Department of Mathematics

Dear Prospective Graduate Student:

I would like to take this opportunity to give you an idea of the "flavor" of our program, and how it is to be distinguished from other regional graduate programs in mathematics.

Our faculty is a dynamic mix of young and more senior mathematicians who are fully committed to training and mentoring our 40-plus graduate students to become experts in various areas of mathematics. We offer Teaching and Research Assistantships and award both Masters and Ph.Ds, but most importantly we endeavor to communicate the joy of doing mathematics. It is easy nowadays to be distracted by the myriad of career choices and new scientific disciplines, some of which last a few years and are then quickly discarded. Classical mathematics is a fast and ever-changing field that offers new and fascinating challenges to whomever is inclined to analytical and original thinking. As you might have realized already in your studies, mathematics does not only consist of mere calculus and computations geared towards the solution of daily problems. Although practicality makes up for a large reason of mathematics' undying successes, experts in the field are also attracted by the pursuit of new truths and of beautiful proofs, by original arguments and ingenious mental constructions. We are ever fascinated by the engaging phenomena of rich and diverse mathematical structures and would like to communicate this passion to you.

Our graduate program in mathematics is based on the "Subdisciplinary Model," that is, the clustering of graduate students, postdoctoral associates and faculty working on research topics in Algebra, Number Theory, Topology and Geometry of Manifolds, Partial Differential Equations, Operator Algebras, Representation Theory, Complex and Harmonic Analysis, and Probability Theory. The main advantage of the Subdisciplinary Model over traditional, broader programs is that the clustering of students and faculty working on related topics enables them to assist each other in achieving their common goals. Furthermore, clustering provides students with the academic and mentoring opportunities commensurate with much larger programs, but with the added benefit of frequent and personal contact with the graduate faculty.

If you are genuinely interested in studying graduate-level mathematics in a nationally-recognized program but in a relaxed environment with many opportunities for close contact with the faculty, I encourage you to strongly consider our program. To receive a packet of information, including application forms and specific admission requirements, please contact our graduate studies administrative assistant, Penny Crawford, at math@math.ksu.edu or (785)532-0556. If at any point you have questions about any aspect of our program, the university or the surroundings, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,