Learning Goals
We train Ph.D. students to create and communicate mathematics. The chief requirement for the doctoral degree is to produce a dissertation which makes an original and substantial contribution to its subject matter. Students work under the guidance of an advisor to achieve this.
We do not require you to choose a specific research area or a dissertation advisor at the outset of your graduate education. The best way to make an informed choice of a research area and to make headway in it is to gain knowledge in a number of areas of mathematics. As a beginning student you will be taking various required core courses in basic subjects. Furthermore, aside from providing research training, we prepare our students for careers as professional mathematicians in a variety of settings, including academia, business, and government. Our aim therefore is to educate flexible and broadly knowledgeable mathematicians, and to this end we offer a wide selection of advanced courses and seminars.
We will help you develop the oral and written communication skills expected of a professional mathematician. You will acquire these skills in part through courses and dissertation work. Active participation in our many seminars, several of which are targeted to students, is another way to improve your presentation skills and will also ease your transition from a learner to a researcher of mathematics. In addition, many practicing mathematicians are involved in teaching at some level, and that is why we require every student to undergo our teaching assistant training program and to participate in the teaching mission of the mathematics department.
See also the statement on doctoral proficiencies by the Cornell Graduate School.
Satisfactory Academic Progress & Academic Standing
The Code of Legislation of the Graduate Faculty outlines the core policies governing graduate education at Cornell. This handbook complements the Code of Legislation and Graduate School policies by offering additional academic guidance specific to students in the field of Mathematics.
To make satisfactory academic progress and remain in good academic standing in the Mathematics PhD program, a student must [at minimum]:
- Make timely progress towards degree as evaluated by the chair and special committee
- Meeting all Graduate School requirements as detailed in the Code of Legislation
- Meeting Math Field requirements and milestones within established deadlines as detailed in Mathematics PhD Program Requirements, & Milestones
- Students are encouraged to work closely with their special committee and the director of graduate studies (DGS) to stay on track and to communicate early about any delays or challenges.
Failure to meet these expectations may impact continued enrollment in the program. See Accountability and Due Process for more information.
Assessment
Our program has no qualifying exam; instead we assess performance in the core courses through homework, written exams, oral presentations, or term papers. The minimum passing grade for the core courses is B-; no grade is assigned for placing out.
Receiving a rating of ‘Satisfactory’ or ‘Excellent’ on the Student Progress Review (SPR), is one of the Graduate School requirements to maintain satisfactory Academic Standing. Students who receive a ‘Needs Improvement’ or ‘Unsatisfactory” rating on their SPRs are not considered in good academic standing.
Many of the program milestones are assessing academic progress, including; the A exam, Post A exam paper, and B exam/Dissertation Defense.
All Requirements and Milestones will affect a students’ academic standing status.
Performance for teaching development aspect of the program is assessed by means of student teaching evaluations by students and Instructing faculty supervisors.