Prospective Students

Math equations on a blackboard.

Discover Mathematics at UC Davis

The Department of Mathematics at UC Davis is renowned for its dynamic, forward-thinking approach to the discipline. Home to a vibrant research community in both pure and applied mathematics, the department offers students close collaboration with faculty, access to one of the nation’s top university library systems, and an exceptional location—situated midway between the Bay Area and the Sierra Nevada.

UC Davis provides an outstanding environment for motivated students to pursue advanced study and contribute meaningfully to the field of mathematics.

HOW TO APPLY

Join a Dynamic Network of Scholars and Innovators in Mathematics

We offer a vibrant and supportive environment for graduate study, where students engage in cutting-edge research across a broad spectrum of mathematical disciplines, including:

  • Algebra and Combinatorics
  • Analysis and Partial Differential Equations
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Geometry and Topology
  • Mathematical Biology
  • Mathematical Physics
  • Number Theory 
  • Probability Theory and Stochastic Processes
  • Scientific Computing

Graduate students pursue advanced research in both theoretical and applied mathematics, often working across multiple areas of specialization.

Faculty Excellence & Research Funding

Our faculty are actively supported by competitive research grants from leading federal agencies such as the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and the Departments of Defense and Energy, as well as numerous private foundations. This strong funding base fosters a thriving research culture and opens doors for student involvement in high-impact projects.

Seminars, Colloquia & Collaborative Events

The Department hosts weekly seminars and colloquia in core areas, including:

  • PDE and Applied Mathematics
  • Algebra and Discrete Mathematics
  • Algebraic Geometry and Number Theory 
  • Geometry and Topology
  • Mathematical Biology
  • Mathematics of Data & Decisions
  • Optimization
  • PDE and Applied Mathematics
  • Probability
  • Student-led Seminars

We also participate in collaborative events with neighboring institutions, enriching the academic experience:

  • Bay Area Topology Seminar (quarterly, with UC Berkeley and Stanford)
  • Bay Area Discrete Mathematics Day (semi-annually, with several Northern California universities)

Graduate Experience & Opportunities

UC Davis offers the best of both worlds: the resources of a major research university and the close-knit community of a dedicated mathematics department. Graduate students benefit from:

  • A wide selection of graduate courses and research areas
  • Access to extensive library and computing resources
  • Small class sizes and early faculty engagement
  • Opportunities to attend conferences and summer research programs

We are proud to be a sponsoring institution of the Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute (SLMath), formerly MSRI, located just an hour from campus. SLMath offers several summer graduate workshops each year.

Students also benefit from the Graduate Group in Applied Mathematics (GGAM), an interdisciplinary network of over 80 researchers across campus departments who share a passion for mathematical inquiry.