The Department of Mathematical Science is teaming up with the MS in Data Science (MSDS) to offer two new dual degree programs.  The programs are the dual MSDS/Ph.D. in Mathematics and the dual MSDS/Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics.  These dual programs offer the rigor of the Ph.D. degrees but incorporate the exciting and in-demand data science skills and knowledge.

Figure 1. An ongoing project that extracts data from experiments and fits mathematical models to the data to produce new insights.

These programs require the completion of 33 credits for the MSDS and 57 credits for either Ph.D.  However, the dual degree programs allow sharing of credits between the two degrees so that far fewer than the combined total of 90 are needed to earn both degrees.  (Sharing of graduate credit like this is only allowed in dual degree programs.)   In the sample programs we have developed, a student should complete the coursework in three years.  This is one additional semester of coursework compared to the Ph.D. on its own. In addition, students can complete the dual degree programs while being teaching or research assistants in the Department of Mathematical Sciences.

The MSDS program officially opened in the fall of 2018 and has eight graduates.  Graduates have gone on to employment in various companies and continued to Ph.D. study in Geographical Sciences and Bioinformatics.

Figure 2. Math + Data = Great Work!

Currently, 50 students are enrolled, and the program is growing steadily.  The MSDS program can be combined into 4+1 Bachelors/MSDS dual degrees for current UD undergraduate students in various fields.  This interdisciplinary degree program is housed in the Graduate College and involves more than 60 faculty from all colleges in the University of Delaware.

The Ph.D. program in the Department of Mathematical Sciences was founded in 1965, and it was the seventh Ph.D. program founded in UD.  By 1969, the program had awarded its first Ph.D. degree.  Over 40 years, well over 100 students have received doctoral degrees in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics from the program.  Graduates have gone on to postdocs in places like Oxford, Caltech, U of Arizona, and U of Minnesota and to industry jobs at tech companies such as Google, Facebook, and Amazon.

The dual degree programs are considering applications for fall 2022 admission.  All requirements of both degrees must be met to obtain the dual degree.  Though it is an option, a thesis is not required for the MSDS in the dual degree program.   A thesis with original research is still required for the Ph.D. component.  Further details on the dual degree programs can be found in the program policy statement  and the University graduate catalog (Mathematics; Applied Mathematics)