Graduate Studies in Applied Mathematics: Degree Requirements

Below are summaries of degree requirements for PhD and MS students. For more details, please see the document Policies and Procedures.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree requirements

• Obtain a score of 3 on at least three of the four written preliminary exams and 2 on the remaining exam

• Complete at least four semesters of full-time academic residence (12 units minimum per semester) at UC Merced

• Complete the five required core courses with a grade point average of 3.25 and with a grade of at least B in each

  Complete at least two special-topics courses with grade of at least B

• Produce at least one paper that is deemed publishable in an appropriate peer-reviewed journal

• Complete the Applied Mathematics Seminar for at least two semesters with grade of S; students are expected to attend all seminars in the Applied Mathematics Seminar Series when possible (MATH 291)

• Serve as a half-time Teaching Assistant (TA) for at least two semesters (or equivalent)

• Complete MATH 201 Teaching and Learning in the Sciences (or equivalent) and MATH 399 University Teaching

• Pass a qualifying exam composed of two parts: (i) a written research proposal and (ii) an oral examination

• Present an open technical seminar at least once while in residence

• Present and successfully defend a doctoral dissertation containing an original contribution to knowledge in the field

Master of Science (M.S.) degree requirements

Two different degree plans are recognized for the M.S. degree in applied mathematics graduate studies: Plan I Requirements

• Obtain a score of at least 2 on each of the four written preliminary exams

• Complete at least two semesters of full-time academic residence (12 units minimum per semester) at UC Merced

• Complete the five required core courses with grade of at least B

• Prepare an acceptable thesis describing original research in the field under the guidance of an applied mathematics faculty research advisor and successfully defend the thesis to a committee, chaired by the research advisor, that is composed of at least two additional members from the applied mathematics faculty

• Serve as a half-time Teaching Assistant (TA) for at least one semester (or equivalent)

• Complete MATH 201 Teaching and Learning in the Sciences (or equivalent) and MATH 399 University Teaching

Plan II Requirements

• Obtain a score of at least 2 on each of the four written preliminary exams

• Complete at least two semesters of full-time academic residence (12 units minimum per semester) at UC Merced;

• Complete the five required core courses with grade of at least B;

• Complete at least two special topics courses with grade of at least B

• Complete the capstone requirement, which is the completion of an acceptable written document presenting research accomplished under a faculty advisor

• Serve as a half-time Teaching Assistant (TA) for at least one semester (or equivalent)

• Complete MATH 201 Teaching and Learning in the Sciences (or equivalent) and MATH 399 University Teaching