Applying to the Ph.D in Mathematics and Statistics with Interdisciplinary Applications Program
Apply Now (deadline: May 31, 2023)
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mathematics and Statistics with Interdisciplinary Applications is designed to provide a strong mathematics and statistics background to support intense quantitative work in diverse disciplines. The curriculum will prepare scholars to work on problems at the intersection of mathematics, science, engineering, medicine, finance, computer science, and other quantitative disciplines. The program aims to be the most inclusive and broadly interdisciplinary in Texas.
Admissions Requirements
Step #1: Submit a UTRGV Graduate Application at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply. There is no application fee.
Step #2: Request your official transcripts to be sent electronically to gradapps@utrgv.edu or mailed to:
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
The Graduate College
Marialice Shary Shivers Bldg. 1.158
1201 W. University Drive
Edinburg, TX 78539-2999
*Please Note: If you are a graduate of UTPA, UTB/TSC, or UTRGV you do not need to request an official transcript to be sent to the Graduate College.
The minimum admissions criteria for this program are:
- B.S. or B.A. in a STEM field or related field, with at least 3 advanced undergraduate courses in Mathematics from the following: Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Modern Algebra I, Real Analysis I, Probability and Statistics I, Complex Variables
OR Earned a Master's degree in Mathematics or a related field from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or a recognized international equivalent in a similar or related field with at least 3 undergraduate classes as given above; - Official transcripts from each institution attended (must be submitted directly to UTRGV).
- TOEFL score of 79 or better for international students if the medium of instruction in their bachelors or master’s program was not English.
- GRE General Test is required and the GRE Subject test in Mathematics is recommended.
- Three letters of recommendation.
Applicants whose native language is not English or who studied at a university outside the U.S. are required to submit one of the following:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Scores
- Official records must be sent directly from Educational Testing Services (ETS) to the university.
- Scores are valid for two years.
- The university does not accept institutional or residential TOEFL exams taken at another institution.
- The minimum acceptable total score is 550 for paper/pencil tests or 213 for computer-based tests or 79 for internet-based tests.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Scores must be sent directly from the testing agency to the Graduate College.
- Students scoring below a 6.5 on the IELTS will not be eligible for admission.
Exceptions to the TOEFL or IELTS
- Lifetime residents of Australia, Canada (other than Quebec), New Zealand, United Kingdom, or the United States (other than Puerto Rico).
- Students who have recently completed at least 30 successful hours of university-level academic studies in one of the countries listed.
Applicants who studied at a university outside the United States must follow the process below:
- Applicants must have their transcript(s) evaluated by Foreign Credentials Service of America (FCSA). Additional information is available at www.fcsa.biz or (512) 459-8428.
- Students may send copies of their transcript(s) directly to FCSA. The student must bring the original copy of the transcript to the Graduate College and a copy will be placed in the student’s file. This can be done at any point after the application is submitted or during the student’s first semester but must be done before the student registers for the second semester. Students who do not comply with this requirement will not be able to register for future semesters.
- Failure to submit a complete/correct application and official transcripts from all institutions attended will result in one of the following: rejection of application, withdrawal of admission offer or disciplinary action including expulsion for enrolled students.
Additional requirements for international applicants:
- TOEFL or IELTS Language Proficiency Test with minimum scores: 550 on paper-based, 213 on computer based, or 79 on Internet-based for the TOEFL; 6.5 for the IELTS. For additional information, visit the English Proficiency Exam section of our website.
- Certified English translation of educational records.
- Financial Documentation showing sufficient funds to cover all expenses (living and academic) for the first year of study. For additional information, visit the Financial Documentation section of our website.
- Immigration documents, including a current copy of your valid passport. For additional information, visit the Immigration Documents section of our website.
UPDATE ON INTERNATIONAL ADMISSIONS FROM U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT:
- SEVP regulations prohibit the issuance of a Form I-20 based on conditional admission, effective July 13, 2016. University officials can only issue a Form I-20 when students have met all standards for admission for the program of study listed on the Form I-20. These standards for admission include any English proficiency requirements.
PhD GTA positions
The school SMSS has several PhD GTA positions available for the year 2022-2023. If you are pursuing a full time study (9 hours each regular semester) and interested in our GTA position, please submit the PhD GTA application.