At the University of Kentucky we have strong programs in the areas of algebra, analysis/partial differential equations, applied math, combinatorics, numerical analysis, and topology. Our program is designed to give students a solid foundation to prepare them for a successful career, whether in academics, business, industry, or government.
Our course of study is rigorous, but our atmosphere is friendly and encourages close collaboration between faculty and students. There are many opportunities for our students to enrich their background and prepare for a wide range of career options. Students are encouraged to talk in one of the department's many research seminars, including a Graduate Student Colloquium, run by the Graduate Student Council, and to attend national/international conferences as well as regional meetings. Our students have opportunities to teach a variety of courses and to work in our special instructional and outreach programs. Students are encouraged to participate in our teaching and learning seminar and other professional development opportunities. The overall goal is for our students to excel in research and teaching of mathematics and to ultimately become well-rounded leaders in their field.
Our Degree Programs
The Department of Mathematics offers programs leading to the Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.S.), and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degrees. Courses of study are available in algebra, analysis, discrete mathematics, numerical analysis, partial differential equations and topology.
The Ph.D degree is a five-year program culminating in an original piece of mathematical research for a thesis and eventual publication in a scholarly journal. While the thesis is in a specific area, the coursework leading up to thesis work is designed to provide sufficient breadth to prepare our students for successful careers. All students pursue coursework from our six core areas of Algebra, Analysis, Discrete Mathematics, Numerical Analysis, Partial Differential Equations, and Topology. By the end of the third year, our students must pass the Preliminary Examinations based upon three of these core areas. Subsequent coursework consists of seminar courses in topics of current research.
The M.A. degree program is based predominantly upon a three-course sequence in algebra, analysis, and topology, and is usually elected by prospective junior college and secondary school teachers. It is a thirty credit-hour program (ten courses) which may be taken with or without a thesis.
Graduate Students
The mathematics department, with approximately sixty graduate students from the U. S. and abroad, places great emphasis on building a community of graduate students and faculty. Our programs have enjoyed high graduation rates. Each year, about 7 students receive Ph.D.'s and about 10 earn Master's degrees. Our doctoral graduates have an excellent job record, with most of them pursuing careers in academics. An increasing number of our students are pursuing careers in business, industry, and government.
Graduate student organizations in the Mathematics Department include the Math Graduate Student Council and students chapters of the Association for Women in Mathematics, Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, and Spectra. Graduate students are also welcome to join the UK working group on Ethics, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice in the Mathematical Sciences.
Our Research Facilities
Offices for faculty, graduate students and staff are conveniently located in the Patterson Office Tower. The Science Library contains a comprehensive collection of books and journals in mathematics, statistics and related areas. The department provides computer facilities for faculty and students through individual desktop PCs and additional computational facilities for those with more specialized needs.
The University of Kentucky is a member of the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (MSRI), the renowned international research institute in Berkeley, California, offering fully funded summer programs for advanced graduate students.
Financial Aid and Cost of Study
Teaching Assistantships and Fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis and include a full tuition scholarship, a stipend, and health insurance. Most students also receive additional financial support of a teaching assistantship or a research assistantship in the summer. Applications that are completed by January 15 will automatically be considered for supplemental academic-year fellowships of up to $3,000, such as the Max Steckler Award. In addition, several full fellowships which do not require teaching are available for exceptionally well-qualified candidates. There are a number of Research Assistantships with no teaching duties that are intended for advanced students who are working on specific research projects.
The Faculty
The department has a faculty of over thirty-five mathematicians who collaborate closely with students in courses, research and other projects. Our faculty has achieved national prominence in mathematical research and education; you can learn more about our department by visiting the About UK Mathematics page, and learn more about the research interests of our faculty by visiting the Faculty Research Group pages. Research interests of faculty include areas of pure mathematics such as algebraic combinatorics, polytopes, algebraic geometry, commutative algebra, quadratic forms, algebraic topology, elliptic cohomology, mathematical physics, complex analysis, functional analysis, potential theory, non-linear partial differential equations, inverse problems, harmonic analysis, geometric scattering theory and more. In addition, we have an active applied program with interests in areas such as numerical linear algebra, numerical solution of partial differential equations, mathematical biology, and game theory/mathematical economics.
Lexington and the Bluegrass Region
Metropolitan Lexington is in the heart of the Bluegrass region and has a population of over 300,000. The area is known for its white-fenced horse farms, thoroughbred racing, a vibrant cultural life, and unspoiled natural beauty. Well served by the convenient Bluegrass Airport, the city is 80 miles south of Cincinnati, Ohio and 75 miles east of Louisville, Kentucky. Lexington is located near the Red River Gorge which provides opportunities for hiking, climbing, and other outdoor activities. 
Lexington is also one of the South's leading medical centers. All these amenities, combined with a very modest cost of living, make Lexington a pleasant community for working and living.
The University
The University of Kentucky, a land-grant university founded in 1865 and a Carnegie Doctoral/Research university, is the principal center for graduate and professional study in Kentucky. The University's 670 acre campus is located just south of downtown Lexington. Approximately 30,000 students are enrolled on campus, and nearly 8,000 of them are pursuing a graduate or professional degree.
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Information Requests, Contacts Professor Benjamin BraunDirector of Graduate Studies 831 Patterson Office Tower |
Ms. Rejeana CassadyDepartment Manager 719 Patterson Office Tower |
If you will be in Lexington, please feel free to visit the department and learn about our program. Contact the Director of Graduate Studies to arrange an appointment.
