Math Grad school with only one real analysis course?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether a student can gain admission to a mathematics graduate program with only one course in real analysis, specifically focusing on the implications of not having taken advanced calculus II. The scope includes considerations of academic prerequisites for graduate studies in mathematics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express difficulty in imagining starting a graduate program in mathematics without having taken advanced calculus, suggesting that it is a significant gap in preparation.
  • There is a suggestion to inquire directly with the intended graduate programs to understand their specific requirements and whether other courses might compensate for the lack of advanced calculus II.
  • One participant notes that "real analysis" often includes topics on measure and integration, which may be critical for graduate-level mathematics.
  • Concerns are raised about the adequacy of having only one semester of undergraduate analysis for admission to graduate programs, particularly regarding multivariable analysis.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether admission is possible with only one real analysis course, indicating multiple competing views on the necessity of advanced calculus II for graduate school readiness.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects uncertainty regarding the specific admission criteria of different graduate programs and the varying interpretations of what constitutes adequate preparation in analysis.

Orson
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Assume student has taken around 8 upper division math courses including abstract algebra 1 and abstract algebra 2.
 
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What is your question? Are you asking if there is an error in his transcript?
 
Stephen Tashi said:
What is your question? Are you asking if there is an error in his transcript?
No. I'm wondering if I can get into grad school without real analysis 2
 
Sorry I was vague. I may not be able to take real analysis 2 (advanced calculus). It's only offered every other year.
 
It is difficult for me to imagine starting a graduate program in mathematics without having taken advanced calculus, even if you would focus specifically on discrete structures. But why don't you inquire with the program(s) you aim to attend? Perhaps you are in luck and your other courses can act as compensation.

By the way, when I read "real analysis", I think more of a course on the underpinnings of certain parts of advanced calculus. Such a course usually spends considerable time on measure and integration.
 
Krylov said:
It is difficult for me to imagine starting a graduate program in mathematics without having taken advanced calculus, even if you would focus specifically on discrete structures. But why don't you inquire with the program(s) you aim to attend? Perhaps you are in luck and your other courses can act as compensation.

By the way, when I read "real analysis", I think more of a course on the underpinnings of certain parts of advanced calculus. Such a course usually spends considerable time on measure and integration.
I will be able to take advanced calculus I but not advanced calculus II. Both courses are undergraduate analysis. The first of one variable. The second of multivariable.
 
So will grad schools admit candidates with only one semester of undergrad analysis?
 
Orson said:
I will be able to take advanced calculus I but not advanced calculus II. Both courses are undergraduate analysis. The first of one variable. The second of multivariable.
Orson said:
So will grad schools admit candidates with only one semester of undergrad analysis?
Ask your school(s), that is the only way to know for sure.

However, personally I would not put too much confidence in a school accepting students without a foundation in multivariable analysis.
 
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Krylov said:
Ask your school(s), that is the only way to know for sure.

However, personally I would not put too much confidence in a school accepting students without a foundation in multivariable analysis.
Ok thank you. I appreciate it.
 

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