Ph.D. programs with discrete mathematics

AI Thread Summary
Finding pure math Ph.D. programs with strong research groups in discrete mathematics can be challenging, particularly due to the field's interdisciplinary nature. While top institutions like Carnegie Mellon, Georgia Tech, UCSD, and Rutgers are well-known for their discrete math programs, there is a need for recommendations of middle-to-lower ranked schools that also have a significant focus on this area. Specific interests include graph theory and its connections to combinatorics, number theory, and topology, with a clear preference for pure math over applied math or computer science. Suggestions include Georgia Tech and Emory University, but the individual is looking for a broader range of options to ensure a diverse application strategy, aiming to apply to about 10-12 programs. The discussion emphasizes the importance of finding schools where admission chances are favorable while still maintaining a focus on the desired research areas.
764527
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
I've been having trouble finding many pure math Ph.D. programs with active research groups in the general field of discrete mathematics (perhaps due to its interdisciplinary nature). I'm only aware of the top schools in this field (e.g. Carnegie Mellon, Georgia Tech, UCSD, Rutgers); can anyone suggest some middle-to-lower ranked schools with a relatively large presence in discrete math?

If it helps, I am particularly interested in graph theory, as well as connections between combinatorics/graph theory to number theory and topology. My interests are entirely within the domain of pure math; I do not wish to apply to any applied math or computer science programs.

Thank you!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Well, why not go to one of those schools? In particular, georgia tech? But, I think Emory University does a lot of discrete stuff, too.
 
Robert1986 said:
Well, why not go to one of those schools? In particular, georgia tech? But, I think Emory University does a lot of discrete stuff, too.

I would love to go to one of those schools, but it's not like I can go to a top school just because I want to; I have to worry about getting in first! I'll probably end up applying to ~10-12 programs next year, and I want a good variety of schools: some near the top, and others for which I have a better chance of getting into. Thank you for suggesting Emory though; I will definitely check them out.
 
Sorry for the bump; it's been 3 days without another response. Does anyone have other suggestions?
 
After a year of thought, I decided to adjust my ratio for applying the US/EU(+UK) schools. I mostly focused on the US schools before, but things are getting complex and I found out that Europe is also a good place to study. I found some institutes that have professors with similar interests. But gaining the information is much harder than US schools (like you have to contact professors in advance etc). For your information, I have B.S. in engineering (low GPA: 3.2/4.0) in Asia - one SCI...
I graduated with a BSc in Physics in 2020. Since there were limited opportunities in my country (mostly teaching), I decided to improve my programming skills and began working in IT, first as a software engineer and later as a quality assurance engineer, where I’ve now spent about 3 years. While this career path has provided financial stability, I’ve realized that my excitement and passion aren’t really there, unlike what I felt when studying or doing research in physics. Working in IT...
Bit Britain-specific but I was wondering, what's the best path to take for A-Levels out of the following (I know Y10 seems a bit early to be thinking about A-levels, but my choice will impact what I do this year/ in y11) I (almost) definitely want to do physics at University - so keep that in mind... The subjects that I'm almost definitely going to take are Maths, Further Maths and Physics, and I'm taking a fast track programme which means that I'll be taking AS computer science at the end...
Back
Top