PhD in Mathematics in Davis United States | University of California Davis

The Department's faculty members pursue research across diverse mathematical disciplines such as algebra, mathematical analysis, applied mathematics, combinatorial mathematics, differential geometry, topological geometry, harmonic analysis, biological mathematics, physics-related mathematics, numerical methods, partial differential equations, optimization and control systems, quantum computing, and representation theory. Graduate students in mathematics can specialize in any of these faculty-represented fields, spanning both theoretical and applied domains. Our Master's and doctoral programs offer comprehensive coursework and seminars across mathematical disciplines, with Ph.D. candidates conducting original dissertation research under faculty supervision. Typically, the Master's degree requires two years of study, while the doctoral program spans four to five years.

Our graduate program encompasses extensive research opportunities in areas including algebraic structures, analytical methods, applied mathematical techniques, combinatorial mathematics, differential geometry, topological studies, harmonic analysis, mathematical modeling in biology, mathematical physics, numerical analysis, partial differential equations, optimization theory, probability, quantum computing, and representation theory. Substantial student support comes from multiple funding sources, with approximately 90% of faculty receiving grants from federal institutions like the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and Departments of Defense and Energy. The Mathematics Department maintains an active research environment with weekly seminars covering fundamental and applied mathematics, featuring department colloquia and specialized seminars in applied mathematics, discrete mathematics, geometry/topology, mathematical physics, optimization, plus student-led discussions. While maintaining an intimate program size for personalized guidance, we provide the resources of a major graduate program - including extensive course options, research specializations, faculty advisors, library collections, computing facilities, and financial support.