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The Department of Mathematical Science is teaming up with the Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) to offer two new dual degree programs: the MSDS/PhD in Mathematics and the MSDS/PhD in Applied Mathematics. These dual programs not only offer the rigor of a doctoral degree, but also incorporate the exciting and in-demand skills and knowledge of data science.
Individually, the MSDS program requires the completion of 33 credits and either doctoral degree requires 57 credits. However, the dual degree programs allow sharing of credits between the two degrees so that far fewer than the combined total of 90 credits is needed to earn both degrees. Sharing of graduate credits in this fashion is only allowed in dual degree programs. In the sample programs the department has developed, a student should be able to complete the coursework in three years. This time frame is one additional semester of coursework compared to a stand-alone PhD. Students can complete the dual degree programs while serving as teaching or research assistants in the Department of Mathematical Sciences.
The MSDS program officially launched in the fall of 2018 and has so far had eight graduates. Graduates have gone on to employment at a variety of companies and continued on to doctoral studies in geographical sciences or bioinformatics. 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 a variety of fields. This interdisciplinary degree program is housed in the Graduate College and involves more than 60 faculty from all the colleges within the University of Delaware.
The seventh doctoral program founded at UD, the PhD program in the Department of Mathematical Sciences was founded in 1965. By 1969, the program had awarded its first doctoral degree. Over more than 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 such as the University of Oxford, California Institute of Technology, University of Arizona and University of Minnesota, and to industry jobs at technology 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 PhD component. Further details on the dual degree programs can be found in the program policy statement and in the University graduate catalog (Mathematics; Applied Mathematics).
