Is the GRE required for consideration? 

No, we no longer require either the general or subject GRE for consideration for our program.  You are still welcome to submit your score, if available. 

How long does it take to obtain a math graduate degree? 

The time limit to complete the master’s degree in mathematics is two years and the PhD is five years. 

Is TOEFL required for the graduate mathematics program? 

Yes, it is required if you are a graduate of a non-U.S. institution.  There is an exemption for students who have obtained degrees from institutions recognized to use English as the primary language of instruction. 

Is there a minimum TOEFL score required?

Yes, 580/237 – iBT scores will be reviewed based on section scores and total scores. 

Can I apply without GRE/TOEFL, etc. scores and be accepted provisionally? 

As noted, the GRE is not required for consideration for admission.  However, the TOEFL must be completed at the time of application. 

Is funding available? 

Admitted PhD students who remain in good standing are ensured funding as either a teaching assistant or a research assistant for up to five years.  This provides a stipend and tuition remission. 

I am an applicant from a non-U.S. institution. Can I be awarded a teaching assistantship? 

Yes, to teach at Drexel you must pass an examination of spoken English given by the University. For more information about testing services, visit the English Language Center  (http://www.drexel.edu/elc/resources/testing_services/). 

Can I see copies of the old qualifying exams? 

Yes.

2011 Spring Qualifier Exam [PDF]
2010 Spring Qualifier Exam [PDF]
2010 Fall Qualifier Exam [PDF]
2009 Spring Qualifier Exam [PDF]
2009 Fall Qualifier Exam [PDF]
2008 Spring Qualifier Exam [PDF]
2008 Fall Qualifier Exam [PDF]
2007 Spring Qualifier Exam [PDF]
2006 Spring Qualifier Exam [PDF]
2005 Spring Qualifier Exam [PDF]  

Can I apply using unofficial transcripts? 

No, you must send an official copy of your transcript to the University. 

I am a non-native speaker but have an undergraduate degree from a U.S. institution. Do I need to take the examination of spoken English given by Drexel? 

No, if you received your degree from a US based institution, you will be eligible for a language test waiver. 

Who should I get my letters of recommendations from? 

These letters should come from the professors who've taught your more advanced undergraduate courses or who you've had a research experience with. Letters from faculty who you've had for analysis, abstract algebra or other advanced proof-based courses are especially important. 

What do you like to see in a personal statement? 

It is useful for you to include a discussion of what you covered in your advanced courses, which ones you particularly liked, and what textbooks you used for them. 

Do I need to contact a potential advisor before applying? 

No.  Students are admitted into a general pool of first year students, not into anyone’s research group.  However, it is important that we have faculty conducting research that would be of interest to you, and it is good to identify at least two to three faculty members who do research that you find interesting. 

What research areas does Drexel have activity in? 

Our department has research activity in algebraic geometry, analysis, partial differential equations, numerical analysis, representation theory, optics, geometry, combinatorics, probability, statistics, and mathematical biology. See research areas of our faculty for more details. 

How can I take the undergraduate courses at Drexel to prepare me for graduate school at Drexel? 

If you cannot enroll as an undergraduate, you may apply to take graduate courses as a non-matriculated student in the Goodwin College of Professional Studies. 

Can I apply for a master's in math without a math undergraduate degree? 

While you are welcome to apply, in general, unless you have taken the core material of an undergraduate math degree, you will be ill-prepared for master’s program.  This material includes courses beyond the standard two years of calculus, a term of linear algebra, and includes such key courses as real analysis, abstract algebra, complex variables, differential equations, and probability and statistics.  It is essential that applicants have had some experience in a proof-based course. 

What are the time requirements for program completion? 

Please see the policy on the Provost's webpage for their time completion requirements. 

Are there extra summer teaching positions available? 

Sometimes, but summer teaching positions cannot be guaranteed as the number of   offered courses is variable. 

I was rejected from your program. Is it possible to find out why? 

No, the admissions process is confidential. While we do understand that it might be helpful for you to know what led to our decision, you should bear in mind that a policy in which we did give such information could compromise the confidentiality of your letter writers. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GRADUATE MATHEMATICS PROGRAMS

To learn more about our graduate Math degrees, read about the MS in Math or the PhD Math program.

Ready to start your journey toward a degree in mathematics? Apply for a Math degree, or visit campus to get firsthand information about a Drexel education. Contact the Department of Mathematics at mathinfo@drexel.edu for more information.