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Dept. of Applied Mathematics & Statistics
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY 11794-3600
T: 631.632.8370
F: 631.632.8490
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Last Modified 02/12/2008 10:35:28 AM EST
Doctoral study in the Department of Applied Mathematics consists of the following stages:
- Mastery during the first semester of core knowledge in preparation of coursework in one of the three disciplinary areas. Mastery is demonstrated by passing the ‘common’ qualifying exam, which is expected to be taken at the start of the second semester.
- Mastery during the second and third semesters of the theory and techniques of one of the three disciplinary areas. Mastery is demonstrated by passing an area qualifying exam, which is expected to be taken at the start of the fourth semester.
- Development of a thesis topic during the fourth and fifth semesters. Completion of this step is marked by advancement to candidacy and is expected to occur by the end of the fifth semester,
- Successful completion of dissertation research and a defense of the dissertation. This step is expected to occur by the middle of the fifth year.
A doctoral student must complete these stages in the time frames given to be in good academic standing.
Second attempts: Doctoral students who fail either qualifying exam on their first attempt are allowed a second attempt which is expected to occur at the end of their second semester for the common exam; and at the end of their fourth semester for the area exam.
Delay in attempting an exam: A student needs the permission of the Graduate Program Committee to delay the time, beyond the semesters listed above, of their first or second attempt of either qualifying exam. Permission is also needed to delay advancement to candidacy beyond the start of the sixth semester. When a student is expected to take an exam, not taking the exam will count as a zero on the exam.
Failing Students: A student who fails a qualifying exam twice will normally have departmental support terminated and be asked to leave the graduate program. A failing student supported on faculty research grants may be allowed to remain in the program to complete a project. In extenuating circumstances, a student may be allowed to continue in the graduate program by special vote of the full faculty.
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Supported Doctoral Students must join a Research Group: Satisfactory progress for a student funded by the department (TAship or Fellowship) requires joining a research group.
Students entering with a B.S. have up to three semesters from the start of graduate studies in the department to join a research group. Students entering with an M.S. in the mathematical sciences, or equivalent course work, have one year to join a research group. Once a research group is joined, the student's advisor and the Graduate Program Director will jointly decide, on a year-to-year basis, whether the student is eligible to continue on a Teaching Assistantship (TAship.) Most students in research teams are supported with Research Assistantships (RAships), and only a limited number of students can stay on TAships after joining a research group. Thus, students who plan to join a research group with little or no RA support, need to check whether they will continue to receive support.
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Entry into doctoral program from Masters program. A Masters student may petition the Graduate Program Committee to be admitted to the Doctoral program. In addition to a strong performance in coursework at Stony Brook, a student will be expected to have passed at least the common qualifying exam. Admission will become effective at the start of the next semester. A student seeking departmental support, upon admission to the doctoral program, must meet the same deadlines as new students applying for admission with support.
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Switching areas. A doctoral student who wishes to change areas must consult with the graduate program director as well as the faculty member in the proposed area. Switching areas typically requires decisions be made on stipend support, additional coursework, and qualifying examinations.
Last updated: Feb. '08