Welcome to the Yale graduate program in Mathematics! The transition from mathematics student to working mathematician depends on ability, hard work and independence, but also on community. Yale’s graduate program provides an excellent environment for this, and we are proud of the talented students who come here and the leading faculty with whom they learn the profession.
The Department of Mathematics at Yale has one of the top graduate programs in the US. THe program gives students the opportunity to do research under the guidance of distinguished mathematicians. Its graduates take positions at leading mathematics departments world-wide, as well as prominent positions in industry. The program offers five years of support and provides a competitive stipend. There is no teaching in the first year and relatively low teaching in later years.
Research areas include:
- Algebraic geometry
- Applied Mathematics
- Combinatorics and Discrete mathematics
- Complex and real analysis
- Differential geometry
- Geometric analysis
- Group actions and Dynamical systems
- Harmonic analysis
- Lie groups and discrete subgroups
- Low-dimensional topology
- Mathematical physics
- Number theory
- Numerical analysis
- Partial differential equations
- Probability and Stochastic analysis
- Representation theory
- Teichmüller theory
Application Information for Academic Year 2026–2027
Deadline to Apply is December 15, 2025
GRE Subject Math Test scores are required.
GRE General Test scores are optional.
TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for most applicants whose native language is not English.
The Graduate School’s Mathematics page has more information about test requirements (including who needs to take IELTS and TOEFL), the application page, and more. If you wish to apply to waive the application fee ($105), we recommend to apply as early as possible and, at least, several days before the deadline of December 15, 2025. Please note that the department has no control over the waivers.
Stained glass detail, Sterling Memorial Library
In their first two years, students focus on building their general knowledge and passing the qualifying exams, but are also encouraged to use the time to think about their areas of interest, work together to explore them, and begin making connections with faculty advisors. There are few formal requirements and this flexibility allows students to develop independence, formulating and following their own goals.
Mathematics, while requiring intense individual focus, also thrives on collaborative work. Students form study groups and seminars together, and also benefit from our excellent cohort of Gibbs Assistant Professors and other Postdoctoral Fellows, who are a source of fresh mathematical perspectives and camaraderie.
Research, and the contribution of new ideas and results to the body of mathematical knowledge, naturally form the main focus of the next few years, and typically students complete their PhD by the end of the 5th (sometimes 6th) year. During this time they also get to know the faculty better, and continue building intellectual and personal connections, horizontally across the discipline and through time to our shared intellectual history and tradition.
Teaching is an important component of our profession, and the department provides support and training to graduate students. Teaching assignments proceed from individual coaching to classroom teaching, with careful mentoring provided by our dedicated team of lecturers. The Lang Lunch Seminar, in the second year, provides in-depth training to graduate students before they begin to lecture.
Questions?
Contact the DGS Team
If you have any questions or need more information, please get in touch with the director of graduate studies or the registrar.
