Graduate programs

Wayne State University offers graduate degrees in mathematics with specializations in pure mathematics, applied mathematics, and mathematical statistics.

The courses offered by the Department of Mathematics serve several purposes:

• Supply the mathematical preparation necessary for students specializing in the physical, biological or social sciences, in business administration, in engineering, and in education
• Provide a route by which students may arrive at the level of research competency in any of several special mathematical areas
• Allow students to prepare themselves for work as mathematicians and statisticians in industry and government
• Provide an opportunity to all inquisitive students to learn something about modern mathematical ideas

Application for graduate assistantships/fellowships/scholarships

Important: All applicants for the teaching assistantship and fellowship positions must have both the graduate admissions and graduate teaching assistant applications submitted by January 15 each year.

Graduate admission is required when applying for a teaching assistantship or a fellowship. Applications for teaching assistantships (fellowships) and graduate admissions are handled separately. Please review the Graduate Applicant Checklist for the situation (domestic, Canadian, or international) that pertains to you. For more information, see the graduate FAQs.

To apply for a teaching assistantship

1. Visit gradschool.wayne.edu/admissions to complete the admissions process.
2. Send the following forms and all supporting documents directly to mathgrad@wayne.edu.

Complete the Graduate Teaching Assistantship Application

• Official transcripts

  The transcript must bear the official seal/stamp of the issuing institutions. If English is not your native language, submit official transcripts in your native language and a certified English translation of the transcript.

• Report on Candidate Form

  Ask three persons (who you have indicated on your application form) to write education references and send them directly to us.

  The referee can submit the letter of recommendation to mathgrad@wayne.edu.

• TOEFL score

  If English is not your native language, you must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam and have your scores sent to the mathematics department. A Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required, but sending a good GRE score could help your application.

• Other supporting documents

  If you have any supporting documents that may help your application, such as copies of your publications, by all means, send them to us.

  Alternatively, you can send these supporting documents via postal mail to:

  Chair of Graduate Recruitment Committee
  Department of Mathematics
  656 W. Kirby
  Wayne State University
  Detroit, MI 48202 USA

• Review process

  The department will review your application for a teaching assistantship after all necessary transcripts and letters of reference have been received. We normally begin making offers in early March, and most are made before the end of May. Occasionally, we have positions that open in January, and we begin making offers for these positions around August. Late applications, however, will be accepted as long as openings remain.

  If you receive an assistantship, you will be expected to teach an average of six hours per week over the academic year and to devote the non-teaching portion of your time to serious mathematical studies.

• For applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents

  You must submit a Statement of Financial Support to Graduate Admissions. After this statement is approved, you will be issued an I-20 or IAP-66 form from the Office of International Students and Scholars. You will need this form when applying for a visa.

  Beware that the process of obtaining a passport (from your government) and a visa (from the U.S. consulate) can take months. We recommend that applicants return the Statement of Financial Support promptly.

  When completing the form, assume $21,436 for a teaching assistantship stipend, up to $30,153 for full-time tuition, and up to $6,329 for health insurance. These count towards your total financial support. Any documents showing financial support from sources other than Wayne State University should be sent to Graduate Admissions. The Department of Mathematics will send notice of the exact stipend amount directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Graduate program directors

Master's: Kazuhiko Shinki

Ph.D.: Daniel Isaksen