Information for Mathematics Graduate Students

Whether you're embarking on your journey towards a master's or Ph.D. in mathematics or already knee-deep in the complexities of advanced mathematical research, this resource hub is designed with you in mind. Here, you'll find a wealth of essential information, including a link to our current graduate handbook; examples of past qualifying exams in Algebra, Analysis, and Mathematics Education; and information about research areas within our department.

We're committed to supporting your academic pursuits and fostering a thriving community of mathematical scholars. Explore the tools and guidance we offer to help you excel in your mathematical endeavors. If you have any questions about any of the information you find on this page, please send the question via email to the Graduate Coordinator at mthgrad@cmich.edu.

Graduate Handbook

The Graduate Handbook contains detailed information about our M.A. and Ph.D. programs, including policies and guidelines that are essential to students as they progress through their degree.

Major Milestones for the Master's and Ph.D. Programs

Major Milestones for the Master's Degree Programs:

  • Maintain average cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Complete the required coursework.
  • Complete the required research component.

Major Milestones for Ph.D. Degree Program:

  • Maintain average a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Pass two qualifying exams within the allowed time period.
  • Complete the required coursework.
  • Complete six credit hours of internship.
  • Complete the dissertation.

Past Qualifying Exams

Each academic year, two qualifying exam periods will be scheduled. One is during the preparation week of the Fall semester, usually in the middle or the end of August. The other is in early or mid-January during the Spring semester. There is an exam in Algebra, one Analysis, and one in Mathematics Education. Students will be informed to sign up for the August qualifying exams around March/April in the Spring semester, and to sign up for the January qualifying exams around September/October in the Fall semester. Some recent exams and guidelines appear below.

    Tips for Studying for Qualifying Exams

    Begin studying early!

    • If you are planning to take the exam in August, you should begin studying in June. It is by no means overdoing it to be studying for the exam at least 4-6 days a week, full-time.
    • If you are planning to take the exam in January, you should begin studying by the beginning of September. During the academic year, plan exam studying into your weekly schedule and treat it like an important job.

    Solve old qualifying exam questions

    • Review the old qualifying exams. Some of these appear above, and others appear on MS Teams.
    • Do not just read through the old exams or try to find copies of the solutions. You must work on solving the problems yourself.
    • Old qualifying exams will give you an idea of the types of problems asked and the level of problems asked on these exams.
    • Working out the problems on old qualifying exams is the best use of your time and efforts when preparing for the exams.

    Study with your peers

    • This will help provide motivation to study. It will also give you the opportunity to discuss mathematics.
    • One example of this might be having everyone in the study group to solve the problems on the same old qualifying exam on their own, and then meet to discuss each other's solutions.

    If you have not taken one of the exam courses in a while, ask the instructor of the course if you could sit in on the course

    • Sitting in on the course will be useful only if you take it seriously. This means do not only attend the lectures, but also study with the people who are enrolled in the course, and do the homework problems and exam problems.
    • Please keep in mind that the instructor of the course likely will not have time to grade your work since you are not enrolled in the course, however, it will still be to your benefit to do the problems.

    Do not confuse worrying about the exam with preparing for the exam

    • Carrying around the book, reading old notes, and feeling very concerned about the exam will wear you out, and at the end of the day you'll feel like you had studied; don't be fooled.
    • Working on old exam problems and building a notebook of solutions that you worked out is productive. By the end of your months of study, you should have created a solid notebook of complete solutions to many old qualifying exams.

    Research Areas

    Our faculty currently conducting active research in pure mathematics, applied mathematics, and mathematics education. Contact our faculty members to learn more.

      • Ana Dias: Sociopolitical Issues in Mathematics Education, Mathematics in Career and Technical Education, Mathematics in the Workplace, Game-Based Learning
      • Martha Frank: Beliefs and Motivation in Mathematics
      • Douglas Lapp: Technology for Teaching and Learning Mathematics, Teaching and Learning of Abstract and Linear Algebra, Semiotics
      • Tibor Marcinek: Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching, Technology for Teaching and Learning Mathematics
      • Christine Phelps-Gregory: Beliefs and Motivation in Mathematics, Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching, Preservice Teacher Education
      • Katrina Piatek-Jimenez: Equity in Mathematics Education, Stereotypes of Mathematicians, Teaching and Learning of Proof