The progress toward the degree is measured differently depending on whether the student is a PhD or an MS student and the number of years the student has spent in the program.
The academic progress of first-year students in either the PhD or MS program is determined by their performance in classes, using both grades and reports from instructors.
Second-year Mathematics PhD students are expected to have passed the Advanced Calculus/Linear algebra exam or the 1-credit course Math 690C by the start of their second year. They are expected to have passed two other written exams by January of their second year. Second-year Statistics PhD students are expected to have attempted three Basic Exams by August preceding their second year and have passed all three at the PhD level by January of their second year.
Third-year Mathematics PhD students are expected to have formed an oral examination committee during the fall semester and to have passed their oral examination by the mid-semester date of the spring semester. Third year Statistics PhD students are expected to have attempted the Advanced written Exam by August preceding their third year. They are strongly encouraged to finish their oral exam by August before their third year as well. They are required to have passed both of these exams by January of their third year.
Once PhD students have completed all examination requirements, they are expected to choose a dissertation advisor. With the advisor’s guidance, they then must declare a dissertation Committee and submit a dissertation Proposal as described in the Statute of Limitations section.
The academic progress of PhD students in their fourth and fifth year shall be measured by their progress in their dissertation research as reported by the dissertation advisor to the GPD, and as reported on the student's Doctoral Progress Report.