- #1
mattmns
- 1,128
- 6
Could someone explain this to me. Why do a large number of schools require that a math PhD have knowledge of 1, or more, foreign languages? I talked to my Math professor about this last semester and he said it was a joke in that he never really used it. However, he did not have to take a proficiency exam for the language, he just needed 3 semesters to get accepted into the PhD program. But at UC Berkeley, for example, you are required to take 2 exams in your choice of French, German, or Russian.
So for those Math PhDs here, how was your foreign language requirement? Was it something serious? Can you learn the language while in grad school? How many semesters did you take to become proficient in the language?
I guess I am thinking that it would be silly to take foreign language classes while in grad school, so I may have to change my schedule a bit :grumpy:
Thanks.
So for those Math PhDs here, how was your foreign language requirement? Was it something serious? Can you learn the language while in grad school? How many semesters did you take to become proficient in the language?
I guess I am thinking that it would be silly to take foreign language classes while in grad school, so I may have to change my schedule a bit :grumpy:
Thanks.