Programs Math PhD shorter than physics PhD?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the duration of PhD programs in mathematics compared to physics at top US universities. It is suggested that math PhDs typically take around four years, while physics PhDs often extend to five to seven years. Historical data indicates that in 1995, the median duration for math PhDs was eight years, but it is believed to have decreased since then. Current statistics show that the median time for physics PhDs is slightly over six years, with some programs in New Zealand taking about eight years. Participants note that in math programs, durations of five or six years are considered slow, and some institutions have strict timelines for completion. Overall, the consensus leans towards math PhDs being shorter than those in physics, especially in competitive programs.
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Conjecture: Math PhD is generally(with appropriate definition of generally) shorter in duration than physics PhD. (PhD programmes in US is under consideration and universities in question are say top 10)

Anyone with proof?
I have an impression that math PhD is normally ~4 years
whereas physics PhD is normally ~5 to 7 years

dunno if it's correct though
 
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In 1995, the median time to degree for math was 8 years, according to the NRC (and other sources)

http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=9784&page=111

I believe it's lower now.

Last I checked, the median time to degree in physics was a little over 6 years (this is more recent data, I think - look up the AIP site).
 
In NZ a PhD in Physics takes ~8 years, hope that helps
 
we don't keep anyone 8 years who hasn't finished at my PhD math program. I think 5 or 6 is considered slow in math. In the olkd days I heard princeton only allowed 2 years, maybe three. Utah put me on notice after 2 years that I only had one more year to finish my math PhD (but i entered with a masters).
 
Im talking from first year undergrad to ending PhD :redface:

mathwonk said:
we don't keep anyone 8 years who hasn't finished at my PhD math program. I think 5 or 6 is considered slow in math. In the olkd days I heard princeton only allowed 2 years, maybe three. Utah put me on notice after 2 years that I only had one more year to finish my math PhD (but i entered with a masters).
 
for me maybe, let's see,...ummmm, 17 years?
 
first year to Phd? all at the same school?!?? how do you judge that?
 

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