Applying for Admission

Submitting an Application

Go to www.math.fsu.edu/apply to learn how to submit an application!

Here is the direct link to the University online application page: http://admissions.fsu.edu/graduate

Here is a link to the FSU Graduate School's frequently asked questions

Application Due Dates

December 15th for PhD degree applications to receive full consideration for Fall admission and financial aid.

April 30th for MS degree applications to receive full consideration for Fall admission, and may in certain cases be considered for limited financial support if available. Applications completed after April 30 but before June 30 may sometimes be considered if space is available.

Consult the Director for questions about the degree programs; specific questions about the Actuarial Science track of the MS degree may be sent to the Coordinator of Actuarial Science. Questions about financial support may be directed to the Associate Chair for Graduate Studies.

Program Prerequisites

The Financial Mathematics program leads to a graduate degree in mathematics and requires an undergraduate background in mathematics courses equivalent to those included in a mathematics major. Applicants should have experience with proof-based mathematics courses at the advanced undergraduate level, and with using computers to solve mathematical problems.

Also, please consult the FSU Math Graduate Program page for further information about graduate study at FSU.

Admission checklist: Required Background
  1. The following specific math courses are required prerequisites:
    • Calculus I, II, and III (multivariate calculus)
    • Differential equations
    • Linear algebra
    • Probability and Statistics
    • For PhD applicants: Real Analysis or Advanced Calculus

      An upper division undergraduate course in proof-based Real Analysis or Advanced Calculus provides the needed background for further coursework in financial mathematics. Representative texts for this material include:

      • W. Rudin, Principles of Mathematical Analysis, 3rd edition; or
      • S. Abbott, Understanding Analysis, Springer.
  2. You should have experience with proof-based mathematics courses at the upper-division level.
  3. You should have some experience programming in a high level computer language like C++, Fortran, Python, and/or Julia before the start of the first semester.

    Students are encouraged to take programming as part of their undergraduate coursework. Admitted students unsure of their background are encouraged to consult Resources for C++ Programming for guidance and self-study, if needed.

Admission checklist: Recommended Background
Frequently asked questions
Admissions
Should I apply for the MS or PhD? The MS degree is a two-year coursework degree aimed at professional preparation for the quant world. Students considering the PhD degree need a stronger mathematical background and a greater degree of independence. The PhD usually takes 5 or 6 years to complete, and PhD students normally earn the MS degree after the first two years.
When can I begin the program? All MS and PhD students are admitted for Fall term only. The Fall term normally begins the last week of August. (New graduate students arrive a week earlier for orientation and advising.)
How much does it cost to study at FSU? Do you give any financial aid? Visit the Financial Aid page to learn about financial aid and the FSU tuition page for cost of registration at FSU.
Currently, PhD students making timely progess toward the degree are supported with a Departmental Teaching Assistantship or University Fellowship that includes a stipend and most tuition. MS students are normally self-funded, but in some years the Department has a few tuition waivers available.
If I am admitted for the MS degree only, can I switch to the PhD? If you were admitted as an MS student, but wish to pursue the PhD, you may elect the first year PhD qualifier courses, and if successful apply after one year to transfer to the PhD program. Transfers to the PhD program are competitive and not guaranteed. See the Director for more information.