The goal of the doctoral program in Mathematics at Kansas State University is to provide each student with the tools needed to become a productive member of the mathematical community. To reach this goal, candidates must demonstrate to the faculty that they have met criteria for both breadth and depth in their studies. 

Specifically, each student will be required first to pass a written Qualifying Examination covering a broad range of mathematical subjects, and then, a Specialty Examination demonstrating the ability to pursue original and independent research in a chosen field of study.

These will be followed by original research culminating in the Ph.D. dissertation. In addition, each student in the doctoral program in mathematics must demonstrate reading proficiency in either French, German or Russian. Since the vast majority of mathematics published in languages other than English are in one of the above languages, the graduate faculty feels that having at least a reading knowledge in one of the above languages is an important research tool.