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Math equations
George Mason University

Preliminary Exams

Preliminary Exams in Mathematics

PhD students are required to pass three preliminary exams in mathematics. Students for whom core courses have been waived must still take preliminary exams. MS students may pass three preliminary exams to satisfy the creative component of their degree. The topics of the exams are

  • Algebra
  • Linear Analysis
  • Numerical Analysis
  • Ordinary Differential Equations
  • Topology

PhD students are required to take 4 of 5 core courses, one of which must be MATH 675. The core courses are

  • MATH 675 (Linear Analysis)
  • MATH 621 (Algebra)
  • MATH 631 (Topology)
  • MATH 677 (Ordinary Differential Equations)
  • MATH 685 (Numerical Analysis)


Syllabi, preliminary exams from prior years and information about how to register can be found at the Department's Blackboard page.