{"id":270,"date":"2023-01-14T17:27:56","date_gmt":"2023-01-15T01:27:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/mathematics\/?page_id=270"},"modified":"2025-11-04T08:16:00","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T16:16:00","slug":"admissions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/mathematics\/admissions\/","title":{"rendered":"Admissions for Graduate Programs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n    \n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--full-width-cta \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--full-width-cta\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n<div class=\"inner-wrapper\">\n      <div class=\"header-container\">\n  \n                        \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p>The USC Mathematics Department is a dynamic community of scholars, innovators, and educators dedicated to mathematical excellence and advancing mathematical understanding. We take immense pride in our supportive research environment. <\/p>\n<p>We seek all applicants who share our vision of and passion for mathematics. All applications require 3 letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, a short resum\u00e9 or CV, official transcripts, and TOEFL scores (international applicants only). We do not require GRE tests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n          <\/div>\n    \n      <div class=\"links-container\">\n        \n            \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= #faq\n    aria-label=\"Read more about FAQ\"  \n>\n    FAQ \n  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#FC0\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5,19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n        \n            \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= http:\/\/www.usc.edu\/admission\/graduate\/\n  target=\"_blank\"  aria-label=\"Read more about Apply Now\"  \n>\n    Apply Now \n  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#FC0\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5,19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n          <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--featured-block \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--featured-block\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n  <div class=\"text-image-container\">\n    <div class=\"text-container\">\n\n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--eyebrow\">\n\n    \n  <span>Application Deadline: December 15<\/span>\n\n\n<\/div>\n      \n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--section-title\">\n\n    \n  <h2>\n          Ph.D. Programs\n      <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n      \n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p>Our department offers two doctoral degree programs:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/catalogue.usc.edu\/preview_program.php?catoid=20&amp;poid=28451&amp;returnto=8371\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Mathematics Ph.D.<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/catalogue.usc.edu\/preview_program.php?catoid=20&amp;poid=28450&amp;returnto=8371\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Applied Mathematics Ph.D.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Our rigorous 5-year program begins with foundational coursework that prepares students to demonstrate mastery through written comprehensive examinations. After this, students work closely with one of our distinguished research faculty to reach the frontier of knowledge in their chosen field. Thus equipped and with ongoing guidance from their advisor, students forge a path to new results through original research. The program culminates with the student&#8217;s written dissertation, oral defense, and the conferral of Doctorate of Philosophy.<\/p>\n<p>Admission to our Ph.D. programs includes a 5-year aid package with 1 year of fellowship, 4 years of teaching assistantship, full tuition remission, plus health and dental insurance.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n      \n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= http:\/\/www.usc.edu\/admission\/graduate\/\n  target=\"_blank\"  aria-label=\"Read more about Apply through the Office of Graduate Admission\"  \n>\n    Apply through the Office of Graduate Admission \n  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5,19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n          <\/div>\n\n          <div class=\"image-container\">\n            \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img\n                            data-src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/mathematics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2023\/09\/Grads2023-768x768.jpg\"\n          data-srcset=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/mathematics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2023\/09\/Grads2023-1280x1280.jpg 1280w,https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/mathematics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/53\/2023\/09\/Grads2023-768x768.jpg 768w\"          data-sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 50vw, (min-width:768px) 100vw, 100vw\"          class=\"lazyload\"\n        \n                  alt=\"PhD Graduates May 2023\"\n        \n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n  \n\n<\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    \n  <\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n            \n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--cta-cards-collection \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--cta-cards-collection\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      <div class=\"header-container\">\n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--section-title\">\n\n    \n  <h2>\n          Masters Programs\n      <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n      \n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p>We offer six different Masters programs. The application deadline for Masters Programs vary:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Fall Admission Cycle &#8211; Apply by February 1<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Applications open on September 1. All programs have a deadline of February 1, except the Mathematical Data Science M.S. (February 15) and the Mathematical Finance M.S. (March 30).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Spring Admission Cycle &#8211; Apply by October 15<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Applications open on August 1. All programs have a deadline of October 15.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n      \n      \n    <\/div>\n  \n      <div class=\"cards-container\">\n      \n        <div class=\"card\">\n\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/catalogue.usc.edu\/preview_program.php?catoid=20&amp;poid=28449&amp;returnto=8371\" target=\"_blank\">\n            \n                                    <h3>Applied Mathematics M.A.<\/h3>\n                \n                                    <span class=\"card-description\">To prepare students for research, teaching and other professional careers in applied mathematics.<\/span>\n                \n                            <\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n      \n        <div class=\"card\">\n\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/catalogue.usc.edu\/preview_program.php?catoid=20&amp;poid=28445&amp;returnto=8371\" target=\"_blank\">\n            \n                                    <h3>Applied Mathematics M.S.<\/h3>\n                \n                                    <span class=\"card-description\">For individuals who are seeking positions which involve mathematical applications.<\/span>\n                \n                            <\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n      \n        <div class=\"card\">\n\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/catalogue.usc.edu\/preview_program.php?catoid=20&amp;poid=28448&amp;returnto=8371\" target=\"_blank\">\n            \n                                    <h3>Mathematics M.A.<\/h3>\n                \n                                    <span class=\"card-description\">To prepare students for research, teaching and other professional careers in mathematics.<\/span>\n                \n                            <\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n      \n        <div class=\"card\">\n\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/math-data-science\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n            \n                                    <h3>Mathematical Data Science M.S.<\/h3>\n                \n                                    <span class=\"card-description\">For individuals seeking a thorough and rigorous comprehension of the mathematical foundations underlying contemporary algorithms.<\/span>\n                \n                            <\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n      \n        <div class=\"card\">\n\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/mathematical-finance\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n            \n                                    <h3>Mathematical Finance M.S.<\/h3>\n                \n                                    <span class=\"card-description\">For individuals who seek a rigorous foundation in the economic theory and mathematical modeling of financial markets.<\/span>\n                \n                            <\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n      \n        <div class=\"card\">\n\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/statsms\/program\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n            \n                                    <h3>Statistics M.S.<\/h3>\n                \n                                    <span class=\"card-description\">For individuals seeking rigorous knowledge and application of statistics and statistical methodology.<\/span>\n                \n                            <\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n  \n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p><span id=\"faq\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n                          \n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--accordions \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--accordions\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      <div class=\"header-container\">\n\n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--section-title\">\n\n    \n  <h2>\n          Admissions FAQs\n      <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n      \n      \n      \n    <\/div>\n  \n      <ul>\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-1-GU_9owcuhA\" aria-controls=\"section-1-1-GU_9owcuhA\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">When is the application deadline?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-1-GU_9owcuhA\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-1-GU_9owcuhA\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>The application deadline for the <strong>PhD Programs is\u00a0December 15<\/strong>. This is a hard deadline, and we cannot accept materials submitted to us after this deadline.<\/p>\n<p>The application deadline for <strong>Fall admission<\/strong> <strong>Masters Programs<\/strong> is <strong>February 1<\/strong>, except the Mathematical Data Science M.S. (<strong>February 15<\/strong>) and the Mathematical Finance M.S. (<strong>March 30<\/strong>).<\/p>\n<p>The application deadline for <strong>Spring admission<\/strong> <strong>Masters Programs<\/strong> is <strong>October 15.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-2-GU_9owcuhA\" aria-controls=\"section-1-2-GU_9owcuhA\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Can I get a waiver for the application fee?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-2-GU_9owcuhA\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-2-GU_9owcuhA\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>The mathematics department does <strong>NOT<\/strong> offer fee waivers for students.<\/p>\n<p>However, the USC Graduate Admissions Office has several categories of applicants who qualify for fee waivers. To see if you qualify, please visit this website: <span style=\"color: #0000ff\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff\" href=\"https:\/\/gradadm.usc.edu\/lightboxes\/us-students-fee-waivers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/gradadm.usc.edu\/lightboxes\/us-students-fee-waivers\/<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-3-GU_9owcuhA\" aria-controls=\"section-1-3-GU_9owcuhA\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Is there financial aid available for the programs?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-3-GU_9owcuhA\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-3-GU_9owcuhA\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>Yes for PhD<\/strong>, <em>No for Masters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>Everyone, regardless of nationality or country of residence, admitted to our PhD Programs receives a comprehensive support package that includes full tuition remission, a competitive stipend, and health and dental insurance.<\/p>\n<p>We do not offer any financial assistance for our Masters programs. We encourage all Masters applicants who are California residents to apply for California State graduate fellowships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-4-GU_9owcuhA\" aria-controls=\"section-1-4-GU_9owcuhA\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">What are the English Proficiency requirements?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-4-GU_9owcuhA\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-4-GU_9owcuhA\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents are exempt. For other exemption qualifications, please see<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #0000ff\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff\" href=\"https:\/\/gradadm.usc.edu\/prospective-international-students\/english-proficiency\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/gradadm.usc.edu\/prospective-international-students\/english-proficiency\/<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p>For international students requiring English Proficiency tests, we require a minimum of<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>100 on TOEFL or<\/li>\n<li>7.0 on IELTS or<\/li>\n<li>68 on PTE.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These minima apply to both PhD and Masters programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-5-GU_9owcuhA\" aria-controls=\"section-1-5-GU_9owcuhA\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Is a Masters degree required before applying for the PhD program?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-5-GU_9owcuhA\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-5-GU_9owcuhA\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>Not at all!<\/strong>\u00a0The majority of our incoming PhD students, about 2\/3, come from Bachelor&#8217;s programs while the remaining 1\/3 come from Masters programs.<\/p>\n<p>All of our Ph.D. students have the opportunity to earn an &#8220;in progress&#8221; Masters degree, which is usually conferred in the second year of the program after satisfactory completion of the core course requirements. Students in either PhD program may choose between a Masters Degree in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, or Statistics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-6-GU_9owcuhA\" aria-controls=\"section-1-6-GU_9owcuhA\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Is there a minimum GPA requirement for admission?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-6-GU_9owcuhA\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-6-GU_9owcuhA\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>Yes. We require applicants to have an undergraduate <strong>GPA above 3.0<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>The minimum GPA requirement for a student to receive a graduate degree, Masters or Doctorate, from USC is 3.0. For this reason, we will not consider any applicants whose undergraduate GPA falls below this minimum threshold.<\/p>\n<p>For the Fall 2025 PhD Admissions cycle, the average GPA of admitted students was 3.89 with a standard deviation of 0.18.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-7-GU_9owcuhA\" aria-controls=\"section-1-7-GU_9owcuhA\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Are there any specific courses that are required for admission?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-7-GU_9owcuhA\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-7-GU_9owcuhA\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>Yes, and requirements vary by program.<\/p>\n<p>Every applicant is required to have <strong>two terms* of advanced Analysis<\/strong> (real, complex, or functional). Applicants for our Mathematics programs are also required to have <strong>two terms* of advanced Algebra<\/strong> (abstract or linear). Some of these courses can be planned for your final semester.<\/p>\n<p>*In general, one year of a course is interpreted as 2 terms (2 semesters or 2 quarters). Students on the quarter system are encouraged to complete 3 quarters of a sequence if their program offers it (e.g. Real Analysis a\/b\/c).<\/p>\n<p>Beyond this, we look holistically for a variety of <strong>advanced coursework<\/strong> to demonstrate mastery of foundational material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-8-GU_9owcuhA\" aria-controls=\"section-1-8-GU_9owcuhA\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Are GRE scores required to apply?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-8-GU_9owcuhA\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-8-GU_9owcuhA\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>No. We do not require GRE scores<\/strong>. If you choose to include the GRE mathematics subject test in your application, we will factor your score into our review. However we do not consider the GRE general test or other subject tests as part of our application review.<\/p>\n<p>However, students coming from lesser known schools or with non-traditional paths are encouraged to include a GRE mathematics subject test score in their applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-9-GU_9owcuhA\" aria-controls=\"section-1-9-GU_9owcuhA\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Who should write my letters of recommendation?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-9-GU_9owcuhA\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-9-GU_9owcuhA\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>Letters should come from <strong>mathematics faculty who have taught you for at least 1 semester in the past 3 years<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally, all three letters should come from faculty in Mathematics departments at institutions of higher learning who have known the applicant for at least one full semester. Letters from graduate student TAs, high school teachers, coaches, spiritual leaders, or co-workers are not appropriate.<\/p>\n<p>At least one letter should come from a faculty member under whom you have conducted research in mathematics.<\/p>\n<p>We understand that some applicants come to us from non-traditional paths which make it impossible to meet these guidelines. If that is the case, then please do your best to meet the spirit of these guidelines, and also please consider submitting a GRE Mathematics Subject Test score.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-10-GU_9owcuhA\" aria-controls=\"section-1-10-GU_9owcuhA\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">What is the most critical\/important part of the application?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-10-GU_9owcuhA\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-10-GU_9owcuhA\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>Reviewers evaluate applications holistically, meaning every part is important and given due consideration. Different applicants have different strengths that distinguish them as excellent fits for our program. We look forward to reading about all of your achievements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-11-GU_9owcuhA\" aria-controls=\"section-1-11-GU_9owcuhA\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Can you tell me if my application will be competitive before I apply?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-11-GU_9owcuhA\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-11-GU_9owcuhA\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>Unfortunately, <strong>no<\/strong>.\u00a0The review committee cannot pre-screen applicants.<\/p>\n<p>Our program is highly selective, but we do consider applicants holistically. If you <strong>exceed<\/strong> our minimum requirements for GPA and coursework, and you have a strong <strong>passion for mathematics<\/strong>, then we encourage you to apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-12-GU_9owcuhA\" aria-controls=\"section-1-12-GU_9owcuhA\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">What is the acceptance rate for PhD programs?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-12-GU_9owcuhA\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-12-GU_9owcuhA\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>We are a small department and hence have small incoming classes. Unfortunately, this means we often turn down exceptional students whom we would otherwise love to admit.<\/p>\n<p>Our combined PhD program aims for an incoming class of 12-15 students each Fall, giving a total PhD student population of about 70 students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-13-GU_9owcuhA\" aria-controls=\"section-1-13-GU_9owcuhA\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">My interests intersect both Pure mathematics and Applied Mathematics. Should I apply for both programs?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-13-GU_9owcuhA\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-13-GU_9owcuhA\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>The difference between the Mathematics and the Applied Mathematics program is whether or not students have a background in Algebra and plan to take the Algebra course (required by the Pure Mathematics program). There is no advantage to applying to both programs. Applicants will not be reviewed twice, even if applying to both programs. We do not have quotas for admissions ratios between the two programs, just an overall limit on our number of combined admissions. Please choose the program based on your experience and your interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n          <\/ul>\n  \n  \n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":279,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-270","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Admissions for Graduate Programs - Department of Mathematics<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/mathematics\/admissions\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Admissions for Graduate Programs - 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