Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics for the Life and Social Sciences FAQs
Q: What is the Applied Math for the Life and Social Sciences Ph.D. degree?
A: Whether we like it or not, the world is becoming ever more interconnected, interdependent and complex. This ever-shrinking global village will require scholars and researchers with a comprehensive outlook in analyzing and resolving complex problems. It will no longer be sufficient to have mastery in particular areas, disciplines or fields of study. Contemporary inquiry and discovery are making previously specialized fields symbiotic and interdisciplinary in nature. With this in mind, the task of the AMLSS Ph.D. program is to tear down conventional boundaries among disciplines in the life and social sciences while helping students develop knowledge and skills necessary for independent research on the essential scientific questions confronting the present and the future times.
Q: Who is the ideal AMLSS Ph.D. student?
A: The ideal AMLSS Ph.D. student is gifted, enthusiastic and exceedingly motivated to teach and learn. S/he must be willing to work autonomously and collaboratively. S/he must be able to take directions, supervision and constructive criticism without becoming disconcerted. Our faculty appreciate hardworking, responsive and accountable students who want to work closely with faculty. We hope that the best graduate students complete the program on time and with distinction.
Q: What degree will I graduate with?
A: A Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics for the Life and Social Sciences.
Q: Do I need a master’s degree before beginning a Ph.D. program?
A: No! The AMLSS Ph.D. program admits students with master’s degrees or post-baccalaureate graduates in related fields. However, a majority of the students are admitted with a baccalaureate, and they continue into a Ph.D. program with a master’s degree in passing where necessary.
Q: What if I am new to the field?
A: Applicants with degrees in non-related disciplines may have some deficiencies noted on their admission letter from the
Q: What are some of the baccalaureate degrees of current AMLSS Ph.D. students?
A: Computer science, physics, information systems, mathematics, engineering and chemistry are some of the undergraduate program areas of current AMLSS Ph.D. students.
Q: What are the
A: The Graduate College policies and procedures can be found online.
Q: Where do I go to find admission material?
A: Visit the admission section of the Graduate College Web site.
Q: When should I apply?
A: The application deadline is January 1 for admission in the fall of that year. There are no spring admissions. It is recommended that you have your application, transcripts, test scores and application fee to the
Q: When will I be notified of admissions?
A: Students can track their admission status via the My ASU Web site. Typically, all students are notified before the end of April.
Q: What is the admission committee looking for in prospective students?
A: The admissions committee is keen on identifying outstanding applicants who will become important researchers and leaders in the field. Students with a strong academic background in a relevant field and a statement of purpose that clearly identifies a research trajectory are preferred. We aim to admit students with similar research interests to one or more of our current faculty; this helps to ensure that we have the resources to work with a student once admitted. For this reason, we encourage potential applicants to look over the list of affiliated faculty and correspond directly with those who have similar research interests to their own prior to filling out the application. Such correspondence can be valuable, both to help determine possible fit with the program and to tailor the statement of purpose in the application.
Q: What is the application process like?
A: The program is prestigious and highly competitive. Completing your admissions requirements in a timely and thorough fashion increases your chances for selection. Be aware of the following information.
- Applications to the school go through the
- Once the Graduate College Admissions office receives the online application, students are notified of their asurite id and activation code through an acknowledgement, sent by the Graduate College Admissions office within 48 hours of initial receipt of the application. If you have submitted an application and have not received this code, please contact the Graduate College Admissions office via e-mail or phone (480-965-6113).
- Applicants are then able to interactively track the status of their application materials, including missing and pending documents, and can obtain up-to-date information on the routing of the application. Application status can be checked online at My ASU through secure login using the applicant's asurite id and password.
Q: What application materials are required by the
A: The required forms are found on the Graduate College's Graduate Degree Applicants page. Supplemental materials for the
Statement of intent: A personal narrative (normally no longer than three pages) indicating the applicant's interest, previous academic and practical background, as well as personal and professional educational objectives.
Letters of recommendation. A minimum of three letters of recommendation in support of the applicant must be submitted with the application materials. The references should be from professionals or educators familiar with the applicant's experience and capability for graduate work.
International students have additional requirements. These requirements can be found on the
· Meet the regulations of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
· Obtain insurance coverage against illness and accidents
· Verify financial resources to cover study expenses in the
· Those from countries whose native tongue is not English must pass TOEFL
Q: What is the average GRE score for admitted students?
A: There is no established minimum GRE score, as students are evaluated by the entirety of their application. Generally speaking, GRE scores for admitted students fall between 1100 and 1500.
Q: Can I attend the AMLSS program on a part-time basis (i.e., evenings or weekends)?
A: No. At this time we are encouraging students to attend classes on a full-time basis.
Q: How long would it take me to complete the AMLSS Ph.D. program?
A: Generally speaking, it can be completed within 3 - 5 years of full-time study.
Q: When does my Plan of Study have to be completed?
A: Depending on the time of the year of submission, the POS can take several weeks to several months to complete the full cycle of the approval process. All POSs must be submitted no later than the semester before taking the comprehensive examination. It is recommended to submit one by the time you have enrolled for 50 percent of the minimum credit hours required towards your degree.
Q: How do I identify my supervisory committee?
A: Upon the approval of the head of the academic unit, the
Q: Who is the chair?
A: A chair is typically a faculty member whose expertise is in your chosen area of study. Once this faculty has agreed to serve as your chair, s/he will meet with you to identify potential members for the committee. At least one faculty member from the co-discipline must also be a member of this committee. It works best for you if you identify your chair and a faculty member from your co-discipline, and the three of you meet to identify the remainder of your committee. Faculty members are strategically selected to serve on your committee based on the technical needs you may encounter completing your dissertation. For example, you may need to select a statistician to be on your committee if none of the other faculty has that as an area of expertise.
Q: Is there funding for me?
A: There are a limited number of research and teaching assistantships awarded on a competitive basis; these assistantships provide tuition waivers, a stipend and student health insurance. This type of funding is contingent on satisfactory academic progress, including time to degree and the recommendations of the program director and the student's dissertation chair. We encourage applicants to investigate assistantships and graduate fellowships in the Mathematical Sciences (http://www.ams.org/employment/agfforms.html), the National Science Foundation (http://www.nsf.gov/) and the Graduate College's financial support services.
Q: What is the policy for maintaining satisfactory progress?
A: A student who has been admitted into the AMLSS Ph.D. degree program must maintain a 3.2 or higher grade point average (GPA) at all times in the following categories:
- all coursework taken for graduate credit (courses numbered 500 and above),
- all coursework in the student’s approved program of study and
- all coursework taken at ASU (overall GPA) at the post-baccalaureate level.
Students whose Graduate or Plan of Study GPA falls below 3.00 will automatically be disqualified from the AMLSS Ph.D. program. In addition, students develop a research program approved by their graduate committee and must maintain visible progress in carrying out that program.
Q: How many students apply each year and how many are accepted?
A: It varies from year to year but the program is very competitive, and we select the best applicants.
For more information on graduate studies, please consult the Graduate College Web site.
