Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the class sizes of math PhD programs, specifically at institutions like Berkeley, UCLA, and Michigan. Participants explore how to find this information, compare it to physics programs, and discuss trends in admissions and class sizes.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant inquires about the average class sizes for math PhD programs, noting that physics programs tend to have larger classes.
- Another participant suggests that class sizes can be estimated by dividing the number of current grad students by the average years to graduate, which they estimate to be around 4.5 years.
- It is mentioned that UCLA typically has 30-40 new grad students per year, combining both pure and applied math, but it is unclear if this number has been affected by recent economic conditions.
- Participants point out that some schools provide admissions data online, which can help in finding class size information.
- One participant raises a concern that the data may be misleading due to historical changes in the department structure, specifically referencing the split between math and statistics at UCLA.
- Another participant provides links to actual class sizes for UCLA's math department, noting that sizes can fluctuate based on undergraduate interest and specific faculty teaching courses.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree that class sizes can vary and that some schools provide data online. However, there is no consensus on the exact average class sizes or trends over time, and some uncertainty remains regarding the impact of economic conditions on admissions.
Contextual Notes
Participants mention that the data may be outdated or misleading due to changes in departmental structures and that class sizes can fluctuate based on various factors, including faculty assignments.