Program Prerequisites

PhD and MS Degree Program Prerequisites

  • Baccalaureate in Mathematics or a related field.
  • Minimum grade point average of 3.0/4.0 for the final 60 semester hours of undergraduate study, and an average of 3.00/4.0 in all mathematics courses beyond calculus.
    • Master's Degree in Mathematics applicants (Pure Math, Applied Math and Mathematical Computer Science)  must have a minimum of 20 semester hours of undergraduate work beyond calculus.
    • Master's Degree in Statistics applicants must have taken: calculus and multivariate calculus (MATH 180, MATH 181, and MATH 210, or equivalent); linear algebra (MATH 310 or equivalent); and a probability or statistics course (STAT 381 or equivalent). 
  • Tests Required Neither the GRE General Exam nor the subject exam are required. Applicants may still submit GRE scores; however, an absence of GRE scores will not negatively impact their application.
  • Minimum English Competency Test Score for International Applicants (report scores to institutional code 1851):
    • TOEFL 100, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21 (iBT Internet-based TOEFL), OR,
    • IELTS 7.0, with subscores of 7.0 for all four subscores, OR,
    • PTE-Academic 54, with subscores of Reading 51, Listening 47, Speaking 53, and Writing 56.
  • UIC Required English Competency score for Teaching Assistants 100 on the Internet-based test (ibT), minimum ibT Speaking subscore of 23; IELTS Band score of 7 with a Speaking subscore of 7; or PTE-Academic 68 with subscores of Reading 66, Listening 66, Speaking 68, Writing 66.
  • Letters of Recommendation Three required from persons familiar with the applicant’s academic work.
  • Personal Statement Required.

Program Specific Prerequisites:

PhD in Mathematics:

  • BS or BA in Mathematics or related field. Applicants should complete coursework related to their research field of interest as outlined below for the various MS in Mathematics concentrations.

PhD in Statistics:

  • BS or BA in Statistics or related field. Applicants should complete coursework as outlined in MS in Statistics below.

MS in Mathematics with concentration in Pure Mathematics:

  • Linear Algebra (MATH 320 or equivalent)
  • Abstract Algebra (MATH 330 or equivalent)
  • One year of analysis (MATH 313 plus MATH 410 or MATH 414, or equivalent)

MS in Mathematics with concentration in Applied Mathematics:

  • Differential Equations (MATH 220 or equivalent)
  • Linear Algebra (MATH 310 or MATH 320, or equivalent)
  • One year of Analysis (MATH 313 and one of MATH 410 or MATH 414, or equivalent)

MS in Mathematics with concentration in Mathematical Computer Science:

  • Data Structures (MCS 360 or equivalent) or Symbolic Computation (MCS 320 or equivalent)
  • Discrete Mathematics (MCS 361 or equivalent)
  • Linear Algebra (MATH 310 or MATH 320, or equivalent)
  • Experience in programming and computing: The successful applicant will show proficiency in all requirements above, either through coursework or relevant work experience.

MS in Statistics:

  • Calculus and multivariable calculus (MATH 180, MATH 181, and MATH 210, or equivalent)
  • Linear Algebra (MATH 310 or equivalent)
  • A probability or statistics course (STAT 381 or equivalent)

Math Education Program Prerequisites

DA in Mathematics:

MST program (Elementary School Option):

MST program (Secondary School Option):