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• Department of Mathematics

Chicago, IL

Department of Mathematics / Department of Mathematics is located in Chicago, IL, in an urban setting.

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Department of Mathematics

Joint phd program in mathematics and computer science.

In Winter 2018, the Department of Mathematics and the Department of Computer Science launched a joint program through which participating students can earn the degree

The basic structure is that students must gain admission to both PhD programs and satisfy both sets of course requirements. They write a single dissertation that satisfies both programs.

While the program is open to all eligible students, we expect that at least initially it will be most popular among students working in CS Theory, Discrete Mathematics, and Mathematical Logic.

Each student in this program will have a primary program (either Mathematics or Computer Science). Throughout the course of studies, the primary program will provide administrative support to the student, including in matters regarding financial support.

To be admitted to the joint program, students will have to be admitted by both departments as follows.

Application before entering the PhD program

The applicant must apply to the primary program indicating in the application that he/she wishes to be considered for the joint program. If admitted to the primary program, the application will be automatically forwarded to the Graduate Admissions Committee of the secondary program. To be assisted in making the decision, the Graduate Admissions Committee of the secondary program may request from the applicant additional materials in accordance with customs and rules of its department.

Application after entering the PhD program

Students enrolled in either the Mathematics or the Computer Science PhD program may apply to the joint program during the first four years in their current program. If admitted to the joint program, their current program will be primary.

Such an applicant must submit the following material to the Director of Graduate Studies/Graduate Committee Chair of the intended secondary program, while notifying the Director of Graduate Studies/Graduate Committee Chair of the primary program:

• statement of purpose, explaining why the joint program is the right program for the applicant
• statement of coursework and research done so far
• statement of a schedule how the applicant proposes to satisfy the secondary program's requirements
• advisor's recommendation, including endorsement of the applicant's statements (items 2, 3, 4 above)
• if the application occurs during the first year of the primary program, the applicant needs to provide two additional letters of recommendation and his/her undergraduate transcript. It is permitted to reuse material from the application to the primary program.

Requirements, monitoring

Course requirements.

Students enrolling in the joint program will need to satisfy the course requirements of both departments. They will have to satisfy the course requirements of their primary program on the schedule of that program, and satisfy the course requirements of their secondary program by the end of their fifth year in the primary program.

According to current rules, two of the CS electives can be courses offered by the Mathematics department. These courses are permitted to overlap with the Mathematics course requirements.

Exam Requirements

Students in the joint program shall fulfill the examination requirements of the primary program; the current list of requirements can be found at

• Computer Science Requirements
• Mathematics Requirements

For students participating in the joint program, the deadlines for these exams can be relaxed by petitioning the Director of Graduate Studies/Graduate Committee Chair of the primary program.

Monitoring student progress

Students' annual progress reports go to both departments' Director of Graduate Studies/Graduate Committee Chair in accordance with each department's format.

PhD dissertation and defense

Subject of the dissertation.

The dissertation is expected to be in an area relevant to both fields.

PhD thesis defense

The scheduling of the PhD Thesis defense follows the Mathematics Department's custom as follows.

• A nearly final draft of the thesis is made accessible to faculty at least two weeks prior to the defense, either in hard copy in the departmental office or, preferably, by posting on the internet.
• The dissertation is reviewed in writing by two readers, one of whom is typically the thesis advisor.
• The reports by the first and the second readers are circulated among faculty of both departments, along with the Thesis abstract and the following information: the location (physical or virtual) where the thesis can be viewed, the planned time and location of the defense, and the names and affiliations of the thesis committee members.
• There is a two-week period for comments by faculty before the admission of the thesis for defense.

The thesis defense itself consist of a 50-minute public presentation of the main results and methods of the dissertation, followed by a public question-answer period, followed by a closed-session question-answer period.

Oversight, committees

The program proceeds under joint Math-CS oversight, exercised by the Director of Graduate Studies/Graduate Committee Chair of each department.

Examination committees

The following rules apply to all examination committees (Qualifying/Topic Exam, Master's, Candidacy, and PhD). The committee will consist of at least three members, including the student's advisor(s). It will include at least one member of each department, and will either be chaired by a joint appointee of the two departments or co-chaired by a member of each department. Each department shall publicize these exams in accordance with its established customs.

Department of Mathematics

Spring 2023 courses.

For a current list of Mathematics graduate courses please visit the Registrar's page.  Graduate courses are normally numbered 300(00) and above. 

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Nidia Banuelos, PhD'16, Sociology

“When I came to graduate school, I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to study: only that I wanted to be a sociologist. The sociology department here encourages interdisciplinary, exploration, and experimentation. Because none of the faculty impose their own research interests on students, we are given the freedom to develop our own interests and also, to seek advice from different fields when useful. This style of advising is great for people who are self–motivated and interested in situating their work at the intersection of multiple fields.”

Fay Zhao, MS'14, Financial Mathematics

“My undergraduate program focused on the basic courses in mathematics. In order to get into finance with a quantitative focus, I needed graduate–level math and exposure to the financial industry and market. UChicago's FinMath Program gave me that extra leg up.”

Francisco Najera, PhD Candidate, History

“I wanted to study history because I believe in the power that understanding our past represents for navigating our present. I am interested in immigration and social movements, issues that are deeply embedded in the history of our country and which hold both promise and challenges for the foreseeable future. The city of Chicago has been an incredible laboratory in which to study this history, and the University of Chicago has been a leader in doing just that.”

Alyssa O'Connor, JD'16, Law School

“I chose UChicago because I was looking for a tight–knit campus experience with big–city extracurricular and cultural opportunities. Living in Hyde Park, I feel part of an engaging and unique academic environment. At the same time, being so close to the city has allowed me to expand my professional network, get real world job experience, and enjoy the vibrant metropolis that is Chicago!”

Kate Mariner, PhD'15, Anthropology

“During my first couple years of graduate school, I attended the Faculty of Color Panels, which were instrumental in allowing me to envision myself as a future faculty member. I think this kind of programming is essential to provide support and mentorship to students of color on campus, and to provide invaluable mentoring experience to graduate students who can then mobilize those mentoring skills as they become faculty, in order to support the next generation of scholars of color.”

Lauren Howard, PhD'15, Psychology

“I am constantly amazed at how the University of Chicago continues to focus on graduate student education and lifestyles. They offer so many opportunities to learn about career options, to network with other students or faculty, to get into the community, and to lead a happy life while you are still in graduate school. This holistic model of support allows students the freedom to really excel and explore their research interests.”

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Committee on Computational and Applied Mathematics

How to apply, phd application requirements.

The deadline to submit admissions applications to the PhD program along with required accompanying documents for Fall 2024 is  January 9, 2024 . The application portal is open . If you have any questions regarding admission, please send your inquiry to Jonathan G. Rodriguez at [email protected] .

MS Application Requirements

For details regarding applying to the Masters program, please visit https://voices.uchicago.edu/cammasters/prospectivestudents/ .

The deadline to submit admissions applications to the Master's program along with required accompanying documents for Fall 2024 is  January 31, 2024 . The application portal is open . If you have any questions regarding admission, please send your inquiry to Jonathan G. Rodriguez at [email protected] .

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Contacts | Program of Study | Placement | Program Requirements | Summaries of Requirements | Grading | Honors | Minor Program in Mathematics | Paris Mathematics Program | Joint Degree Programs | Mathematics Courses

Department Website: http://mathematics.uchicago.edu

Program of Study

The Department of Mathematics provides an environment of research and comprehensive instruction in mathematics and applied mathematics at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

At the undergraduate level, we offer four degrees: a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Mathematics, a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mathematics, a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics, and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with Specialization in Economics. Students in other fields of study may also complete a minor in mathematics; information for the minor follows the description of the major.

The requirements for a degree in mathematics or in applied mathematics express the educational intent of the Department of Mathematics; they are drawn with an eye toward the cumulative character of an education based in mathematics, the present emerging state of mathematics, and the scholarly and professional prerequisites for an academic career in mathematics.

Requirements for each bachelor's degree look to the advancement of students' general education in modern mathematics and their understanding of its relation to the other sciences (BS) or to the other arts (BA).

Descriptions of the detailed requirements that give meaning to these educational intentions follow. Students should understand that any particular degree requirement can be modified if persuasive reasons are presented to the department; petitions to modify requirements are submitted to one of the Co-Directors of Undergraduate Studies. Students should note that only one undergraduate degree may be earned from the Department of Mathematics. 

At what level does an entering student begin mathematics at the University of Chicago? The College and the Department of Mathematics offer several placement exams to help determine the appropriate starting point for each entering student. During the summer and through Orientation Week, there are three such exams:

• The Online Mathematics Placement Test (must be taken by all entering students)
• The Higher-Level Mathematics Placement Exam
• The Calculus Accreditation Exam

The Online Mathematics Placement Test must be taken (once) by each  entering student in the summer prior to matriculation. The other two exams are offered later in the summer, and students may be invited to take one or the other on the basis of their success on the Online Mathematics Placement Test.

All students are eligible to take MATH 11200 Studies In Mathematics I or MATH 11300 Studies In Mathematics-2 (or various other courses in Statistics and Computer Science) in order to satisfy the general education requirement in the mathematical sciences.

For students interested in taking Calculus, the following placements are possible based on the Online Mathematics Placement Test:

• MATH 10500 Fundamental Mathematics I
• MATH 13100 Elem Functions and Calculus I
• MATH 15100 Calculus I
• MATH 15200 Calculus II
• MATH 15300 Calculus III , or MATH 15250 Mathematical Methods for Economic Analysis , or MATH 18300 Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences I , or MATH 19620 Linear Algebra

Completing the first two quarters of Calculus (MATH 13100-13200 or MATH 15100-15200 or MATH 16100-16200 or MATH 16110-16210) satisfies the general education requirement, as does completing any higher-level course, which then confers back credit for the first two quarters of Calculus. Additionally, completing MATH 15200 confers back credit for MATH 15100.

MATH 10500 is recommended for students who need MATH 13100-13200 in their degree programs but do not place into MATH 13100. Such students should take MATH 10500-13100-13200 in their first year. MATH 10500 counts as a general elective and does not count toward the general education requirement in the mathematical sciences.

MATH 13100-13200-13300 and MATH 15100-15200-15300 are the standard Calculus sequences. The former is intended for students with little or no Calculus background, and the course has thrice-weekly lectures and twice-weekly tutorials as required parts of the course. The latter is intended for students with some Calculus background who demonstrate adequate readiness on the placement test.

For social sciences students interested in economics, the Economics Department recommends taking MATH 15250 after MATH 15200 and before MATH 15300. Thus, economics students with the highest-level Online placement should begin in MATH 15250 (unless they are also interested in one of the physical sciences majors listed below). Economics students with a MATH 13100 placement should take the full MATH 13100-13200-13300 sequence before taking MATH 15250.

Physical sciences students interested in the chemistry, biochemistry, physics, astrophysics, molecular engineering, and/or statistics majors should not take MATH 15250 or MATH 15300 or MATH 19620; instead, they should take the MATH 18300-18400-18500-18600 sequence. To take MATH 18300, a student should have completed MATH 15200 or have earned the highest-level Online placement. Students with an AP Calculus BC score of 5 or an International Baccalaureate Mathematics HL score of 7 will also be invited to begin in MATH 18300, but these scores do not supersede the Online placement, and the MATH 18300 invitation is not equivalent to the (higher) MATH 15300/15250/18300/19620 placement.

Additionally, students who receive a sufficiently high score on the Online Mathematics Placement Test, as well as students who earn a score of 5 on the AP Calculus BC exam or a score of 7 on the International Baccalaureate HL exam, will also receive an invitation to enroll in MATH 16100 Honors Calculus I  or  MATH 16110 Honors Calculus I (IBL) . These are the first courses in the  MATH 16100-16200-16300 Honors Calculus I-II-III  and  MATH 16110-16210-16310 Honors Calculus I (IBL); Honors Calculus II (IBL); Honors Calculus III (IBL)  sequences, which are highly theoretical courses that best prepare students for further study in pure mathematics, although they are also taken by many students other than mathematics majors. Students who begin in  MATH 16100 Honors Calculus I  or  MATH 16110 Honors Calculus I (IBL)  forgo credit for  MATH 15100 Calculus I  and/or  MATH 15200 Calculus II .

On the basis of the Online Mathematics Placement Test results, namely, by achieving the highest-level Online placement, students may also be invited to take one of the other two exams.

The Calculus Accreditation Exam is for students who do not plan to take  further  mathematics at the University of Chicago but who wish to earn credit for  MATH 15100-15200 Calculus I-II . Most students with Online placement of MATH 15300/15250/18300/19620 earn back credit for MATH 15100 and 15200 by their successful completion of the higher course. But, if such a course is not part of a student's academic plan, they can nevertheless earn back credit for MATH 15100 and 15200 by passing the Calculus Accreditation Exam.

The Higher-Level Mathematics Placement Exam is for students who would like to begin their mathematics coursework at the University of Chicago in a higher-level course than MATH 15300/15250/18300/19620. On the basis of this exam, a student may receive placement into:

• MATH 15910 Introduction to Proofs in Analysis
• MATH 20250 Abstract Linear Algebra
• MATH 20300 Analysis in Rn I , or MATH 20310 Analysis in Rn I (accelerated) , or MATH 20320 Analysis in Rn I (IBL)

A small number of students each year receive an invitation to enroll in MATH 20700 Honors Analysis in Rn I . Admission to this course is by invitation only to those first-year students with superior performance on the Higher-Level Mathematics Placement Exam or to those second-years with an excellent record in MATH 16100-16200-16300 Honors Calculus I-II-III or MATH 16110-16210-16310 Honors Calculus I (IBL); Honors Calculus II (IBL); Honors Calculus III (IBL) .

Students who are granted three quarters of calculus placement on the basis of the Higher-Level Mathematics Placement Exam and who do not qualify for admission to MATH 20700 Honors Analysis in Rn I will place into one of the courses in the list above. Such students may also consult with one of the Co-Directors of Undergraduate Studies about the option of beginning with MATH 16100 Honors Calculus I or MATH 16110 Honors Calculus I (IBL) , so that they would be eligible for admission to Honors Analysis the following year.

Students who submit a score of 5 on the Calculus AB Advanced Placement exam in mathematics receive placement into MATH 15100 Calculus I . Students who submit scores of 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus BC exam or a 7 on the International Baccalaureate Higher Level Calculus exam receive placement into MATH 15200 Calculus II . Currently, we do not offer course credit or placement for British A-level or O-level examinations.

Program Requirements

Undergraduate programs.

Four bachelor's degrees are available in the Department of Mathematics: the BA in mathematics, the BS in mathematics, the BS in applied mathematics, and the BS in mathematics with specialization in economics. Programs qualifying students for the BA degree provide more elective freedom. Programs qualifying students for the BS degrees require more emphasis on the physical sciences, while the BS in mathematics with specialization in economics has its own set of specialized courses with more electives in economics in place of electives in the physical sciences. All degree programs, whether qualifying students for a degree in mathematics or in applied mathematics, require fulfilling the College's general education requirements. The general education sequence in the physical sciences must be selected from either first-year chemistry or first-year physics.

Except for the BS in mathematics with specialization in economics, each degree requires at least five courses outside mathematics. (Detailed descriptions follow for each degree.) These courses must be within the Physical Sciences Collegiate Division (PSCD).

• One of these courses must complete the three-quarter sequence in basic chemistry or basic physics.
• Astrophysics (ASTR 20500 or above, except not 21700, 22060, or 23500)
• Computer Science (CMSC 12100 or above, except not 29512)
• Data Science (DATA 21100 or above)
• Geophysical Sciences (all GEOS courses not cross-listed as PHSC, except also not 27300 or 29600)
• Molecular Engineering (all MENG courses except 20300, 22200, 22400, 23140, 23150, or 23500)
• Statistics (STAT 22000 or above)
• Graduate courses from these departments may also be used to fulfill these requirements.

Please note in particular the different requirements outside of mathematics described below in the degree program for the BS in mathematics with specialization in economics.

Degree Programs in Mathematics

All students who are majoring in mathematics are required to complete the following courses, with additional requirements that are specific to the four degrees offered:

• A three-quarter Calculus sequence or equivalent competence as demonstrated on the Higher-Level placement exam
• Either  MATH 16300 Honors Calculus III  or  MATH 16310 Honors Calculus III (IBL)  as the third quarter of the calculus sequence or  MATH 15910 Introduction to Proofs in Analysis
• The linear algebra course  MATH 20250 Abstract Linear Algebra
• ​ MATH 20300-20400-20500 Analysis in Rn I-II-III
• MATH 20310-20410-20510 Analysis in Rn I (accelerated); Analysis in Rn II (accelerated); Analysis in Rn III (accelerated)
• MATH 20320-20420-20520 Analysis in Rn I-II-III (IBL)
• MATH 20700-20800-20900 Honors Analysis in Rn I-II-III
• MATH 25400-25500 Basic Algebra I-II
• MATH 25700-25800-25900 Honors Basic Algebra I-II-III

Students may not use both  MATH 15910 Introduction to Proofs in Analysis  and  MATH 16300 Honors Calculus III / MATH 16310 Honors Calculus III (IBL)  to satisfy major or minor requirements.

For students whose first mathematics course at the University of Chicago is  MATH 20700 Honors Analysis in Rn I , the MATH 15910 Introduction to Proofs in Analysis / MATH 16300 Honors Calculus III / MATH 16310 Honors Calculus III (IBL) requirement is waived entirely.

Candidates for the BA and BS in mathematics take at least one course in basic algebra. BA candidates may opt for the first quarter of either the regular or the honors sequence ( MATH 25400-25500 Basic Algebra I-II or MATH 25700-25800-25900 Honors Basic Algebra I-II-III ), whereas candidates for the BS degree must take the first two quarters of one of the two sequences.

The remaining mathematics courses needed in the programs (three for the BA, two for the BS) must be selected, with due regard for prerequisites, from the following list of approved mathematics courses. Note that STAT 25100 Introduction to Mathematical Probability or STAT 25150 Introduction to Mathematical Probability-A also meet the requirement. BA candidates may include MATH 25500 Basic Algebra II or MATH 25800 Honors Basic Algebra II  as one of these three. All three mathematics courses in the Paris Mathematics program each Spring Quarter also meet this requirement.

List of Approved Courses

With an exception (see below) in the BS in mathematics with specialization in economics, no course from any professional school or program—including the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago, and Financial Mathematics—may be used to satisfy requirements for an undergraduate degree in mathematics.

BS candidates are further required to select a minor field, which consists of three additional courses that are outside the Department of Mathematics and are within the same department in the Physical Sciences Collegiate Division (PSCD). Please see the second paragraph under "Program Requirements" above for more details.

Summaries of Requirements

Summary of requirements: mathematics ba, summary of requirements: mathematics bs, degree program in applied mathematics.

Candidates for the BS in applied mathematics all take prescribed courses in numerical analysis, algebra, complex variables, ordinary differential equations, and partial differential equations. In addition, candidates are required to take six courses outside of Mathematics but within the Physical Sciences Collegiate Division (PSCD), with three of these six comprising a secondary field in a single PSCD department.

Summary of Requirements: BS in Applied Mathematics

Degree program in mathematics with specialization in economics.

This program is a version of the BS in mathematics. The BS degree is in mathematics with the designation "with specialization in economics" included on the final transcript. Candidates are required to complete a yearlong sequence in calculus, MATH 15910 Introduction to Proofs in Analysis if the calculus sequence did not terminate with MATH 16300 Honors Calculus III / MATH 16310 Honors Calculus III (IBL) , the one-quarter course  MATH 20250 Abstract Linear Algebra , a yearlong sequence in analysis ( MATH 20300-20400-20500 Analysis in Rn I-II-III or MATH 20310-20410-20510 Analysis in Rn I (accelerated); Analysis in Rn II (accelerated); Analysis in Rn III (accelerated) or MATH 20700-20800-20900 Honors Analysis in Rn I-II-III ), and one quarter of abstract algebra ( MATH 25400 Basic Algebra I or MATH 25700 Honors Basic Algebra I ), and earn a grade of at least C– in each course. Students must also take STAT 25100 Introduction to Mathematical Probability or STAT 25150 Introduction to Mathematical Probability-A . The remaining two mathematics courses must be among the following six: MATH 27000 Basic Complex Variables , MATH 27100 Measure and Integration ,  MATH 27200 Basic Functional Analysis , MATH 27300 Basic Theory of Ordinary Differential Equations ,  MATH 23500 Markov Chains, Martingales, and Brownian Motion , or MATH 26200 Point-Set Topology . A C average or higher must be earned in these two courses.

In addition to the third quarter of basic chemistry or basic physics, the eight courses required outside the Department of Mathematics must include STAT 23400 Statistical Models and Methods or STAT 24400 Statistical Theory and Methods I . The remaining seven courses should be in the Department of Economics and must include ECON 20000-20100-20200 The Elements of Economic Analysis I-II-III or ECON 20010 - ECON 20110 - ECON 20210 The Elements of Economic Analysis: Honors I-II-III and either ECON 21020 Econometrics or ECON 21030 Econometrics - Honors . The remaining three courses may be chosen from any undergraduate economics course numbered higher than ECON 20210 The Elements of Economic Analysis III Honors , except for ECON 21010 Statistical Methods in Economics . Courses with an ECMA designation may also be counted among these. A University of Chicago Booth School of Business course may be considered for elective credit if the course requires the equivalent of ECON 20100 as a prerequisite and is numbered as Chicago Booth 40000 or higher. Additionally, the course must pertain to the application of economic theory to a course subject that is not offered by the Department of Economics. Courses such as accounting, investments, and entrepreneurship will not be considered for economics elective credit. Consideration for elective credit must be done by petition before a student registers for the course. There will be no retroactive consideration for credit. Students must earn a grade of C or higher in each course taken in economics to be eligible for this degree.

It is recommended that students considering graduate work in economics use some of their electives to include at least one programming course ( CMSC 15100 Introduction to Computer Science I is strongly recommended) and an additional course in statistics ( STAT 24400-24500 Statistical Theory and Methods I-II or STAT 24410 Statistical Theory and Methods Ia and STAT 24500 Statistical Theory and Methods II are appropriate two-quarter sequences). Students planning to apply to graduate economics programs are strongly encouraged to meet with one of the economics undergraduate program directors before the beginning of their third year.

Summary of Requirements: BS in Mathematics with Specialization in Economics

Pass/fail grades.

Subject to College grading requirements and grading requirements for the major and with consent of instructor, students may take any mathematics course beyond the second quarter of Calculus for either a quality grade or for P/F grading. In mathematics, a grade of Pass is given only for work of C- quality or higher. Pass/Fail grading must be requested by the Friday of the ninth week of classes. The request should be in writing, and it must be communicated to the instructor. Once requested, a grade of Pass cannot be changed into a quality grade. It is the responsibility of the student to be sure that a grade of Pass is in compliance with their degree requirements. 

Courses in the Mathematics Major

All courses taken to meet requirements in the mathematics major must be taken for quality grades. A grade of C- or higher must be earned in each Calculus, analysis, or algebra course (including MATH 20250); and an overall grade average of C or higher must be earned in the remaining mathematics courses that a student uses to meet requirements for the major. Students must earn a grade of C or higher in each course taken in economics for the degree in mathematics with a specialization in economics. Mathematics or applied mathematics students may take any 20000-level mathematics courses elected beyond program requirements for P/F grading.

Incomplete Grades

Grades of Incomplete are given in the Department of Mathematics only to those students who have completed the large majority of the course work at passing quality and who are unable to complete some small portion of the course work by the end of the quarter. Arrangements are made between the instructor and the student in coordination with College Advising.

Withdrawals

Requests for Withdrawal grades should be submitted through College Advising and do not require the permission of the instructor. The request must be made by 5 p.m. the Monday of the ninth week of instruction or before the final work of the course is due, whichever is earlier.

The BA or BS with honors is awarded to students who, while meeting requirements for one of the mathematics degrees, also meet the following requirements: (1) a GPA of 3.25 or higher in mathematics courses and a 3.0 or higher overall; (2) no grade below C- and no grade of W in any mathematics course; (3) completion of at least one honors sequence (either MATH 20700-20800-20900 Honors Analysis in Rn I-II-III or MATH 25700-25800-25900 Honors Basic Algebra I-II-III ) with grades of B- or higher in each quarter; and (4) completion with a grade of B- or higher of at least five mathematics courses chosen from the list that follows so that at least one course comes from each group (i.e., algebra, analysis, and topology). No course may be used to satisfy both requirement (3) and requirement (4). If both honors sequences are taken, one sequence may be used for requirement (3) and one sequence may be used for up to three of the five courses in requirement (4).

Algebra Courses

Analysis courses, topology courses.

With departmental approval, MATH 29700 Proseminar in Mathematics , or any course(s) in the Paris Mathematics Program, may be chosen so that it falls in one of the three groups. One of the three Paris courses each year will be designated as a replacement for MATH 25500 Basic Algebra II / MATH 25800 Honors Basic Algebra II for students wishing to complete the BS degree. Additionally, one of the three Paris courses each year will be designated as a replacement for MATH 25900 Honors Basic Algebra III for candidates who are working toward graduation with honors.

Courses taken for the honors requirements (3) and (4) also may be counted toward courses taken to meet requirements for the major. Students do not need to apply for an honors degree, as all degree programs are automatically checked. However, a student who is concerned about meeting the requirements for honors should consult with one of the Co-Directors of Undergraduate Studies. 

Minor Program in Mathematics

The minor in mathematics requires a total of six or seven courses in mathematics, depending on whether or not MATH 15910 Introduction to Proofs in Analysis , MATH 16300 Honors Calculus III or MATH 16310 Honors Calculus III (IBL) is required in another degree program. If it is not used elsewhere, MATH 15910 Introduction to Proofs in Analysis , MATH 16300 Honors Calculus III or MATH 16310 Honors Calculus III (IBL) must be included in the minor, for a total of seven courses.

The remaining six courses must include the following courses:

• MATH 20300-20400-20500 Analysis in Rn I-II-III
• MATH 20320-20420-20520 Analysis in Rn I-II-III (IBL)  
• The first course in one of the algebra sequences ( MATH 25400 Basic Algebra I or MATH 25700 Honors Basic Algebra I )
• The sixth course may be chosen from either the second course in one of the algebra sequences ( MATH 25500 Basic Algebra II or MATH 25800 Honors Basic Algebra II ) or a mathematics course numbered 23000 or higher chosen in consultation with one of the Co-Directors of Undergraduate Studies

Under special circumstances and to avoid double counting, students may also use mathematics courses numbered 23000 or higher to substitute for up to two quarters of analysis or algebra, if these are required in another degree program.

No course in the minor can be double counted with the student's major(s) or with other minors; nor can it be counted toward general education requirements. Students must earn a grade of at least C- in each of the courses in the mathematics minor. More than one-half of the requirements for a minor must be met by registering for courses bearing University of Chicago course numbers.

Students should plan to meet with one of the Co-Directors of Undergraduate Studies by Spring Quarter of their third year to declare their intention to complete a minor program in mathematics and to obtain approval for the minor on the Consent to Complete a Minor Program form obtained online or from their College adviser.

Paris Mathematics Program

Each Spring Quarter, the Department of Mathematics offers a study abroad opportunity for students to take upper-level mathematics electives at the University's Center in Paris. Departmental faculty offer three successive three-week courses in specialized topics, and students also take a French language course from local French faculty. Students should have completed one of the analysis sequences ( MATH 20300-20400-20500 Analysis in Rn I-II-III or MATH 20310-20410-20510 Analysis in Rn I (accelerated); Analysis in Rn II (accelerated); Analysis in Rn III (accelerated) or MATH 20320-20420-20520 Analysis in Rn I-II-III (IBL) or MATH 20700-20800-20900 Honors Analysis in Rn I-II-III ) and at least one quarter of one of the algebra sequences ( MATH 25400 Basic Algebra I or MATH 25700 Honors Basic Algebra I ) before attending the Paris program. First round applications are due the prior Spring Quarter and should be submitted to the Study Abroad office. If the program does not reach maximum capacity, second round applications will also be accepted in the Autumn Quarter.

BA/MS or BS/MS in Mathematics

Qualified College students may receive both a bachelor's and a master's degree in mathematics concurrently at the end of their studies in the College. Qualification consists of satisfying all requirements of both degrees in mathematics. To be eligible for the joint program, a student should begin  MATH 20700 Honors Analysis in Rn I in the Autumn Quarter of the student's first year. By following a program of prescribed undergraduate course sequences in mathematics and succeeding in all courses with grades no lower than A–, the student becomes eligible to enroll in graduate courses in mathematics in the student's third year. While only a few students complete the joint bachelor's/master's program, many undergraduates enroll in graduate-level mathematics courses. Admission to all mathematics graduate courses requires prior written consent of the Director of Undergraduate Studies. This consent is based on an assessment by the director that it is in the student's best interest to enroll in the graduate course.

Students should submit their application for the joint program to one of the Co-Directors of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Mathematics as soon as possible, but no later than the Winter Quarter of their third year.

Mathematics Courses

MATH 10500. Fundamental Mathematics I. 100 Units.

Students who place into this course must take it in their first year in the College. Must be taken for a quality grade. MATH 10500 will count only as one elective. This course does NOT meet the Core requirement in the mathematical sciences. This course covers basic precalculus topics with an emphasis on their use in Calculus. It is concerned with elements of algebra, coordinate geometry, and elementary functions, including trigonometric, and exponential functions.

Terms Offered: Autumn Prerequisite(s): Performance on the mathematics placement test Note(s): Recommended for students who need MATH 13100-13200 in their degree programs but who did not place into MATH 13100 originally. Such students should plan to take MATH 10500-13100-13200 in their first year.

MATH 11200-11300. Studies in Mathematics I-II.

MATH 11200 AND 11300 cover the basic conceptual foundations of mathematics by examining the ideas of number and symmetry. MATH 11200 addresses number theory, including a study of the rules of arithmetic, integral domains, primes and divisibility, congruences, and modular arithmetic. MATH 11300’s main topic is symmetry and geometry, including a study of polygons, Euclidean construction, polyhedra, group theory, and topology. These courses emphasize the understanding of ideas and the ability to express them through rigorous mathematical arguments. While students may take MATH 11300 without having taken MATH 11200, it is recommended that MATH 11200 be taken first. Either course in this sequence meets the general education requirement in mathematical sciences. These courses are at the level of difficulty of the MATH 13100-13200-13300 calculus sequence.

MATH 11200. Studies In Mathematics I. 100 Units.

MATH 11200 AND 11300 cover the basic conceptual foundations of mathematics by examining the ideas of number and symmetry. MATH 11200 addresses number theory, including a study of the rules of arithmetic, integral domains, primes and divisibility, congruences, and modular arithmetic. These courses emphasize the understanding of ideas and the ability to express them through rigorous mathematical arguments. While students may take MATH 11300 without having taken MATH 11200, it is recommended that MATH 11200 be taken first. Either course in this sequence meets the general education requirement in mathematical sciences. These courses are at the level of difficulty of the MATH 13100-13200-13300 calculus sequence.

Terms Offered: Autumn

MATH 11300. Studies In Mathematics-2. 100 Units.

Terms Offered: Winter Prerequisite(s): MATH 11200 recommended

MATH 13100-13200-13300. Elementary Functions and Calculus I-II-III.

MATH 13100-13200-13300 is a sequence in calculus for students who need some precalculus reinforcement. The sequence completes the necessary background and covers basic calculus in three quarters. This is achieved through three regular one-hour class meetings and two mandatory one-and-one-half-hour tutorial sessions each week. A class is divided into tutorial groups of about eight students each, and these meet with an undergraduate junior tutor for problem solving related to the course. Students completing MATH 13100-13200-13300 have a command of calculus equivalent to that obtained in MATH 15100-15200-15300. Students may not take the first two quarters of this sequence for P/F grading. MATH 13100-13200 meets the general education requirement in the mathematical sciences.

MATH 13100. Elem Functions and Calculus I. 100 Units.

MATH 13100 gives a careful treatment of limits, the continuity and differentiability of algebraic functions, and applications of the derivative.

Terms Offered: Autumn Winter Prerequisite(s): MATH 10500 or adequate performance on the mathematics placement test

MATH 13200. Elem Functions and Calculus II. 100 Units.

Topics examined in MATH 13200 include applications of differentiation; exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions; the definite integral and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, and applications of the integral.

Terms Offered: Spring Winter Prerequisite(s): MATH 13100

MATH 13300. Elementary Functions and Calculus III. 100 Units.

In MATH 13300, subjects include more applications of the definite integral, improper integrals, and an introduction to infinite sequences and series and Taylor expansions. MATH 13300 also includes an introduction to multivariable calculus, such as functions of several real variables and integration of functions of several variables.

Terms Offered: Spring Prerequisite(s): MATH 13200

MATH 15100-15200-15300. Calculus I-II-III.

This is the regular calculus sequence in the department. Students entering this sequence are to have mastered appropriate precalculus material and, in many cases, have had some previous experience with calculus in high school or elsewhere. All Autumn Quarter offerings of MATH 15100, 15200, and 15300 begin with a rigorous treatment of limits and limit proofs. Students may not take the first two quarters of this sequence for P/F grading. MATH 15100-15200 meets the general education requirement in mathematical sciences.

MATH 15100. Calculus I. 100 Units.

This is the first course in the regular calculus sequence in the department. Students entering this sequence are to have mastered appropriate precalculus material and, in many cases, have had some previous experience with calculus in high school or elsewhere. MATH 15100 undertakes a careful treatment of limits, the differentiation of algebraic and transcendental functions, applications of differentiation, and the Mean Value Theorem. All Autumn Quarter offerings of MATH 15100 begin with a rigorous treatment of limits and limit proofs. Students may not take the first two quarters of this sequence for P/F grading. MATH 15100-15200 meets the general education requirement in mathematical sciences.

Terms Offered: Autumn Prerequisite(s): Placement based on the mathematics placement test(s) or appropiate AP score or IB score

MATH 15200. Calculus II. 100 Units.

This is the second course in the regular calculus sequence in the department. Students entering this sequence are to have mastered appropriate precalculus material and, in many cases, have had some previous experience with calculus in high school or elsewhere. MATH 15200 covers integration, techniques of integration, applications of the integral, and transcendental functions. All Autumn Quarter offerings of MATH 15200 begin with a rigorous treatment of limits and limit proofs. Students may not take the first two quarters of this sequence for P/F grading. MATH 15100-15200 meets the general education requirement in mathematical sciences.

Terms Offered: Autumn Winter Prerequisite(s): MATH 15100; or placement based on the mathematics placement test(s) or appropriate AP score or IB score

MATH 15300. Calculus III. 100 Units.

This is the third course in the regular calculus sequence in the department. MATH 15300 covers an introduction to infinite sequences and series and Taylor expansions, indeterminate forms and improper integration, and an introduction to multivariable integral calculus including functions of several real variables, double and triple integrals, integration of polar functions, change of variables, and applications of integration. All Autumn Quarter offerings of MATH 15300 begin with a rigorous treatment of limits and limit proofs.

Terms Offered: Autumn Spring Winter Prerequisite(s): MATH 15200; or placement based on the mathematics placement test(s)

MATH 15250. Mathematical Methods for Economic Analysis. 100 Units.

This is a course in mathematical techniques covers the basic topics of multivariable differential calculus including vectors and vector functions, partial derivatives, gradients, total derivative, and Lagrange multipliers. It also covers an introduction to optimization, including linear programming, the simplex method, the duality theorem, and the Kuhn-Tucker theorem. The tools and techniques covered in this course build the foundation for the Elements of Economic Analysis sequence offered by the Griffin Department of Economics.

Terms Offered: Autumn Spring Winter Prerequisite(s): MATH 15200 or MATH 13300 or placement

MATH 15910. Introduction to Proofs in Analysis. 100 Units.

This course is intended for students who are making the transition from MATH 13300 or 15300 to MATH 20250 and MATH 20300, or for students who need more preparation in learning to read and write proofs. This course covers the fundamentals of theoretical mathematics and prepares students for upper-level mathematics courses beginning with MATH 20250 and MATH 20300. Topics include the axioms for the real numbers, completeness and the least upper bound property, the topology of the real line, and sequences and series of real and complex numbers. Students who are majoring or minoring in mathematics may not use both MATH 15910 and MATH 16300 to meet program requirements.

Terms Offered: Autumn Spring Winter Prerequisite(s): MATH 15300 or MATH 13300 or MATH 18300 or superior performance on the mathematics placement test(s)

MATH 16100-16200-16300. Honors Calculus I-II-III.

MATH 16100-16200-16300 is an honors version of MATH 15100-15200-15300. A student with a strong background in the problem-solving aspects of one-variable calculus may be invited to register for MATH 16100-16200-16300. This sequence emphasizes the theoretical aspects of one-variable analysis and, in particular, the consequences of completeness in the real number system. MATH 16300 also includes an introduction to multivariable calculus. Students may not take the first two quarters of this sequence for P/F grading. MATH 16100-16200 meets the general education requirement in mathematical sciences.

MATH 16100. Honors Calculus I. 100 Units.

MATH 16100 emphasizes the theoretical aspects of one-variable analysis and, in particular, the consequences of completeness in the real number system. Topics include a rigorous treatment of the real numbers and the least upper bound property, limits, continuity, uniform continuity, and differentiation.

Terms Offered: Autumn Prerequisite(s): Invitation only based on superior performance on the mathematics placement test(s) or appropriate AP score or IB score

MATH 16200. Honors Calculus II. 100 Units.

MATH 16200 covers integration, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, transcendental functions, and other topics.

Terms Offered: Winter Prerequisite(s): MATH 16100

MATH 16300. Honors Calculus III. 100 Units.

MATH 16300 covers sequences and series, power series, and Taylor series. It also includes an introduction to multivariable calculus, such as functions of several real variables, partial derivatives, gradients, and the total derivative, and integration of functions of several variables.

Terms Offered: Spring Prerequisite(s): MATH 16200

MATH 16110-16210-16310. Honors Calculus I (IBL); Honors Calculus II (IBL); Honors Calculus III (IBL)

This sequence is an Inquiry Based Learning version of MATH 16100-16200-16300 Honors Calculus I-II-III. In this alternate version of Honors Calculus, rather than having lectures from instructors, students are given "scripts" of carefully ordered theorems whose proofs they prepare outside of class and then present in class for comment and discussion. MATH 16110-16210 meets the general education requirement in mathematical sciences and may not be taken for P/F grading.

MATH 16110. Honors Calculus I (IBL) 100 Units.

MATH 16110 gives a rigorous axiomatic treatment of the continuum and its topological properties.

MATH 16210. Honors Calculus II (IBL) 100 Units.

MATH 16210 puts an arithmetic structure on the continuum, and constructs the real numbers via Dedekind cuts. There follows a rigorous treatment of limits, continuity, differentiability, integrability, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.

Terms Offered: Winter Prerequisite(s): MATH 16110

MATH 16310. Honors Calculus III (IBL) 100 Units.

MATH 16310 continues the rigorous treatment of single-variable Calculus with a discussion of infinite series. There follows an introduction to the main ideas of multivariable Calculus, including functions of several real variables, partial derivatives, gradients, the total derivative, and integration of functions of several variables.

Terms Offered: Spring Prerequisite(s): MATH 16210

MATH 17500. Basic Number Theory. 100 Units.

This course covers basic properties of the integers following from the division algorithm, primes and their distribution, and congruences. Additional topics include existence of primitive roots, arithmetic functions, quadratic reciprocity, and transcendental numbers. The subject is developed in a leisurely fashion, with many explicit examples.

Terms Offered: Autumn. Offered every other year Prerequisite(s): MATH 16300 or MATH 16310 or MATH 15910 or MATH 15900 or MATH 19900

MATH 17600. Basic Geometry. 100 Units.

This course covers advanced topics in geometry, including Euclidean geometry, spherical geometry, and hyperbolic geometry. We emphasize rigorous development from axiomatic systems, including the approach of Hilbert. Additional topics include lattice point geometry, projective geometry, and symmetry.

Terms Offered: Winter. Offered every other year Prerequisite(s): MATH 16300 or MATH 16310 or MATH 15910 or MATH 15900 or MATH 19900

MATH 18300-18400-18500-18600. Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences I-II-III-IV.

This is the full four-quarter sequence of mathematics courses for physical sciences majors.

MATH 18300. Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences I. 100 Units.

This is the first in a sequence of mathematics courses for physical sciences majors. The first part of the course covers infinite sums: convergence of infinite sequences and series, Maclaurin and Taylor series, complex numbers and Euler's formula. The second part covers elementary linear algebra: linear equations, vectors and matrices, dot products, cross products and determinants, applications to 3D geometry, eigenvectors and diagonalization.

Terms Offered: Autumn Spring Winter Prerequisite(s): MATH 15200 or MATH 13300 or MATH 16200 or MATH 16210 or placement

MATH 18400. Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences II. 100 Units.

This is the second in a sequence of mathematics courses for physical sciences majors. It covers multivariable calculus: functions of more than one variable, parameterized curves and vector fields, partial derivatives and vector derivatives (div/grad/curl), double and triple integrals, line and surface integrals, and the fundamental theorems of vector calculus in two and three dimensions (Green/Gauss/Stokes).

Terms Offered: Autumn Spring Winter Prerequisite(s): MATH 18300 or ((MATH 15300 or MATH 13300 or MATH 16300 or MATH 16310) and (MATH 19620 or MATH 20250 or STAT 24300))

MATH 18500. Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences III. 100 Units.

This is the third in a sequence of mathematics courses for physical sciences majors. It covers differential equations: first and second order ODE, systems of ODE, damped oscillators and resonance, Fourier series and Fourier transforms, Laplace transforms, and solutions of the heat and wave equations.

MATH 18600. Mathematics of Quantum Mechanics. 100 Units.

This course covers the mathematical foundations of quantum mechanics, including abstract linear algebra (vector spaces, bases, linear operators, inner products and orthogonality) and partial differential equations (with an emphasis on techniques relevant to solving Schrödinger's equation: series solutions of second order ODE, orthogonal functions, eigenfunctions and Sturm-Liouville theory, separation of variables).

Terms Offered: Autumn Spring Winter Prerequisite(s): MATH 18400 and MATH 18500

MATH 19620. Linear Algebra. 100 Units.

This course takes a concrete approach to the basic topics of linear algebra. Topics include vector geometry, systems of linear equations, vector spaces, matrices and determinants, and eigenvalue problems.

Terms Offered: Autumn Spring Winter Prerequisite(s): MATH 13300 or MATH 15200 or MATH 16200 or MATH 16210 or placement Note(s): Recommended sequence for ECON majors: MATH 19620, STAT 23400, ECON 210x0 in consecutive quarters.

MATH 20250. Abstract Linear Algebra. 100 Units.

This is a theoretical course in linear algebra intended for students taking higher level mathematics courses. Topics include vector spaces and linear transformations, matrices and the algebra of matrices, determinants and their properties, the geometry of R^n and C^n, bases, coordinates and change of basis, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, characteristic polynomial, diagonalization, special forms including QR factorization and Singular Value Decomposition, and applications.

Terms Offered: Autumn,Spring,Winter Prerequisite(s): MATH 16300 or MATH 16310 or MATH 15910 or MATH 15900 or MATH 19900

MATH 20300-20400-20500. Analysis in Rn I-II-III.

This three-course sequence is intended for students who plan to major in mathematics or who require a rigorous treatment of analysis in several dimensions. Both theoretical and problem solving aspects of multivariable calculus are treated carefully. All courses in the sequence require experience with a theoretical treatment of the real numbers, and hence MATH 20300 has a prerequisite of either MATH 16300 or MATH 15910. Additionally, MATH 20400 requires a serious treatment of linear algebra, and thus has a prerequisite of either MATH 20250 or STAT 24300. MATH 20300 covers the construction of the real numbers, the topology of R^n including the Bolzano-Weierstrass and Heine-Borel theorems, and a detailed treatment of abstract metric spaces, including convergence and completeness, compact sets, continuous mappings, and more. MATH 20400 covers differentiation in R^n including partial derivatives, gradients, the total derivative, the Chain Rule, optimization problems, vector-valued functions, and the Inverse and Implicit Function Theorems. MATH 20500 covers integration in R^n including Fubini's Theorem and iterated integration, line and surface integrals, differential forms, and the theorems of Green, Gauss, and Stokes. This sequence is the basis for all advanced courses in analysis and topology.

MATH 20300. Analysis in Rn I. 100 Units.

MATH 20300 covers the construction of the real numbers, the topology of R^n including the Bolzano-Weierstrass and Heine-Borel theorems, and a detailed treatment of abstract metric spaces, including convergence and completeness, compact sets, continuous mappings, and more.

Terms Offered: Autumn Spring Winter Prerequisite(s): MATH 16300 or MATH 16310 or MATH 15910 or MATH 15900 or MATH 19900

MATH 20400. Analysis in Rn II. 100 Units.

MATH 20400 covers differentiation in R^n including partial derivatives, gradients, the total derivative, the Chain Rule, optimization problems, vector-valued functions, and the Inverse and Implicit Function Theorems.

Terms Offered: Autumn Spring Winter Prerequisite(s): (MATH 20700 or MATH 20300 or MATH 20310 or MATH 20320) AND (MATH 20250 or STAT 24300)

MATH 20500. Analysis in Rn III. 100 Units.

MATH 20500 covers integration in R^n including Fubini's Theorem and iterated integration, line and surface integrals, differential forms, and the theorems of Green, Gauss, and Stokes

Terms Offered: Autumn Spring Winter Prerequisite(s): MATH 20400 or MATH 20410 or MATH 20800

MATH 20310-20410-20510. Analysis in Rn I (accelerated); Analysis in Rn II (accelerated); Analysis in Rn III (accelerated)

This sequence is an accelerated version of MATH 20300-20400-20500 Analysis in Rn I-II-III.

MATH 20310. Analysis in Rn I (accelerated) 100 Units.

This is an accelerated version of MATH 20300.

Terms Offered: Autumn Winter Prerequisite(s): MATH 16300 or MATH 16310 or MATH 15910 or MATH 15900 or MATH 19900. Students should have received a grade of B+ or better in MATH 16300, 16310, 15900, or 15910 in order to be properly prepared for the accelerated Analysis sequence.

MATH 20410. Analysis in Rn II (accelerated) 100 Units.

This is an accelerated version of MATH 20400.

Terms Offered: Spring Winter Prerequisite(s): (MATH 20700 or MATH 20310 or MATH 20320) AND (MATH 20250 or STAT 24300)

MATH 20510. Analysis in Rn III (accelerated) 100 Units.

This is an accelerated version of MATH 20500.

Terms Offered: Autumn Spring Prerequisite(s): MATH 20800 or MATH 20410

MATH 20320-20420-20520. Analysis in Rn I-II-III (IBL)

This is an Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) version of MATH 20300-20400-20500.

MATH 20320. Analysis in Rn I (IBL) 100 Units.

This is an Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) version of Math 20300.

Terms Offered: Autumn Prerequisite(s): MATH 16300 or MATH 16310 or MATH 15910

MATH 20420. Analysis in Rn II (IBL) 100 Units.

This is an Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) version of MATH 20400.

Terms Offered: Winter Prerequisite(s): (MATH 20700 or MATH 20320) AND (MATH 20250 or STAT 24300)

MATH 20520. Analysis in Rn III (IBL) 100 Units.

This is an Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) version of MATH 20500.

Terms Offered: Spring Prerequisite(s): MATH 20420

MATH 20700-20800-20900. Honors Analysis in Rn I-II-III.

This highly theoretical sequence in analysis is intended for the most able students. Topics include the real number system, metric spaces, basic functional analysis, and the Lebesgue integral.

MATH 20700. Honors Analysis in Rn I. 100 Units.

This is the first course in a highly theoretical sequence in analysis, and is intended for the most able students. Topics include the real number system, metric spaces, basic functional analysis, and the Lebesgue integral.

Terms Offered: Autumn Prerequisite(s): Invitation only

MATH 20800. Honors Analysis in Rn II. 100 Units.

This is the second course in a highly theoretical sequence in analysis. Topics include the real number system, metric spaces, basic functional analysis, and the Lebesgue integral.

Terms Offered: Winter Prerequisite(s): MATH 20700 and MATH 20250

MATH 20900. Honors Analysis in Rn III. 100 Units.

This is the third course in a highly theoretical sequence in analysis. Topics include the real number system, metric spaces, basic functional analysis, and the Lebesgue integral.

Terms Offered: Spring Prerequisite(s): MATH 20800

MATH 21100. Basic Numerical Analysis. 100 Units.

This course covers direct and iterative methods of solution of linear algebraic equations and eigenvalue problems. Topics include numerical differentiation and quadrature for functions of a single variable, approximation by polynomials and piece-wise polynomial functions, approximate solution of ordinary differential equations, and solution of nonlinear equations.

Terms Offered: Spring Prerequisite(s): MATH 18400 or 20000 or 20250 or 20400 or 20410 or 20420

MATH 21200. Advanced Numerical Analysis. 100 Units.

This course covers topics similar to those of Math 21100 but at a more rigorous level. The emphasis is on proving all of the results. Previous knowledge of numerical analysis is not required. Programming is also not required. The course makes extensive use of the material developed in the analysis sequence (ending in Math 20500 or Math 20900) and provides an introduction to other areas of analysis such as functional analysis and operator theory.

Terms Offered: Autumn Prerequisite(s): MATH 20500 or 20510 or 20520 or 20900

MATH 23500. Markov Chains, Martingales, and Brownian Motion. 100 Units.

This course discusses three of the most important types of stochastic processes: Markov chains (in both discrete and continuous time), martingales (the mathematical model of "fair games"), and Brownian motion (random continuous motion). Applications will include random walk, queueing theory, and branching processes, and may also include other areas such as optimal stopping or stochastic integration.

Terms Offered: Autumn Spring Prerequisite(s): STAT 25100 or STAT 25150 or STAT 24400 or MATH 20500 or MATH 20510 or MATH 20520 or MATH 20900

MATH 23700. Introduction to Modelling. 100 Units.

This class presents applications of mathematics to biology, chemistry, economics, engineering, and physics. Students work in groups to explore mathematical and computation tools. The course consists of a sequence of modules, one for each key concept. Each module consists of roughly three lectures. The first lecture briefly explains the motivation and practical context before quickly moving to describe the methodology and mathematical notions. The second lecture explains the heart of the modelling process. The third lecture solves the problem. Examples of mathematics that will be included are dynamics (discrete, continuous (ode), spatial dependence (pde)), optimization (linear programming, dynamic programming), discrete probability, and statistics (data analysis). Examples of models are problems from biology, ecology, economics, finance, physics (atomistic models, electric circuits), mechanics (bars under tension), car traffic, tracking problems, astronomy, etc.

Terms Offered: Autumn. Offered every other year Prerequisite(s): MATH 20500 or MATH 20510 or MATH 20520 or MATH 20900

MATH 23900. Topics in Analysis. 100 Units.

The aim of this course is to introduce undergraduate students who have already completed the standard analysis sequence to some further, more advanced topics in analysis. Possibly topics include, among many others: Fourier series and Fourier transform, wavelets, uncertainty principle; Hausdorff measure and dimension, fractal geometry; Harmonic functions and their properties, Brownian motion; Geometry of Banach spaces; Descriptive set theory.

Terms Offered: Autumn. Offered every other year Prerequisite(s): MATH 20900 or Consent

MATH 24200. Algebraic Number Theory. 100 Units.

Topics include factorization in Dedekind domains, integers in a number field, prime factorization, basic properties of ramification, and local degree.

Terms Offered: Spring Prerequisite(s): MATH 25500 or 25800

MATH 24400. Introduction to Algebraic Geometry. 100 Units.

This is a first course in algebraic geometry. Topics include: affine and projective varieties; coordinate rings; the Zariski topology; Nullstellensatz; Hilbert basis Theorem; the dictionary between algebraic geometry and commutative algebra; rational functions and morphisms; smoothness; theory of dimension; Other possible topics might include: the classification of plane cubics; elliptic curves; 27 lines on a cubic surface; introduction to the theory of curves (degree, divisors, Bezout's Theorem, etc.). Besides the formal prerequisites, MATH 27000 and MATH 26200 are strongly recommended as preparation.

Terms Offered: Winter Prerequisite(s): (MATH 20500 or MATH 20510 or MATH 20520 or MATH 20900) and (MATH 25500 or MATH 25800)

MATH 25400-25500. Basic Algebra I-II.

This is the sequence in basic algebra. It requires a prior serious treatment of linear algebra and thus has a prerequisite of MATH 20250. MATH 25400 covers groups, subgroups, permutation groups, group actions, and Sylow Theorems. MATH 25500 covers rings and ideals, PIDS, Euclidean domains, UFDs, fields and field extensions, and the fundamentals of Galois theory.

MATH 25400. Basic Algebra I. 100 Units.

This course covers groups, subgroups, permutation groups, group actions, and the Sylow theorems.

Terms Offered: Autumn Winter Prerequisite(s): MATH 20250

MATH 25500. Basic Algebra II. 100 Units.

This course covers rings and ideals, PIDs, Euclidean domains, UFDs, fields and field extensions, modules and canonical forms of matrices, quadratic forms, and multilinear algebra.

Terms Offered: Spring Winter Prerequisite(s): MATH 25400 or MATH 25700

MATH 25700-25800-25900. Honors Basic Algebra I-II-III.

This sequence is an accelerated version of MATH 25400-25500-25600 that is open only to students who have achieved a B- or better in prior mathematics courses. Topics include the theory of finite groups, commutative and noncommutative ring theory, modules, linear and multilinear algebra, and quadratic forms. We also cover basic field theory, the structure of p-adic fields, and Galois theory.

MATH 25700. Honors Basic Algebra I. 100 Units.

Topics in MATH 25700 include the theory of finite groups, up through and including the proofs of the Sylow Theorems.

Terms Offered: Autumn Prerequisite(s): MATH 20250; no entering student may begin this sequence in their first term.

MATH 25800. Honors Basic Algebra II. 100 Units.

Topics in MATH 25800 include commutative and noncommutative ring theory, modules, and field extensions.

Terms Offered: Winter Prerequisite(s): MATH 25700

MATH 25900. Honors Basic Algebra III. 100 Units.

Topics in this course include basic field theory, the structure of p-adic fields, and Galois theory.

Terms Offered: Spring Prerequisite(s): MATH 25800

MATH 26200. Point-Set Topology. 100 Units.

This course examines topology on the real line, topological spaces, connected spaces and compact spaces, identification spaces and cell complexes, and projective and other spaces. With MATH 27400, it forms a foundation for all advanced courses in analysis, geometry, and topology.

Terms Offered: Autumn Winter Prerequisite(s): (MATH 20300 or 20310 or 20320 or 20700) and (MATH 25400 or 25700)

MATH 26300. Introduction to Algebraic Topology. 100 Units.

Topics include the fundamental group of a space; Van Kampen's theorem; covering spaces and groups of covering transformation; existence of universal covering spaces built up out of cells; and theorems of Gauss, Brouwer, and Borsuk-Ulam.

Terms Offered: Spring Prerequisite(s): MATH 26200

MATH 26500. Introduction to Riemannian Geometry. 100 Units.

The study of curves and surfaces is an ideal place to learn the beginnings of Riemannian Geometry. After a basic introduction, topics to be covered include Gaussian curvature, second fundamental form, Gauss's Theorem Egregium, Gauss-Bonnet Theorem, and Rigidity of spheres.

Terms Offered: Winter Prerequisite(s): MATH 20500 or 20510 or 20520 or 20900

MATH 26700. Introduction to Representation Theory of Finite Groups. 100 Units.

This course is an introduction to the representation theory of finite and compact groups. The basic topics covered include irreducible representations, Schur's Lemma, character theory, induced representations and Frobenius Reciprocity. Additional topics may include special topics in, and applications of, representation theory, such as: Burnside's p^aq^b theorem, random walks on groups (applications of Fourier analysis on finite groups), representations of symmetric groups and Young tableaux, and representation theory of compact groups, concentrating on SU(2).

Terms Offered: Autumn Prerequisite(s): MATH 25800 or 25500

MATH 27000. Basic Complex Variables. 100 Units.

Topics include complex numbers, elementary functions of a complex variable, complex integration, power series, residues, and conformal mapping.

Terms Offered: Autumn Spring Winter Prerequisite(s): MATH 20500 or 20510 or 20520 or 20900

MATH 27100. Measure and Integration. 100 Units.

Construction of Lebesgue measure, measurable sets and functions. The Lebesgue integral, convergence theorems. Relationship between Lebesgue and Riemann integral. The L^p spaces, completeness and duality. Other related topics time permitting.

Terms Offered: Winter Prerequisite(s): MATH 20500 or MATH 20510 or MATH 20520

MATH 27200. Basic Functional Analysis. 100 Units.

Review of metric spaces, normed spaces and inner product spaces. Banach spaces and Hilbert spaces. Bounded linear operators. The 3 basic principles of functional analysis: the closed graph theorem, the open mapping theorem and the uniform boundedness principle. Duality and weak topologies. Weak and weak star compactness. Hilbert spaces, orthogonal expansions and spectral theorem. Applications of these concepts.

Terms Offered: Spring Prerequisite(s): MATH 27000 and (MATH 20900 or MATH 27100)

MATH 27300. Basic Theory of Ordinary Differential Equations. 100 Units.

This course is an introduction to the theory of ordinary differential equations in Euclidean space. Topics covered include: first-order equations of one variable, solving higher order systems via reduction of order, linear ODEs in arbitrary dimension, real Jordan form and the matrix exponential, variation of parameters, existence and uniqueness of solutions for Lipschitz vector fields, local analysis near equilibria, stability of solutions, introduction to dynamical systems and the global analysis of flows.

Terms Offered: Autumn Winter Prerequisite(s): MATH 20500 or MATH 20510 or MATH 20520 or MATH 20900 or PHYS 22100

MATH 27400. Introduction to Differentiable Manifolds and Integration on Manifolds. 100 Units.

Topics include exterior algebra; differentiable manifolds and their basic properties; differential forms; integration on manifolds; and the theorems of Stokes, DeRham, and Sard. With MATH 26200, this course forms a foundation for all advanced courses in analysis, geometry, and topology.

MATH 27500. Basic Theory of Partial Differential Equations. 100 Units.

This course covers classification of second-order equations in two variables, wave motion and Fourier series, heat flow and Fourier integral, Laplace's equation and complex variables, second-order equations in more than two variables, Laplace operators, spherical harmonics, and associated special functions of mathematical physics.

Terms Offered: Spring Prerequisite(s): MATH 27000 and MATH 27300

MATH 27600. Dynamical Systems. 100 Units.

An introduction to concepts and examples in the study of dynamical systems. The key notions of recurrence, classification, stability, entropy and chaos will be introduced and illustrated in model examples derived from differential equations, algebra, complex analysis, and modeling. A variety of areas of dynamics will be covered, and may include: topological dynamics, symbolic dynamics, ergodic theory, and smooth and complex dynamics.

Terms Offered: Winter. Offered every other year Prerequisite(s): MATH 20900 OR MATH 27100

MATH 27700-27800. Mathematical Logic I-II.

Mathematical Logic I-II

MATH 27700. Mathematical Logic I. 100 Units.

This course introduces mathematical logic. Topics include propositional and predicate logic and the syntactic notion of proof versus the semantic notion of truth (e.g., soundness, completeness). We also discuss the Gödel completeness theorem, the compactness theorem, and applications of compactness to algebraic problems.

Terms Offered: Autumn Prerequisite(s): MATH 25400 or 25700 Equivalent Course(s): CMSC 27700

MATH 27800. Mathematical Logic II. 100 Units.

Topics include number theory, Peano arithmetic, Turing compatibility, unsolvable problems, Gödel's incompleteness theorem, undecidable theories (e.g., the theory of groups), quantifier elimination, and decidable theories (e.g., the theory of algebraically closed fields).

Terms Offered: Winter Prerequisite(s): MATH 27700 or equivalent Equivalent Course(s): CMSC 27800

MATH 28000. Introduction to Formal Languages. 100 Units.

This course is a basic introduction to computability theory and formal languages. Topics include automata theory, regular languages, context-free languages, and Turing machines.

Prerequisite(s): CMSC 27100 or CMSC 27130 or CMSC 37110 or MATH 15900 or MATH 15910 or MATH 16300 or MATH 16310 or MATH 19900 or MATH 25500 or LING 21010 Equivalent Course(s): CMSC 28000

MATH 28100. Introduction to Complexity Theory. 100 Units.

Computability: Turing machines, Universal Turing machines and the Church-Turing thesis. Undecidability. Reducibilities. Complexity--the study of the amount of resources -- time, space, communication, randomness, etc -- needed in computations: Time and space complexity classes, nondeterministic and probabilistic computations. Complete problems. Lower bounds, and the big open problems: P vs NP, space vs. time, etc. Communication Complexity.

Prerequisite(s): CMSC 27200 or CMSC 27230 or CMSC 37000, or MATH 15900 or MATH 15910 or MATH 16300 or MATH 16310 or MATH 19900 or MATH 25500; experience with mathematical proofs. Equivalent Course(s): CMSC 28100

MATH 28130. Honors Discrete Mathematics. 100 Units.

We emphasize mathematical discovery and rigorous proof, which are illustrated on a refreshing variety of accessible and useful topics. Basic counting is a recurring theme. Further topics include proof by induction; number theory, congruences, and Fermat's little theorem; relations; factorials, binomial coefficients and advanced counting; combinatorial probability; random variables, expected value, and variance; graph theory and trees. Time permitting, material on recurrences, asymptotic equality, rates of growth and Markov chains may be included as well. The honors version of Discrete Mathematics covers topics at a deeper level.

Prerequisite(s): (CMSC 12300 or CMSC 14400 or CMSC 15400) or (MATH 15910 or MATH 16300 or MATH 16310 or MATH 19900 or MATH 20300 or MATH 20310 or MATH 20400 or MATH 20410 or MATH 20700 or MATH 25400 or MATH 25500 or MATH 25700) Equivalent Course(s): CMSC 27130

MATH 28410. Honors Combinatorics. 100 Units.

Methods of enumeration, construction, and proof of existence of discrete structures are discussed in conjunction with the basic concepts of probability theory over a finite sample space. Enumeration techniques are applied to the calculation of probabilities, and, conversely, probabilistic arguments are used in the analysis of combinatorial structures. Other topics include basic counting, linear recurrences, generating functions, Latin squares, finite projective planes, graph theory, Ramsey theory, coloring graphs and set systems, random variables, independence, expected value, standard deviation, and Chebyshev's and Chernoff's inequalities.

Prerequisite(s): MATH 19900 or MATH 15900 or MATH 25400 or MATH 25700, or CMSC 27100 or CMSC 27130 or CMSC 37110. Experience with mathematical proofs. Note(s): This course is offered in alternate years. Equivalent Course(s): CMSC 27410

MATH 28530. Honors Graph Theory. 100 Units.

This course covers the basics of the theory of finite graphs. Topics include shortest paths, spanning trees, counting techniques, matchings, Hamiltonian cycles, chromatic number, extremal graph theory, Turan's theorem, planarity, Menger's theorem, the max-flow/min-cut theorem, Ramsey theory, directed graphs, strongly connected components, directly acyclic graphs, and tournaments. Techniques studied include the probabilistic method.

Prerequisite(s): CMSC 27100, CMSC 27130, or CMSC 37110, or MATH 20400 or MATH 20800. Equivalent Course(s): CMSC 27530

MATH 29700. Proseminar in Mathematics. 100 Units.

Consent of instructor. Students are required to submit the signed College Reading and Research Course Form to the Co-Director of Undergraduate Studies. Must be taken for a quality grade.

Terms Offered: Autumn Spring Winter

MATH 20310-20410-20510 Analysis in Rn I (accelerated); Analysis in Rn II (accelerated); Analysis in Rn III (accelerated) MATH 20320-20420-20520 Analysis in Rn I-II-III (IBL)  or

Undergraduate Primary Contacts

Co-Director of Undergraduate Studies John Boller E 222 773.702.5754 Email

Co-Director of Undergraduate Studies Jitka Stehnova E 228 773.702.7332 Email

Undergraduate Secondary Contact

Director of Undergraduate Studies Robert A. Fefferman Ry 360H 773.702.7377 Email

Administration

Administrator for Undergraduate Studies in Mathematics Hannah Zyung E 214 773.702.7389 Email

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Department of Statistics

Last update: 11/10/23

PhD Degree in Statistics

The Department of Statistics offers an exciting and recently revamped PhD program that involves students in cutting-edge interdisciplinary research in a wide variety of fields. Statistics has become a core component of research in the biological, physical, and social sciences, as well as in traditional computer science domains such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. The massive increase in the data acquired, through scientific measurement on one hand and through web-based collection on the other, makes the development of statistical analysis and prediction methodologies more relevant than ever.

Our graduate program prepares students to address these issues through rigorous training in scientific computation, and in the theory, methodology, and applications of statistics. The course work includes four core sequences:

• Probability (STAT 30400, 38100, 38300)
• Mathematical statistics (STAT 30400, 30100, 30210)
• Applied statistics (STAT 34300, 34700, 34800)
• Computational mathematics and machine learning (STAT 30900, 31015/31020, 37710).

All students must take the Applied Statistics and Theoretical Statistics sequence. In addition it is highly recommended that students take a third core sequence based on their interests and in consultation with the Department Graduate Advisor (DGA). At the start of their second year, the students take two preliminary examinations. All students must take the Applied Statistics Prelim. For the second the students can choose to take either the Theoretical Statistics or the Probability prelim. Students planning to take the Probability prelim should take the Probability sequence as their third sequence.

Incoming first-year students have the option of taking any or all of these exams; if an incoming student passes one or more of these, then he/she will be excused from the requirement of taking the first-year courses in that subject. During the second and subsequent years, students can take more advanced courses, and perform research, with world-class faculty in a wide variety of research areas .

In recent years, a large majority of our students complete the PhD within four or five years of entering the program. Students who have significant graduate training before entering the program can (and do) obtain their doctor's degree in three years.

Most students receiving a doctorate proceed to faculty or postdoctoral appointments in research universities. A substantial number take positions in government or industry, such as in research groups in the government labs, in communications, in commercial pharmaceutical companies, and in banking/financial institutions. The department has an excellent track record in placing new PhDs.

Prerequisites for the Program

A student applying to the PhD program normally should have taken courses in advanced calculus, linear algebra, probability, and statistics. Additional courses in mathematics, especially a course in real analysis, will be helpful. Some facility with computer programming is expected. Students without background in all of these areas, however, should not be discouraged from applying, especially if they have a substantial background, through study or experience, in some area of science or other discipline involving quantitative reasoning and empirical investigation. Statistics is an empirical and interdisciplinary field, and a strong background in some area of potential application of statistics is a considerable asset. Indeed, a student's background in mathematics and in science or another quantitative discipline is more important than his or her background in statistics.

To obtain more information about applying, see the Guide For Applicants .

Students with questions may contact Yali Amit for PhD Studies, Mei Wang for Masters Studies, and Keisha Prowoznik for all other questions, Bahareh Lampert (Dean of Students in the Physical Sciences Division), or Amanda Young (Associate Director, Graduate Student Affairs) in UChicagoGRAD.

Handbook for PhD Students

Information for first and second year phd students in statistics.

Mathematics

Specializations Include:

• Applied Mathematics
• Mathematics with a Specialization in Economics

Large and distinguished, the Mathematics faculty (in the top 5 out of 139 reviewed by the National Research Council) includes two winners of the Fields Medal (the equivalent of the Nobel Prize for mathematics), two members of the National Academy of Sciences, and five recipients of Chicago’s Quantrell Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. Faculty interests range from algebraic geometry, Lie theory, and partial differential equations to finite groups and finite group theory, topology, logic, and dynamical systems.

Four bachelor’s degrees are available: the BA in mathematics, the BS in mathematics, the BS in applied mathematics, and the BS in mathematics with specialization in economics. Course work for the BA degree offers more elective freedom; course work for the BS degrees places more emphasis on the physical sciences. Qualified College students may receive both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in mathematics concurrently at the end of their years in the College.

At what level does an entering student begin mathematics at the University of Chicago?  The College and the Department of Mathematics offer several placement exams to help determine the correct starting point for all entering students. These three tests are administered during the summer and through Orientation Week: 

• The Online Mathematics Placement Test 
• The Higher-Level Mathematics Placement Exam
• The Calculus Accreditation Exam

The Online Mathematics Placement Test must be taken (once) by all entering students in the summer prior to matriculation. The other two exams are offered later in the summer, and students may be invited to take one or the other on the basis of their success on the Online Mathematics Placement Test. Scores on the mathematics placement tests determine the appropriate beginning mathematics course for each student: a precalculus course or one of three other courses. 

The Mathematics Department offers a unique student-led section in the Honors Calculus sequence called Inquiry Based Learning (IBL). There are also opportunities for undergraduates to be hired as course assistants, readers, or tutors. The Directed Reading Program is a new initiative to pair undergraduate students with graduate student and junior faculty mentors to undertake independent study projects of various sizes and scopes. Undergraduates can apply for DRP positions, and those who are selected will be paired with mentors according to their mathematical interests and availability. Participating undergraduates will learn to work independently through studying a topic of their choice, well-suited to their interests. They will develop relationships with graduate student mentors and receive a good deal of personal attention focused on their mathematical studies. Finally, they will gain valuable experience in mathematical communication by giving a presentation on their work to an audience of their peers.

Students in other fields of study may complete a minor in Mathematics.

• Mathematics in the College Catalog
• Department of Mathematics

Mathematics: PhD Admissions and Enrollment Statistics

From the White House to the Keller Center: Asher Mayerson, MBA/MPP'21, On the UChicago Ethos

Fresh out of Dartmouth in 2015 with bachelor’s degrees in math and economics, Asher Mayerson, MBA/MPP’21, wanted to find a job that mixed finance and government policy. Instead, he landed at the most hallowed American address for aspiring political junkies: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

“I ended up right out of undergrad working in the Obama White House in the Office of Public Engagement, which was focused on community and stakeholder outreach,” says Mayerson, who served as a policy advisor and staff assistant in the office and supported the White House’s public engagement efforts. “It was amazing to serve President Obama and the administration, but not exactly the work that I wanted to do long-term.”

When Obama left the White House, so did Mayerson. The native of Rockville, Maryland, moved to Chicago, where he dove headfirst into local government and community life. He became active in Buena Park, his North Side neighborhood, and took a position with Kurt Summers, the City Treasurer, where he learned the ins and outs of municipal finance. And, of course, he fell in love with the Windy City.

That’s where the University of Chicago comes in. In pursuing a dual degree at the Harris School of Public Policy and the Booth School of Business, Mayerson managed to find the perfect intersection of his interests.

“It felt pretty natural,” he says. “To be able to draw on the richness and expertise from the classes, the professors, the student body, and the extracurriculars at both of the two schools, that was exactly the education I wanted.” While sharpening his skills in finance fundamentals, applying them in policy spaces in both corporate and public sectors, he was also able to do the policy work he loved, and he learned how the two disciplines could intertwine in his professional career.

A perfect example was a course in household finance taught by Assistant Professor Dmitri Koustas . “One of my real takeaways was that the complicated financial decisions that households face are in some ways similar to the types of decisions that businesses have to make,” Mayerson says. “For example, how does an individual or a household invest in their future, whether it's an educational investment that they’re really hoping is going to pay dividends in the long term, or taking out a new mortgage or refinancing an existing mortgage? These are all similar to capital expenditures that a company would make.” Not all households have the capacity or time to think through those complex decisions; Mayerson says this is where he learned that it’s up to policymakers to support them in making those decisions and ease the financial burdens households face.

The diversity of Harris students, and their interests, energized him. “People came from different sectors, public, private, nonprofit, and then people left to work in different sectors,” says Mayerson. “And that diversity is quite helpful because policy intersects with everything in our world. And then for me as a Harris alum, to be able to have relationships across different sectors—policy organizations, political consulting, private sector consulting, government at the federal level, state, and local level, in finance—is also quite valuable.”

After a short stint in investment banking, Mayerson landed at Boston Consulting Group, where he collaborated with large financial institutions on climate and sustainable finance before hearing the siren call of Washington, D.C., once again. “I always had the intention of coming back after having built a unique set of capabilities,” says Mayerson, who is now employed at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “That’s why I worked in municipal finance. That's why I got my MPP at Harris and my MBA at Booth. That's why I spent a summer in banking and why I went to work with large financial institutions. I always hoped those experiences would set me up to make a contribution that was unique to me and my skill set.”

That contribution, or one of them, came as part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden in 2022. One of the provisions of the legislation involved a $20 billion appropriation that brought together several of the areas of expertise that Mayerson had honed at UChicago. He was tapped to lead the design and implementation of the $20 billion appropriation, which has taken shape through a pair of grant programs: the National Clean Investment Fund (NCIF) and the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator (CCIA). “The programs will work together to create a national clean financing network to finance climate and clean energy projects, especially in low-income and disadvantaged communities,” says Mayerson. “Designing the programs involved translating a couple hundred words of text from legislation into hundreds of pages of requests for applications and guidance, designing an incredibly robust review and selection process, and more—for programs that resulted in selections for grant awards ranging from $400 million to $7 billion.”

“The impacts of climate change are here,” says Mayerson, who was with Vice President Kamala Harris when she announced the funding in April 2024. “And the sooner that we can get capital out into projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the better we are going to be at not just reducing the impacts of climate change over the long term, but also creating the clean energy economy we want to see in this country.”

Achieving those climate goals, Mayerson says, is going to require a tremendous amount of capital in communities across the country. By leveraging $1 of public funds for almost $7 of private capital over the next seven years, these programs will ensure that the federal government drives capital into the projects that most need them and into the communities that will most benefit. Mayerson loves that his position at the EPA allows him to “get in the weeds” and focus on specific details on topics on a granular level to drive decision-making.

Mayerson cites UChicago Harris’ focus on quantitative rigor as a key influence in his career. “Numbers are often choices,” he explains. “For example, the unemployment rate. There are different ways of calculating the percentage of people who are truly employed. The numbers that we calculate are products of choices, and then what we choose to focus on is also a choice as well. I think part of the UChicago ethos is to rigorously interrogate those choices and then to use the quantitative tools where they’re most valuable.”

The “UChicago ethos” of not accepting statements at face value plays out in other ways. While he knew little about federal grant regulations prior to his time at the EPA, Mayerson knows to seek out answers from experts—and worked to integrate the new data. “Asking the questions, that’s how you develop the knowledge,” he says. “And also someone has to be the integrator across different knowledge sets. Someone needs to integrate grant regulations with what are we are actually trying to do from a programmatic and policy perspective. And the only way to do that is to ask questions of the relevant expert. It's really that Harris perspective of always asking the question that has served me well in this work.”

Mayerson counts running, beer, and soccer among his hobbies; he particularly enjoys watching the Washington Spirit, the local NWSL team. And whether he’s jogging in Rock Creek Park, influencing America’s approach to environmental concerns, or simply tending his garden, Mayerson is thrilled to be where he is in his life. And now, when he returns to the White House, it’s not as a kid straight out of college, but rather as a savvy leader who is there to brief senior staff on his programs.

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