The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers graduate programs leading to the master's and Ph.D. degrees in both applied mathematics and statistics. The department has had an active graduate program in applied mathematics since 1970. It expanded to include a full graduate program in statistics in 1984. The strength of these programs lies in its graduate faculty, who are actively engaged in research in applications of mathematics and statistics in a wide variety of real-world problems, as well as in investigations of fundamental and theoretical questions. The faculty designs and implements courses and curricula with emphasis on innovative research directed toward practical applications, as mandated by the charter from the University System of Maryland Board of Regents.

Both the applied mathematics and statistics programs are intended for those students who are interested in pursuing an advanced degree and who have earned the equivalent of a bachelor's or master's degree in mathematics, statistics or in other mathematically oriented disciplines. Students who already hold a master's degree may apply and enter the doctoral program directly. The doctoral programs provide training suitable for employment in academia, industrial research and development organizations, as well as research-oriented government agencies. The master's degree programs provide training in applications of mathematics and statistics in areas suitable for employment in industry or government agencies. They also can serve as preparatory steps toward advancing to a Ph.D. program.

The department offers doctoral study in a broad spectrum of both classical and modern applied mathematics and statistics. Admission to this program presupposes a strong background in mathematics and/or statistics. Doctoral students continue with advanced study and dissertation research, with specialization in any of the departmental fields or in an interdisciplinary area.

Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree Programs
Every entering student will have a Ph.D. program advisor. The program advisor will determine if the student needs to complete any specific courses before he or she proceeds along the following steps:

1. A Ph.D.-level pass on the department's written comprehensive examinations. For students in the Applied Mathematics program, the examinations are based on the subjects of MATH 601, MATH 611, MATH 620, MATH 630 and MATH 650. For students in the statistics program, the examinations are based on the subjects of STAT 601, STAT 602, STAT 611 and STAT 612. The examinations must be passed within three semesters of entering the Ph.D. program.
2. Passing the Ph.D. qualifying oral examination.
3. Admission to candidacy.
4. Completing residency requirements of the university.
5. Completing and successfully defending a Ph.D. dissertation.

Please visit UMBC PhD Biostatistics Track webpage for details about the newly added biostatistics track in the statistics PhD program