.
• What to put on a CV to stand out.
• The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
• How to build a CV fast with our professional CV Builder .
• What a CV template is, and why you should use it.

What does a Mathematician do?

Mathematicians use mathematical theories and techniques to solve practical problems in a variety of fields, including science, engineering, business, and finance. They analyze data, develop mathematical models, and use computers to solve complex problems. They also develop and use mathematical methods to study and understand patterns and relationships in data. Mathematicians use their skills to solve problems in a variety of industries, such as economics, engineering, medicine, and education.

• Chemist CV Sample
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What are some responsibilities of a Mathematician?

• Formulate and develop mathematical theories and models
• Develop mathematical and statistical methods for solving complex problems
• Analyze data to identify trends and correlations
• Write articles for academic journals and other publications
• Design experiments and interpret results
• Teach mathematics at the college or university level
• Develop software and algorithms for mathematical applications
• Develop mathematical models to solve real-world problems
• Advise businesses and government agencies on the use of mathematics for data analysis
• Prepare grant applications and research proposals

Sample Mathematician CV for Inspiration

Mathematician

John Smith is a well-rounded Mathematician with a passion for problem-solving and discovering new insights. With a Master’s degree in Mathematics, he has 5 years of professional experience in the field. He is proficient in data analysis, statistical model building, and programming. John has extensive knowledge in teaching Mathematics and applying it to research. He is an effective communicator and a quick learner.

Work Experience

• Math Tutor, Tutoring Company, 2020 - Present
• Math Teacher, Private School, 2017 - 2020
• Math Research Analyst, Research Institute, 2015 - 2017
• Master of Arts in Mathematics, University of Oxford, 2015
• Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, University of Cambridge, 2012
• Data analysis
• Statistical model building
• Programming
• Teaching Mathematics
• Applying Mathematics to research
• Effective communication
• Quick learner

Certifications

• Certified Mathematics Teacher, University of Cambridge, 2017
• Certified Mathematics Tutor, Tutoring Company, 2020
• English (fluent)
• Spanish (basic)

CV tips for Mathematician

Crafting an impeccable CV that kickstarts your career is a challenging endeavor. While adhering to fundamental writing principles is beneficial, seeking guidance customized for your unique job pursuit is equally prudent. As a newcomer to the professional realm, you require Mathematician CV pointers. We've curated top-notch advice from experienced Mathematician individuals. Explore their insights to streamline your writing journey and enhance the likelihood of fashioning a CV that captivates potential employers' attention.

• Include a summary section at the beginning of your CV to provide a concise overview of your qualifications and experience.
• Highlight any research projects you have worked on or taken part in, such as journal and conference publications.
• Include a list of any awards or honors that you have received for your work.
• List any relevant professional memberships that you hold.
• Provide a link to your online portfolio or personal website, if applicable.

Mathematician CV Summary Examples

A Mathematician CV Summary or CV Objective can be a great way to showcase your skills, experience, and qualifications to potential employers. It can provide employers with an overview of your background, highlight your expertise and accomplishments, and demonstrate your commitment to the field of mathematics. Additionally, it can help employers decide if you’re the right fit for the job. For Example:

• Outstanding Mathematician with expertise in algebra, geometry, and calculus. Experienced in teaching and research in the field.
• Passionate Mathematician with 7+ years of experience in data analytics and problem solving. Skilled in developing software and providing excellent customer service.
• Highly creative Mathematician with strong research and analytical skills. Experienced in teaching mathematical concepts to students and professionals.
• Highly motivated Mathematician with a strong background in statistics and probability. Experienced in research and development in the field.
• Dynamic Mathematician with expertise in numerical analysis and calculus. Experienced in teaching and mentoring students in the field.

Build a Strong Experience Section for Your Mathematician CV

Building a strong experience section for a mathematician CV is important for several reasons. First, it provides potential employers with a clear and detailed overview of the applicant’s relevant experience and accomplishments. This gives employers a better idea of what the applicant can bring to the table and how they would fit into the job. Second, a strong experience section highlights the applicant’s unique skills and abilities, showing employers that they are more than just a list of skills. Third, the experience section helps to provide a narrative to the applicant’s CV, which can better engage employers and help to illustrate the applicant’s professional development. Finally, an experience section can help to demonstrate how the applicant’s mathematical skills have been applied in both academic and professional settings, providing a comprehensive view of the applicant’s abilities. For Example:

• Developed equations and models to predict the future behavior of physical and chemical systems.
• Created complex mathematical formulas to analyze data and interpret results.
• Performed statistical analysis of large datasets using advanced mathematical techniques.
• Developed algorithms and software packages to solve mathematical problems.
• Conducted research on mathematical theories and methods for their application in real-world problems.
• Taught undergraduate and graduate courses in mathematics and statistics.
• Supervised and mentored students in mathematics and related fields.
• Wrote and presented papers to international conferences on mathematical research.
• Reviewed and edited papers for mathematics journals and magazines.
• Consulted with clients and colleagues to develop new mathematical solutions to challenging problems.

Mathematician CV education example

A Mathematician typically needs a bachelor's degree in mathematics, and they may also pursue a master's or doctoral degree in a related field. Most employers require Mathematicians to have at least a bachelor's degree. In addition to the educational requirements, Mathematicians should have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently. Here is an example of an experience listing suitable for a Mathematician CV:

• Ph.D. in Mathematics, University of Oxford, 2017-Present
• Master's in Mathematics, University of Cambridge, 2014-2017
• Bachelor's in Mathematics, University of Edinburgh, 2011-2014

Mathematician Skills for a CV

It is important to add skills for a Mathematician CV so that potential employers can see the range of your knowledge and experience in the field. This can help employers to determine whether you have the necessary qualifications and abilities to successfully complete the job. Additionally, listing skills can demonstrate your proficiency in certain areas, such as programming or data analysis. This can be especially useful for positions that require a certain level of technical expertise. Soft Skills:

• Critical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Analytical Skills
• Attention to Detail
• Creative Thinking
• Communication
• Time Management
• Organizational Skills
• Research Skills
• Computation
• Number Theory

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Mathematician CV

In today's competitive job market, an average of 180 applications floods employers' inboxes for each vacant position. To streamline this influx of CVs, companies frequently employ automated applicant tracking systems that weed out less qualified candidates. If your CV manages to surpass these digital gatekeepers, it must still captivate the attention of the recruiter or hiring manager. Given the sheer volume of applications, a mere 5 seconds is typically allocated to each CV before a decision is reached. With this in mind, it's crucial to eliminate any extraneous information that might relegate your application to the discard pile. To ensure your CV shines, consult the list below for elements to avoid including in your job application.

• Skipping the cover letter: A well-crafted cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your suitability for the role and express your enthusiasm for it.
• Excessive jargon: CVs laden with technical terms can alienate hiring managers who lack specialized knowledge.
• Neglecting vital details: Incorporate your contact information, education, work history, and pertinent skills and experiences.
• Relying on generic templates: Tailoring your CV to the specific job exhibits your commitment to the position and company.
• Errors in spelling and grammar: Proofreading is essential to eliminate typos, spelling errors, and grammatical blunders.
• Overemphasizing duties: Highlight accomplishments to underline your candidacy's value.
• Sharing personal information: Steer clear of revealing personal details like age, marital status, or religious affiliations.

Key takeaways for a Mathematician CV

• Highlight any research or mathematics-related accomplishments.
• Include any relevant experience, such as teaching, tutoring, or mentoring.
• List your technical skills, such as coding or software proficiency.
• Include any relevant training, certifications, or awards.
• Include a link to your online portfolio or website.
• Ensure your CV uses the right keywords and is tailored to the job description.

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How to address reading courses in cv for Phd application for pure math?

How to address reading courses in cv for Phd application for pure math? I can only think of listing topics we covered in the course. But that seems to me very pointless since professors know the major topics of most math courses without reading that. However, I think independent readings are important experiences for math students, they definitely deserve a place in my CV.

• application

• Unless the course involved reading several papers on different topics, it shouldn't take more than something like "studied the first 4 chapters of Lambek's Lectures on Rings and Modules , working approximately half of the exercises". If you think more should be said, then give the details in your cover letter. –  Dave L Renfro Commented Oct 1, 2017 at 19:44

2 Answers 2

It would be helpful to list the topics you looked at, and their sources. Even "standard" courses, with standard names, vary wildly depending on the choice of textbook or other sources, and depending on the instructor (who may be the author of notes or textbook for the course!)

Similarly, "reading course in X" tells far too little, just as saying "standard course in X" would. Prior to the enforced uniformization of applications to our grad program, as occasional Dir of Grad Studies in Math, I required applicants to not only tell the course name, but also, even more importantly, the (title and) author(s) of the text(s)/source(s) for the course. Reading courses treated the same way.

To repeat: the standard catch-phrases/labels of course names absolutely do not describe the content... so, yes, please do give more details. These details are not at all implied by the general, vague, cliched titles.

If it's a reading course , then it should have had some sort of course title for administrative purposes. If it didn't, it should be possible to make up a sensible title which would be as informative as a standard course title, and designate it as "reading course in..." along with the rest of your courses.

• I am sorry, but I mean do I need to expand on it a little bit besides just listing it there? –  Keith Commented Oct 1, 2017 at 0:53
• @Keith Do whatever you do for other courses. Why should a reading course be treated differently? –  Elizabeth Henning Commented Oct 1, 2017 at 15:23
• I'd object that what people "do for other courses" is wildly inadequate to describe their content, because it is (incorrectly) presumed that there is standard content... –  paul garrett Commented Oct 31, 2017 at 0:25
• @paul Fair enough, but whatever you do for one you should do for the other. –  Elizabeth Henning Commented Oct 31, 2017 at 0:27
• Yes, indeed! I did elaborate on this in my own answer: telling author(s) of source(s) is essential, contrary to any idea that there is some sort of standard content. –  paul garrett Commented Oct 31, 2017 at 0:33

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Applied Mathematics - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Mathematics 3 (M3) Building on Waterloo's Campus

Conduct mathematics-based research and generate new knowledge in a multidisciplinary environment with the PhD in Applied Mathematics program.

At North America’s only dedicated Faculty of Mathematics and the #1 school in Canada for mathematics and computer science, you’ll connect theoretical advances and innovative mathematics to develop novel solutions to the pressing problems facing today’s world.   

Through a combination of coursework and original research, you’ll learn cutting-edge applications of mathematical theory in a broad range of fundamental and applied sciences, with five areas of research to choose from including control theory and dynamical systems, fluid mechanics, mathematical medicine and biology, mathematical physics, and scientific computation.  

With the competitive edge provided by mentorship through the Faculty’s connections around the world, you’ll be prepar ed to pursue a career in academia, government or industry.  

Research areas and degree options:

• Control and Dynamical Systems
• Fluid Mechanics
• Mathematical Medicine and Biology
• Mathematical Physics
• Scientific Computing

Program overview

Department/School : Applied Mathematics Faculty : Faculty of Mathematics Admit term(s) : Fall (September - December), Winter (January - April), Spring (May - August) Delivery mode : On-campus Program type : Doctoral, Research Length of program : 48 months (full-time) Registration option(s) : Full-time, Part-time Study option(s) : Thesis

Application Deadlines

• January 15 (for admission in September)
• June 1 (for admission in January of the following year)
• October 1 (for admission in May of the following year)

Key contacts

[email protected]

I see all these great scholars around me, like my supervisor Sue Ann Campbell. And like Anita Layton, Ghazal Geshnizjani, my committee members, and so many others in the department. I see their passion for what they do and their dedication to helping us grad students succeed. It’s very heartening. It motivates me to reach that level where I can give back in the same way. Maliha Ahmed, Applied Mathematics, PhD

Supervisors

• Review the  finding a supervisor resources

Admission requirements

• Minimum grade point average: 78% or its equivalent
• It is absolutely essential that the application for admission into the program contain evidence of potential for performing original research. This should be provided by successful completion of a Master's thesis in a mathematics-related discipline.
• In some circumstances a student enrolled in the MMath program (thesis) in Applied Mathematics may transfer to the PhD program without completing their MMath program

Degree requirements

• Review the   degree requirements   in the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, including the courses that you can anticipate taking as part of completing the degree
• Check out   Waterloo's institutional thesis repository - UWspace   to see recent submissions from the department of Applied Mathematics graduate students

Application materials

• The SIF contains questions specific to your program, typically about why you want to enrol and your experience in that field. Review the  application documents web page  for more information about this requirement
• If a statement or letter is required by your program, review the  writing your personal statement resources  for helpful tips and tricks on completion
• Transcript(s)
• Three  references , normally from academic sources
• TOEFL 90 (writing 25, speaking 25), IELTS 7.0 (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5)

Tuition and fees

Visit the  graduate program tuition page  on the Finance website to determine the tuition and incidental fees per term for your program

Review living costs and housing

Review the   funding graduate school resources   for graduate students

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What items MUST appear on a mathematician's CV?

Writing a CV makes me paranoid that I'm failing to abide by unwritten rules. Of course CVs are flexible to capture the diversity of accomplishments someone might have. But there must be plenty of things a hiring committee absolutely expects. So I'm interested in anything that must be on a CV — whose omission would raise a red flag — of a mathematician looking for an academic job.

"Obvious" answers are welcome. Even things which sound obvious like "your name." What is obvious to someone who has read and evaluated lots of CVs is different from someone preparing one for the first time. In your answer, please also be fairly specific about scope: have you served on hiring committees? for what types of positions? in the US or Europe or?

(Note: As suggested in the comments, it is very good to ask people "in the know" directly for such career advice. One reason for asking this question on MO is to have more open, less clubby answers — there is an echo chamber effect when you ask a bunch of people in the same subcommunity.)

• 45 $\begingroup$ The usual strategy is to imitate the CVs of a few slightly older friends (people who have successfully gotten the sort of job you would like). This will give you a good feeling for what should be included: if they all include something, you should too, and if only one of them does, then you should ask around before copying that. Once you know what you will write, you should pick the best-looking CV and ask the author whether you can model yours after their TeX source. Finally, you should ask your advisor and your friends to look over your new CV and make sure it is OK. $\endgroup$ –  Henry Cohn Commented Oct 25, 2011 at 2:10
• 40 $\begingroup$ Make sure to include your current MO reputation. $\endgroup$ –  JSE Commented Oct 25, 2011 at 3:05
• 21 $\begingroup$ I cannot resist a comment on the changing nature of the profession. In the 1980's we recruited famous algebraist Maurice Auslander as Head, and our Dean asked him whether he had any grants, and if so why were they not on his vita. His response was, and I quote: "No self respecting mathematician would put his grants on his vita!" Needless to say this has totally changed. grants are the primary ingredient of a viable vita in any job search today. If I am wrong here. I would gladly celebrate that fact. $\endgroup$ –  roy smith Commented Oct 25, 2011 at 3:32
• 13 $\begingroup$ It appears to be a standard European practice to include one's birthday on the CV, but this is almost never done in the U.S. (where it is illegal for the hiring committee to base a hiring decision on age), and it appears odd to do so. For Europeans applying in the U.S., therefore, I'd recommend leaving the birthday off. $\endgroup$ –  Joel David Hamkins Commented Oct 25, 2011 at 17:44
• 30 $\begingroup$ For discussions on the appropriateness of this question, please go to tea.mathoverflow.net/discussion/1184/… . And please up-vote this comment so that it resides "above the fold". (Discussions of the content of the question should be done here.) $\endgroup$ –  Theo Johnson-Freyd Commented Oct 25, 2011 at 18:20

7 Answers 7

From my perspective, the critical question isn't what must be included on your CV, but rather what mustn't, since that seems to be the more common problem (judging by the ones I see). What I'm about to describe is based on my experience at a U.S. research lab; I imagine it generalizes quite a bit beyond that, but I can't say how far, and it is certainly country-specific.

I'll discuss five rules below, with some overlap between them. Of course these rules are not absolute (except for the last one), but you certainly shouldn't break them without thinking carefully about it and deciding there's a good reason to do so.

(1) Your CV should represent you as a professional mathematician. Anything that is not relevant to your professional life should be left out. For example, you should generally not describe non-math-related summer or part-time jobs, hobbies, side interests outside of mathematics and related fields, etc. If there's something unusually interesting or impressive (you published a novel or are a chess champion) or that displays relevant skills (you write free software in your spare time), it's OK to mention it, but just briefly and not in a prominent position.

I've seen some hair-raising violations of this rule, in which applicants devoted considerable space to things that have nothing to do with working as a mathematician. Nobody is going to reject your application just because you put something weird in your CV, but it's not good for your image as a professional.

(2) Your CV shouldn't include anything unless you think the search committee might need or want to know it. For example, contact information is valuable, as is anything that can legitimately help judge your application. However, in the U.S. you should not list your age or birthdate, your marital status, information about your children, or your religion (unless you are applying to a religious institution). I realize this is common in some countries, and of course people will be understanding about that, but it comes across strangely to give people information they don't want and shouldn't be influenced by.

(3) You should try not to seem desperate to impress, particularly with awards and distinctions. Some people provide enormous lists of very minor distinctions, sometimes with no relevance to research/teaching/service (for example, a college scholarship from a local business club). Coming across as insecure can make you seem less attractive: an ambitious department wants to hire people who are marginally too good for them, not people who are trying hard to be good enough. As a rule of thumb, when you get your Ph.D. and apply for your first job, it's OK to list any substantive distinction from grad school. You can list a few undergraduate honors, but only if they are impressive (Putnam fellow or major university-wide prize, yes; random scholarship, no). You shouldn't list high school honors at all (well, just maybe an IMO medal, but be careful not to look like you consider it your proudest achievement).

(4) Be sure not to give the impression you are trying to obfuscate anything. I don't just mean you should tell the truth, but also that you should be clear and straightforward. For example, people sometimes feel bad about not having enough items to list in their publication or talk sections, and it can be tempting to reorganize the CV to try to obscure this. For example, you could replace the "publications" section with a "research" section in which you list not just publications but also talks and poster presentations, or even current/future research topics. This is a bad idea, since it can look like you are trying to make the information less accessible, and then everything on your CV will be looked at more skeptically. Instead, you want to make it easy to understand your CV and easy to see that you aren't doing anything tricky.

(5) Don't lie. Don't say a paper will appear in a journal until it has been accepted, even if you are sure it will be. Don't say a paper is submitted until it is, even if you plan to submit it by the time the committee meets. Don't call something a preprint until it is written down and ready to distribute (you can say "in preparation" before then, but many people will ignore this since it is unverifiable). Don't say you have received a fellowship or prize if you haven't. You'd think all these things go without saying, but I've seen a couple of people get caught on one of them. You really don't want to be the person who gets asked for a copy of their preprint and can't produce one.

• 1 $\begingroup$ This is a valuable answer! $\endgroup$ –  Suvrit Commented Oct 26, 2011 at 16:45
• 1 $\begingroup$ Very nice and detailed, and remarkably on target. I will mention though that part (1) is where things can get a little fuzzy. I have always been aware that people listed non-professional things on their CV, and I was never certain what the purpose was (and I always wondered how much/little to say there). Indeed, I am not sure why someone applying for a position in a lab would need to supply this information; but it will be relevant to apply to a liberal arts college. Hence the need for several versions of the CV for people who apply to a wide range of places. $\endgroup$ –  Thierry Zell Commented Oct 26, 2011 at 23:05
• $\begingroup$ "or major university-wide prize, yes; random scholarship, no" You mind explaining this? Aren't most if not monetary all scholarship awarded by the university? $\endgroup$ –  IAmNoOne Commented Dec 14, 2018 at 12:33
• $\begingroup$ At least in the U.S., there are a lot of small scholarships offered by businesses or local branches of clubs and civic organizations. Typically not very much money, but still worth applying for. An outstanding student who applies widely might be awarded quite a few of these scholarships over the course of four years as an undergraduate, but they don’t each deserve a CV line in the long run. $\endgroup$ –  Henry Cohn Commented Dec 14, 2018 at 13:53
• Include the URL of your web page (and have one!).
• Include the arXiv references of your papers, and in the PDF version make those arXiv references actual links to the papers (e.g. using the hyperref package).
• 7 $\begingroup$ (if only to make life easier for a putative diligent reference writer, who'd like to peruse your papers before putting pen to paper...) $\endgroup$ –  Kim Morrison Commented Oct 25, 2011 at 21:03

An obvious answer

One cannot insist enough (and I am surprised to see this has been hinted at already, but not stated quite this boldly) on the fact that different positions have different expectations, e.g. many non-academic employers seem to expect a single-page résumé.

Even when looking for an academic position, candidates routinely keep more than one version of their CV. In order to tailor to the specifics of the various positions (more or less emphasis on research, post-doc vs. tenure-track). Even if you put the exact same items in all your CVs, the order in which they are presented, which items are emphasized and detailed is a good way prove that you understand the expectations of the position, and make sure that the relevant items are easily found by the reader.

I cannot be more specific since this question yet again commits the sin of being a non-geographically specific career question: needless to say that localization also plays a role.

• 3 $\begingroup$ So certainly it makes sense that for a teaching vs. research position you'd want to put more or less emphasis on your teaching credentials. But I have no idea what you mean when you talk about emphasizing different things for post-doc vs. tenure-track. This isn't at all obvious to me, in fact I hadn't heard this before. $\endgroup$ –  Noah Snyder Commented Oct 26, 2011 at 13:35
• 1 $\begingroup$ @Noah: I'm sure it depends on the circumstances, but as a post-doc I would emphasize more the collaboration aspect (what topic? with whom?) than for a tenure-track position. $\endgroup$ –  Thierry Zell Commented Oct 26, 2011 at 14:27
• 2 $\begingroup$ @Noah again: generally, applications materials for a tenure-track position should be more forward-looking than for a postdoc: people want to have an idea what you'll be doing 5 years from now in the first case, while that is not really relevant in the second case. Of course, the CV is about what you have already done, but depending on your circumstances, there are ways to emphasize X and play down Y to suggest either what's going to happen in the near future, or further down the line. $\endgroup$ –  Thierry Zell Commented Oct 26, 2011 at 18:01

I second the advice about modeling your CV on those of others. Personally, when I'm reading CV's of job applicants, here is what I first look at:

• Name, employment history, education (the latter two switched in order of importance if the person is a very recent PhD)
• research interests
• publications
• honors, awards, editorial work

At a second pass, I'd look at

• PhDs/postdocs supervised (depending on the position advertised)

Unless these are explicit requirements of the position (senior hires, hires to administration), I find information on grants and department-level service not very helpful. Granting systems in different countries vary wildly, as does the nature of what's service.

Caveat emptor: this is how I read CVs, and is not intended to imply anything of a universal nature.

(added later to provide scope): I've served on hiring committees in Canada for postdoc, junior and senior faculty searches (open and targetted), university senior administrators, prize committees (for research awards) and for granting agencies in North America and Europe. So my experience is limited.

As Henry suggests, you should just model it on other people's CVs (you can use mine ; I ripped it off from Ezra Miller), and ask a more senior person if you're uncertain about an item. The obvious items are (it's CW, so people can add):

On practically every CV

• Contact Info
• Employment History
• Grants, Honors, etc.
• Publications

Things you might include (but which I don't necessarily recommend):

• Programming languages or foreign languages spoken
• Names of people who will vouch for you
• 3 $\begingroup$ @Gerry: Could you elaborate on "Citations"? $\endgroup$ –  Mark Grant Commented Oct 25, 2011 at 6:40
• 1 $\begingroup$ @Yemon, I'm responsible for "Citations", so I'll answer Mark. $\endgroup$ –  Gerry Myerson Commented Oct 25, 2011 at 11:26
• 2 $\begingroup$ @Mark, I'n suggesting one might include a list of all the papers (if any) that have cited your own papers. This is unnecessary if you are world-famous, and likely impossible if you are just starting out, but if you are somewhere in between it may be a good way to show a hiring committee that people are actually reading the stuff you publish and are taking it seriously. $\endgroup$ –  Gerry Myerson Commented Oct 25, 2011 at 11:30
• 2 $\begingroup$ I took the liberty of breaking this up into things I would be surprised NOT to see, and things I see sometimes but are not universal. $\endgroup$ –  David E Speyer Commented Oct 25, 2011 at 17:27
• 5 $\begingroup$ I don't remember noticing the additions @GerryMyerson made to this answer. Let me just say for the record (since it's my name at the bottom of the answer) that listing citations sounds like a terrible idea to me; this falls under Henry's heading about desperation. If you really think a committee will be impressed by your citation record, suggest to one of your recommenders that they mention it. Foreign languages also go under "not relevant to your professional life." Either the committee doesn't care, or it's going to need much more evidence than a line in your CV. $\endgroup$ –  Ben Webster ♦ Commented Oct 24, 2013 at 19:52

Your PhD advisor's name (listed under education).

• 12 $\begingroup$ I would add that it doesn't hurt to put the title of your thesis, too. Some advisors have students working on very very different things. $\endgroup$ –  Spiro Karigiannis Commented Oct 26, 2011 at 13:34
• $\begingroup$ It's worth pointing out that prospective employers are likely to contact the supervisor even if they are not listed as one of the referees. $\endgroup$ –  user25199 Commented Oct 24, 2013 at 21:59

I will second Thierry's reply. Of course, when I see the term "CV" I think of academic positions, whereas if one is seeking a job in industry one would instead produce a "resume". Different beasts, though in both cases the purpose is to some extent the same, namely to give an employer some idea why they should be interested in you to fill their opening. As Thierry said, a hiring manager in a corporation or industrial firm will have a very different set of things he is looking for in a resume compared to what a hiring committee in a math department at some college or university expects in a CV.

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