B. Two Preliminary Examinations

Preliminary examination area	Date passed

C. Two 500-Level Preliminary Examination Sequences

Complete the 500-level preliminary sequences corresponding to Part B (4 courses; 12 credits total).

Sequence Area	Course numbers	Fall grade	Spring grade

D. Two 600-Level Sequences

Complete two 600-level sequences (4 courses; 12 credits total).

Sequence Area	Course numbers	Fall grade	Spring grade

E. Additional 500-Level Sequence and Courses

Complete one additional year-long 500-level sequence and two additional 500-level courses (4 courses; 12 credits total).

Requirement	Area	Course number(s)	Fall grade	Spring grade
Additional sequence
Additional course 1
Additional course 2

4.4.2 Mathematical Biology Breadth Planning Sheet‌

Use this breadth planning sheet for the Mathematical Biology Concentration. Directions are found in Section 4.9.

A. Four Distinct Areas of Study

Area	Selected field
Area 1 (specialization)	Mathematical Biology
Area 2
Area 3
Area 4

B. Two Preliminary Examinations

Preliminary examination area	Date passed
Mathematical Biology

C. Two 500-Level Preliminary Examination Sequences

Complete the 500-level preliminary sequences corresponding to Part B (4 courses; 12 credits total).

Sequence Area	Course numbers	Fall grade	Spring grade
Mathematical Biology	MATH 581–582

D. Two 600-Level Sequences

Complete two 600-level sequences (4 courses; 12 credits total).

Sequence Area	Course numbers	Fall grade	Spring grade
Mathematical Biology	MATH 681–682

4.5 Reference Tables

The following four tables are referenced in the directions sections below (Sections 4.6 through 4.9).

Table 1. Areas of Study for Part A

Theoretical areas	Applied areas
Analysis	Differential Equations
Algebra	Computational & Applied Mathematics
Topology	Mathematical Biology
Geometry	Data Science
Probability

Table 2. Preliminary Examination Sequences for Part B

Preliminary examination area	Course sequence	Course titles
Probability	MATH 523–524	Probability I and II
Differential Equations	MATH 535–536	Partial Differential Equations I and II
Analysis	MATH 545–546	Real Analysis and Complex Analysis
Algebra	MATH 551–552	Modern Algebra I and II
Topology	MATH 561–562	Topology I and II
Computational & Applied Maths	MATH 571–572	Numerical Analysis I and II
Mathematical Biology	MATH 581–582	Mathematical Biology I and II

Table 3. Approved 600-Level Sequences for Part D

Area	Option 1	Option 2
Analysis	MATH 641–642	MATH 645–646
Algebra	MATH 651–652
Topology	MATH 661–662	MATH 663–664
Geometry	MATH 667–668
Probability	MATH 623–624
Differential Equations	MATH 635–636
Computational & Applied Mathematics	MATH 673–674
Mathematical Biology	MATH 681–682
Data Science	CSDS 611–612

Table 4. Approved Additional 500-Level Year-Long Sequences for Part E

Area	Option 1	Option 2
Probability	MATH 521–522	MATH 523–524
Differential Equations	MATH 531–532	MATH 535–536
Analysis	MATH 545–546	MATH 545 and MATH 547
Algebra	MATH 551–552	MATH 555–556
Topology	MATH 561–562
Geometry	MATH 567–568
Computational & Applied Mathematics	MATH 571–572
Mathematical Biology	MATH 581–582
Data Science	CSDS 513–514	CSDS 515–516

4.6 ‌Directions: Standard Program, Shared-Framework Specializations‌

This section applies to the six shared-framework specializations, which offer preliminary examinations and share the same breadth structure: Analysis, Algebra, Topology, Probability, Differential Equations, and Computational & Applied Mathematics. Geometry and Data Science use the modified Standard Program requirements in Sections 4.7 and 4.8; Mathematical Biology is a separate concentration governed by Section 4.9.

A. Four Distinct Areas of Study

Area	Selected field
Area 1 (specialization)
Area 2
Area 3
Area 4

1. Choose four distinct areas of study from Table 1 in Section 4.5.
2. Area 1 is the specialization area, the field in which the PhD research will be conducted. Choose Analysis, Algebra, Topology, Probability, Differential Equations, or Computational & Applied Mathematics.
3. Area 2 must offer a preliminary examination. Choose any one of the six areas listed above, different from Area 1.
4. If Area 1 is theoretical, at least one of Areas 2–4 must be applied, and vice versa. See Table 1 in Section 4.5.
5. Areas 3 and 4 may be any two remaining distinct areas from Table 1 in Section 4.5.

B. Two Preliminary Examinations

Preliminary examination area	Date passed
Area 1 from Part A
Area 2 from Part A

1. Pass preliminary examinations in Area 1 and Area 2.
2. The course sequences corresponding to the preliminary examinations appear in Table 2 in Section 4.5.
3. All students must pass both preliminary examinations. Students supported on assistantship must pass one by the January preliminary-examination period of their third full academic year in the program and both by the January preliminary-examination period of their fourth full academic year in the program. The definition of a full academic year in Section 3.2 applies to these deadlines.

C. Two 500-Level Preliminary Examination Sequences

Complete the 500-level preliminary sequences corresponding to Part B (4 courses; 12 credits total).

Sequence Area	Course numbers	Fall grade	Spring grade
Area 1 from Part A
Area 2 from Part A

1. If a preliminary examination is passed before the corresponding sequence is completed, the remaining portion of the sequence may be skipped. The breadth requirement is fulfilled, but no course credit is awarded for the skipped portion.
2. Otherwise, each course must be completed with a grade of B- or better.

D. Two 600-Level Sequences

Complete two 600-level sequences (4 courses; 12 credits total).

Sequence Area	Course numbers	Fall grade	Spring grade
Area 1
Second area

1. The first sequence must be in Area 1, the specialization area.
2. The second sequence must be selected from Areas 2–4.
3. Each course must be completed with a grade of B- or better.
4. Approved 600-level sequences appear in Table 3 in Section 4.5.

E. Additional 500-Level Sequence and Courses

Complete one additional year-long 500-level sequence and two additional 500-level courses (4 courses; 12 credits total).

Requirement	Area	Course number(s)	Fall grade	Spring grade
Additional sequence	Area 3
Additional course 1	Area 4
Additional course 2	Not Area 1

1. The additional sequence must be in Area 3 and selected from Table 4 in Section 4.5.
2. The first additional course must be in Area 4.
3. The second additional course may be in any area other than Area 1.
4. Each course must be completed with a grade of B- or better.
5. Courses designed for the MM program may not be used for breadth requirements or for credit toward the PhD degree.

4.7 ‌Directions: Standard Program, Geometry Specialization‌

The directions in this section apply to the Geometry specialization within the Standard Program.

A. Four Distinct Areas of Study

Area	Selected field
Area 1 (specialization)	Geometry
Area 2
Area 3
Area 4

1. Designate Geometry as Area 1, the specialization area.
2. Choose Areas 2 and 3 from Analysis, Algebra, Topology, Probability, Differential Equations, and Computational & Applied Mathematics.
3. Because Geometry is theoretical, at least one of Areas 2–4 must be applied.
4. Area 4 may be any remaining distinct area from Table 1 in Section 4.5.

B. Two Preliminary Examinations

Preliminary examination area	Date passed
Area 2 from Part A
Area 3 from Part A

1. Pass preliminary examinations in Areas 2 and 3.
2. The course sequences corresponding to the preliminary examinations appear in Table 2 in Section 4.5.
3. All students must pass both preliminary examinations. Students supported on assistantship must pass one by the January preliminary-examination period of their third full academic year in the program and both by the January preliminary-examination period of their fourth full academic year in the program. The definition of a full academic year in Section 3.2 applies to these deadlines.
4. Mathematical Biology may not be used as a preliminary examination area for the Geometry specialization.

C. Two 500-Level Preliminary Examination Sequences

Complete the 500-level preliminary sequences corresponding to Part B (4 courses; 12 credits total).

Sequence Area	Course numbers	Fall grade	Spring grade
Area 2 from Part A
Area 3 from Part A

1. If a preliminary examination is passed before the corresponding sequence is completed, the remaining portion of the sequence may be skipped. The breadth requirement is fulfilled, but no course credit is awarded for the skipped portion.
2. Otherwise, each course must be completed with a grade of B- or better.

D. Two 600-Level Sequences

Complete two 600-level sequences (4 courses; 12 credits total).

Sequence Area	Course numbers	Fall grade	Spring grade
Geometry	MATH 667-668
Second area

1. The first sequence must be MATH 667–668 in Geometry.
2. The second sequence must be selected from Areas 2–4.
3. Each course must be completed with a grade of B- or better.
4. Approved 600-level sequences appear in Table 3 in Section 4.5.

E. Additional 500-Level Sequence and Courses

Complete one additional year-long 500-level sequence and two additional 500-level courses (4 courses; 12 credits total).

Requirement	Area	Course number(s)	Fall grade	Spring grade
Additional sequence	Geometry	MATH 567-568
Additional course 1	Area 4
Additional course 2	Not Geometry

1. Complete MATH 567–568 as the additional sequence.
2. The first additional course must be in Area 4.
3. The second additional course may be any 500-level MATH or CSDS course outside Geometry.
4. Each course must be completed with a grade of B- or better.
5. Courses designed for the MM program may not be used for breadth requirements or for credit toward the PhD degree.

4.8 ‌Directions: Standard Program, Data Science Specialization‌

The directions in this section apply to the Data Science specialization within the Standard Program.

A. Four Distinct Areas of Study

Area	Selected field
Area 1 (specialization)	Data Science
Area 2
Area 3
Area 4

1. Designate Data Science as Area 1, the specialization area.
2. Choose Areas 2 and 3 from Analysis, Algebra, Topology, Probability, Differential Equations, Computational & Applied Mathematics, and Mathematical Biology.
3. Because Data Science is applied, at least one of Areas 2–4 must be theoretical.
4. Area 4 may be any remaining distinct area from Table 1 in Section 4.5.

B. Two Preliminary Examinations

Preliminary examination area	Date passed
Area 2 from Part A
Area 3 from Part A

1. Pass preliminary examinations in Areas 2 and 3.
2. The course sequences corresponding to the preliminary examinations appear in Table 2 in Section 4.5.
3. All students must pass both preliminary examinations. Students supported on assistantship must pass one by the January preliminary-examination period of their third full academic year in the program and both by the January preliminary-examination period of their fourth full academic year in the program. The definition of a full academic year in Section 3.2 applies to these deadlines.
4. Mathematical Biology may be used as a preliminary examination area for the Data Science specialization.

C. Two 500-Level Preliminary Examination Sequences

Complete the 500-level preliminary sequences corresponding to Part B (4 courses; 12 credits total).

Sequence Area	Course numbers	Fall grade	Spring grade
Area 2 from Part A
Area 3 from Part A

1. If a preliminary examination is passed before the corresponding sequence is completed, the remaining portion of the sequence may be skipped. The breadth requirement is fulfilled, but no course credit is awarded for the skipped portion.
2. Otherwise, each course must be completed with a grade of B- or better.

D. Two 600-Level Sequences

Complete two 600-level sequences (4 courses; 12 credits total).

Sequence Area	Course numbers	Fall grade	Spring grade
Data Science	CSDS 611-612
Second area

1. The first sequence must be CSDS 611–612 in Data Science.
2. The second sequence must be selected from Areas 2–4.
3. Each course must be completed with a grade of B- or better.
4. Approved 600-level sequences appear in Table 3 in Section 4.5.

E. Additional 500-Level Sequence and Courses

Complete one additional year-long 500-level sequence and two additional 500-level courses (4 courses; 12 credits total).

Requirement	Area	Course number(s)	Fall grade	Spring grade
Additional sequence	Data Science	CSDS 515-516
Additional course 1	Area 4
Additional course 2	Not Data Science

1. Complete CSDS 515–516 as the additional sequence.
2. The first additional course must be in Area 4.
3. The second additional course may be any 500-level MATH course outside Data Science.
4. Each course must be completed with a grade of B- or better.
5. Courses designed for the MM program may not be used for breadth requirements or for credit toward the PhD degree.

4.9 ‌Directions: Mathematical Biology Concentration‌

The directions in this section apply to the Mathematical Biology Concentration.

A. Four Distinct Areas of Study

Area	Selected field
Area 1 (specialization)	Mathematical Biology
Area 2
Area 3
Area 4

1. Designate Mathematical Biology as Area 1, the specialization area.
2. Choose Area 2 from Analysis, Algebra, Topology, Probability, Differential Equations, and Computational & Applied Mathematics.
3. Choose Areas 3 and 4 as any two remaining distinct areas from Table 1 in Section 4.5.

B. Two Preliminary Examinations

Preliminary examination area	Date passed
Mathematical Biology
Area 2 from Part A

1. Pass the Mathematical Biology preliminary examination and the preliminary examination in Area 2.
2. The course sequences corresponding to the preliminary examinations appear in Table 2 in Section 4.5.
3. All students must pass both preliminary examinations. Students supported on assistantship must pass one by the January preliminary-examination period of their third full academic year in the program and both by the January preliminary-examination period of their fourth full academic year in the program. The definition of a full academic year in Section 3.2 applies to these deadlines.

C. Two 500-Level Preliminary Examination Sequences

Complete the 500-level preliminary sequences corresponding to Part B (4 courses; 12 credits total).

Sequence Area	Course numbers	Fall grade	Spring grade
Mathematical Biology	MATH 581-582
Area 2 from Part A

1. If a preliminary examination is passed before the corresponding sequence is completed, the remaining portion of the sequence may be skipped. The breadth requirement is fulfilled, but no course credit is awarded for the skipped portion.
2. Otherwise, each course must be completed with a grade of B- or better.

D. Two 600-Level Sequences

Complete two 600-level sequences (4 courses; 12 credits total).

Sequence Area	Course numbers	Fall grade	Spring grade
Mathematical Biology	MATH 681-682
Second area

1. The first sequence must be MATH 681–682 in Mathematical Biology.
2. The second sequence must be selected from Areas 2–4.
3. Each course must be completed with a grade of B- or better.
4. Approved 600-level sequences appear in Table 3 in Section 4.5.

E. Additional 500-Level Sequence and Courses

Complete four additional 500- or 600-level courses at UT Knoxville (4 courses; 12 credits total).

Requirement	Area	Course number(s)	Fall grade	Spring grade
Additional course 1
Additional course 2
Additional course 3
Additional course 4

1. Each course must be completed with a grade of B- or better.
2. Areas 3 and 4 from Part A must both be represented.
3. With advisor approval, courses appropriate to the student’s program of study may be taken in Microbiology, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, or another UT Knoxville department.
4. Courses designed for the MM program in Mathematics may not be used for breadth requirements or for credit toward the PhD degree.

5 Master’s Degree Programs

5.1 Course Credit Hour Requirements‌

A minimum of 30 graduate credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree is required for all master’s degree options.

5.2 ‌Time Limit‌

The six-year time limit applies to every master’s degree program and option described in this handbook. The six-year period begins at the start of the semester in which the student takes the first course counted toward the degree. A student who changes degree programs during the six-year period may request an extension, subject to review and approval by the Dean of the Graduate School. In all cases, courses used toward a master’s degree must have been taken within six calendar years of graduation.

5.3 ‌Common MS Definitions and Requirements‌

The following definitions and requirements apply to multiple MS degree options.

‌5.3.1 Sequence Requirement‌

To satisfy the sequence requirement, an MS student must successfully complete an approved year-long sequence in accordance with current Graduate School grading and degree-credit requirements. Any pair of graduate mathematics courses identified as a sequence in the Graduate Catalog is acceptable. All pairs of 400-level mathematics courses identified as sequences in the Graduate Catalog are also acceptable. Additional eligible pairs are MATH 423–424; MATH 423–425; MATH 431–435; any two of MATH 460, MATH 462, and MATH 467; and MATH 471–472. A graduate sequence outside mathematics requires DGS approval. Courses designed for the MM program may not satisfy this requirement.

5.3.2 ‌Master’s Committee

‌The master’s committee is the three-member committee for the thesis option. It is chaired by the thesis advisor and administers the thesis defense.

5.3.3 ‌Project Supervisory Committee

‌The project supervisory committee consists of the MATH 598 project director and two additional members. A project supervisory committee is required only for an MS option that includes a nonthesis project.

5.3.4 ‌Project Requirement

‌To satisfy the project requirement, an MS student must complete MATH 598 under the direction of a project director, prepare an approved written report, present the project results orally, and answer questions from the project supervisory committee. The project director chairs the project supervisory committee.

5.4 ‌Master of Science: Standard Program‌

5.4.1 ‌Thesis Option

‌The thesis option allows students to study an area of mathematics under expert faculty supervision and present their findings in writing. The master’s committee reads the thesis and administers the thesis defense, during which the student summarizes the thesis results and answers questions.

1. ‌Complete a total of 30 credit hours in courses numbered 400 or higher, including at least 6 credit hours of thesis (MATH 500) and 15 hours in mathematics courses numbered 500 or higher. Of the 24 nonthesis credit hours, 6 may be earned in courses approved by the master’s committee in fields other than mathematics. More than 6 hours of MATH 500 may be taken, but only 6 hours will count toward the degree. Courses designed for the MM program may not be used for this degree.‌
2. Satisfy the Sequence Requirement described in Section 5.3.1.
3. Form a master’s committee.
4. The thesis advisor, who chairs the master’s committee, must be a tenured or tenure-track member of the Mathematics Department.
5. Write a thesis and pass a thesis defense administered by the master’s committee.

5.4.2 ‌Nonthesis, Project Option

‌The nonthesis project option allows students to study an area of mathematics under faculty supervision and present their findings in a written report and oral presentation. The project supervisory committee reviews the report, hears the presentation, and asks questions about the project. This option does not require submission of a thesis to the Graduate School.

1. Form a project supervisory committee.
2. Complete a total of 30 credit hours in courses numbered 400 or higher, including 21 credit hours (with at least 15 in mathematics) numbered 500 or higher. Of the 30 credit hours, 9 may be earned in courses approved by the project supervisory committee in fields other than mathematics. Courses designed for the MM program may not be used for this degree.
3. Satisfy the Sequence Requirement described in Section 5.3.1.
4. Satisfy the Project Requirement described in Section 5.3.4.
5. The project director, the chair of the project supervisory committee, must be a tenured or tenure-track member of the Mathematics Department.

5.4.3 ‌Nonthesis, Examination (Concurrent Master’s Degree) Option

‌The nonthesis examination option allows a student admitted to the PhD program who has demonstrated strong command of a core area of mathematics to earn an MS by passing a PhD preliminary examination. Most students using this option remain active in the PhD program; those students must obtain approval for a concurrent master’s degree using the current form in Graduate School Forms Central. A student who intends to leave the PhD program must instead follow the Graduate School’s current change-of-program procedure and should consult the GPC before applying for the MS.

1. Complete a total of 30 credit hours in courses numbered 400 or higher, including 21 credit hours (with at least 15 in mathematics) numbered 500 or higher. Of the 30 credit hours, no more than 9 may be earned in courses outside mathematics. Courses designed for the MM program may not be used for this degree.
2. Satisfy the Sequence Requirement described in Section 5.3.1.
3. Pass any one PhD preliminary examination in mathematics. No formal master’s committee or project supervisory committee is required for this option.

5.5 ‌Master of Science: Industrial Mathematics Concentration‌

5.5.1 General Requirements

1. Form a project supervisory committee.
2. Complete a total of 30 credit hours in courses numbered 400 or higher, including 21 credit hours (with at least 15 in mathematics) numbered 500 or higher. Of the 30 credit hours, 9 may be earned in courses approved by the project supervisory committee in fields other than mathematics. This includes, but is not limited to, Computer Science (COSC), Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB), Physics (PHYS), and Statistics (STAT). Courses designed for the MM program may not be used for this degree.
3. Satisfy the Required Courses and Competencies described in Section 5.5.2.
4. Satisfy the Sequence Requirement described in Section 5.3.1.
5. Satisfy the Project Requirement described in Section 5.3.4.
6. The project director, the chair of the project supervisory committee, must be a tenured or tenure-track member of the Mathematics Department.

5.5.2 ‌Required Courses and Competencies

‌The following courses and competencies are required for the Industrial Mathematics Concentration.

1. MATH 447 Honors Analysis I, or passage of the Analysis portion of the diagnostic examination.
2. MATH 487 Honors Linear Algebra II, or passage of the Linear Algebra portion of the diagnostic examination.
3. MATH 518 Industrial Mathematics (3 credits).
4. CSDS 511 Introduction to Statistics and Data Science (3 credits).
5. MATH 578 Introduction to Scientific Computing (3 credits).

5.5.3 Internship

‌MATH 520, Internship (3 credits), is strongly encouraged but not required.
Master’s students considering an internship should consult their advisor and the GPC before accepting the position. Students are responsible for determining how the internship will affect their enrollment, degree progress, assistantship obligations, university funding, and eligibility for tuition and other benefits. International students must also consult International Student and Scholar Services and obtain any required authorization before beginning an internship, whether paid or unpaid.

5.6 ‌Summary of Procedures for the MS Degree Options‌

1. Begin coursework.
2. Choose a thesis advisor and master’s committee, form a project supervisory committee for a nonthesis project option, or follow the applicable Graduate School procedure for the nonthesis examination option.
3. If pursuing the nonthesis examination option while remaining in the PhD program, obtain approval for a concurrent master’s degree using the current form in Graduate School Forms Central. A student leaving the PhD program should consult the GPC and follow the current change-of-program procedure.
4. Apply for admission to candidacy at least one semester before graduation. Consult Graduate School Forms Central for the current form, deadlines, approvals, and submission directions.
5. Complete coursework and write the thesis or project, as applicable.
6. Apply for graduation through MyUTK.
7. Schedule the thesis defense no later than three weeks before the thesis deadline or, for a nonthesis project option, schedule the oral project presentation.
8. Pass the thesis defense or, for a nonthesis project option, present the project results orally and answer questions from the project supervisory committee.
9. For options that require a committee, complete the current Graduate School final-examination, thesis, or project approval procedure.
10. If in the nonthesis project option, submit the project report approved by the project supervisory committee to the GPC.
11. Remove all incomplete grades by the applicable Graduate School deadline.
12. For the thesis option, obtain Graduate School approval of the thesis under the current submission require-ments and deadlines.

5.7 ‌Master of Mathematics (MM)‌

This degree is intended for teachers of high school or two-year college mathematics. Before admission, an applicant must have either (a) certification to teach secondary mathematics in at least one state or (b) three years of teaching experience. In exceptional circumstances, part of requirement (b) may be satisfied concurrently with coursework. Applicants must have completed one year of calculus (MATH 141–142 or equivalent) and a course in matrix algebra (MATH 251 or equivalent).

5.7.1 ‌Departmental Requirements‌

1. Complete 30 credit hours, of which 21 must be at the 500 level. These hours must include MATH 504 (Discrete Mathematics for Teachers), MATH 505 (Analysis for Teachers), MATH 506 (Algebra for Teachers), MATH 507 (Probability and Statistics for Teachers), and 6 hours of MATH 509 (Seminar for Teachers). At most 6 hours may be taken outside the Mathematics Department; these courses must be selected in consultation with the advisor.
2. Complete a comprehensive portfolio.

5.7.2 ‌General Comments

‌This program is intended for educators interested in expanding the breadth and depth of their mathematical knowledge. The MM program complements UT Knoxville’s more traditional Master of Science (MS) programs in mathematics or education by offering rigorous mathematics training paired with practical applications in the classroom.

5.7.3 ‌Procedures for Fulfilling Requirements‌

1. Begin coursework.
2. Apply for admission to candidacy at least one semester before graduation. Consult Graduate School Forms Central for the current form, deadlines, approvals, and submission directions. Consult the Director of the MM Program when departmental review is required.
3. Apply for graduation through MyUTK during registration for the final semester.
4. Remove all incompletes.
5. Submit the comprehensive portfolio.
6. Complete all coursework and the portfolio and follow the current Graduate School final-approval and submission procedure.

6 Intercollegiate Graduate Programs and Minors‌

6.1 ‌Computational Science

‌The Interdisciplinary Graduate Minor in Computational Science (IGMCS) allows students to earn a minor in computational science while pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in another discipline. The program is open to graduate students in departments with an approved minor and is administered by representatives from participating colleges and program faculty.
For more information, visit the Interdisciplinary Graduate Minor in Computational Science website.
https://igmcs.utk.edu/

‌6.2 Statistics

‌The Intercollegiate Graduate Statistics Program (IGSP) is a formal University of Tennessee, Knoxville, academic program established to enable students to earn either a minor or an MS in statistics simultaneously with a master’s or doctoral degree in another department. Approved coursework taken to meet doctoral requirements in the student’s home department may also be credited toward the MS in statistics. Similarly, approved coursework in statistics taken to meet the requirements for a master’s or doctoral degree in another department may also count toward the minor in statistics. The program is open to graduate students in departments with an approved minor or MS joint-major curriculum offered through the program. The program is administered by an executive committee, consisting of college representatives from all colleges with approved programs, with advisory input from the program faculty.
For more information, visit the Department of Business Analytics and Statistics website.
https://haslam.utk.edu/business-analytics-statistics/statistics/

7 ‌Academic Standing, Petitions, and Financial Support‌

7.1 ‌University Retention Standards

‌The department has established guidelines for continuation of assistantships, which are given in the next section. In addition, the University has academic retention standards for all graduate students. The following is a summary of the Graduate School’s current academic-standing requirements. The Graduate Catalog governs if its provisions differ from this summary.

Academic Standards. Graduate education requires continuous evaluation of the student. This evaluation includes not only periodic objective evaluation, such as the cumulative grade-point average, performance on comprehensive examinations, and acceptance of the thesis or dissertation, but also judgments by the faculty of the student’s progress and potential. Continuation in a program is determined by consideration of all these elements by the faculty and the head of the academic unit.
The academic records of all graduate students are reviewed at the end of each semester, including the summer term. Graduate students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on all graduate courses taken for a letter grade of A-F. Grades of S/NC, P/NP, and I, which have no numerical equivalent, are excluded from this computation.

Academic Probation. Upon completion of 3 or more credit hours of graduate coursework, a graduate student will be placed on academic probation when their cumulative GPA falls below 3.0. A student will be allowed to continue graduate study in subsequent semesters if each semester’s grade-point average is 3.0 or greater. Upon achieving a cumulative GPA of 3.0, the student will be removed from probationary status.

Dismissal. If a student is on academic probation, the degree or non-degree status will be terminated by the Graduate School if the student’s semester GPA falls below a 3.0 in a subsequent semester. When the circumstances may be deemed to justify continuation and upon recommendation of the appropriate academic unit and approval of the Graduate School, a student on probation whose semester GPA is below a 3.0 may be allowed to continue on a semester-by-semester basis.
Dismissal of a graduate student by a department or program is accomplished by written notice to the student, with a copy to the Graduate School. In those cases where the department’s requirements for continuation are more stringent than the Graduate School requirements, the Graduate School will evaluate the student’s record to determine whether the student is eligible to apply for a change of status and register in another area of study. Registration for courses in a department from which a student has been dismissed will not be permitted, except by written authorization from that department.

Early Termination/Withdrawal. Leaving a degree program or assistantship before the end of a semester may affect tuition waivers, fees, financial aid, payroll, and the student’s account balance. Before withdrawing or resigning an assistantship, students should consult the GPC, the office providing their financial support, One Stop, and the Bursar to understand the academic and financial consequences.

Academic Honesty. Graduate students must comply with the University Honor Statement, the Student Code of Conduct, applicable research-integrity policies, and the standards of academic and professional conduct established by the University and the Mathematics Department. Suspected academic or research misconduct will be addressed under the applicable University procedures. Academic penalties, disciplinary sanctions, and research-misconduct findings are governed by distinct review and appeal processes. Students should consult Hilltopics and the Graduate Council Appeal Procedure for the controlling requirements, deadlines, and available appeal routes.
https://studentlife.utk.edu/hilltopics/

Evaluation. Each spring, graduate students meet with their advisor or the Advising and Mentoring Committee to review academic progress, plan for the coming year, and discuss degree requirements and policies.

Incompletes. Under extraordinary circumstances, an instructor may assign an “I” (Incomplete) when a student has satisfactorily completed a substantial portion of the course but cannot complete the remaining work for reasons beyond the student’s control. The student and instructor should agree on the remaining work and a completion schedule. The grade must be resolved within one calendar year—or before graduation, if earlier—or it will convert to an “F.” The required departmental documentation must be completed by the student and instructor.

7.2 ‌Petition Policy

‌Students seeking an exception to departmental graduate program requirements may meet with the DGS to discuss their options. Requests must be submitted as petitions to the DGS, who forwards them to the Graduate Committee for discussion and a vote. Petitions must explain the circumstances justifying an exception and should include supporting documents and, whenever possible, a faculty letter of support.
Petitions arising from a written preliminary examination result must be sent to the DGS within one month after results are announced.
Requests for disability-related accommodations should be directed to Student Disability Services. The Mathematics Department will work with Student Disability Services to implement approved accommodations; such accommodations do not require a petition to the Graduate Committee.
https://sds.utk.edu/students/
Only after grievances have been duly processed, without resolution, through appropriate appeals procedures at the department and college levels may a student choose to pursue an appeal with the Graduate School.

‌7.3 Financial Support

‌Teaching assistantships are the primary source of support for mathematics graduate students. Students may also compete for Graduate School fellowships, which may be combined with a graduate teaching assistantship. Fellowship information is available on the Graduate School website.
Some graduate students receive research-based support through faculty grants, sponsored projects, fellow-ships, or appointments involving external research partners such as Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Availability varies by project and semester. Students interested in such support should consult potential research advisors.

‌7.4 Leave of Absence

‌A graduate student who must temporarily interrupt their studies may be eligible to request a Leave of Absence from the Graduate School. A leave must be approved in advance and may affect enrollment, financial support, health insurance, immigration status, and access to University resources. Before submitting a request, the student should consult the DGS and review the current eligibility requirements, procedures, and reinstatement instructions on the Graduate School’s Leave of Absence page.

8 ‌Graduate Student Assistantships‌

This section contains information for those graduate students who have accepted an offer of a graduate assistantship and its associated responsibilities.

‌8.1 Types of Assistantships

‌The University recognizes four categories of assistantships:

Graduate Teaching Assistant
Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) work under the direct supervision of a regular faculty member in activities such as helping to prepare lectures, teaching discussion sections, conducting laboratory exercises, grading papers, and keeping class records. In consultation with the supervisor, the Teaching Assistant works to gain teaching skills and an increased understanding of the discipline.

Graduate Teaching Associate
Experienced graduate students may be assigned primary responsibility for teaching undergraduate courses, including the assignment of final grades. To be appointed as a Graduate Teaching Associate, a student must hold a master’s degree or have completed at least 18 graduate credit hours in the teaching discipline. This requirement may affect when a student becomes eligible for appointment as a Teaching Associate.
Only graduate credit hours in the teaching discipline count toward the 18-hour threshold; for Mathematics appointments, these ordinarily must be graduate mathematics hours. This credentialing requirement is distinct from the department’s “regular course” enrollment requirement in Section 8.4. Students should not assume that thesis, dissertation, use-of-facilities, pedagogy, or unrelated graduate hours count toward the threshold. Questions about particular courses should be referred to the DGS because the University must approve and document an instructor’s qualifications for the assigned course. See UT Knoxville’s Faculty CredentialinRequirement.

Graduate Assistant
Graduate Assistants are appointed primarily to perform various types of duties other than teaching. These nonteaching assistantships are sometimes awarded through the Graduate School or the Office of Innovative Technologies (OIT). Such roles are atypical in the Mathematics Department. Any assigned instructional activity is conducted under careful supervision.

Graduate Research Assistant
Graduate Research Assistants (GRAs) are generally financed through grants or subcontract funds. Students holding such appointments pursue work and study programs like those expected under the other types of awards.
Graduate assistantship appointments are normally 25% or 50% FTE. Appointments of at least 25% FTE include a stipend and the tuition, fee-waiver, and student health-insurance benefits provided under current University policy. The appointment letter and applicable University policies govern the amount, duration, and specific terms of compensation and benefits.
When written without capitalization, the term graduate assistant refers to all four categories of assistantship. The acronym GTA will refer to both graduate teaching assistants and graduate teaching associates. GRA refers only to graduate research assistants.

8.2 Evaluation and Renewal

‌Initial assistantship appointments are based on the student’s academic record, qualifications, and recommenda-tions. Renewal depends on satisfactory academic progress, satisfactory performance of assigned assistantship duties, and the availability of funding and positions. The Mathematics Department will make every reasonable effort to notify students by April 15 about academic progress and assistantship renewal.The evaluation considers course grades, performance on examinations (diagnostic examinations, prelims, and the Oral Specialty Examination), and satisfactory performance of graduate assistant duties, specifically teaching for GTAs and research for GRAs.GTAs are expected to take their teaching responsibilities seriously and conduct themselves professionally as employees of the University. The general nature of GTA duties is described in Section 8.1. Specific duties and performance expectations are established by the GTA Teaching Advising Committee and communicated to GTAs through the committee, the assigned faculty supervisor, or the course coordinator. GTAs who do not meet those expectations may lose their assistantships.

8.3 GTA Teaching Advising Committee

‌The GTA Teaching Advising Committee establishes departmental expectations for GTA assignments and helps GTAs navigate their teaching responsibilities. The committee communicates assignment-specific expectations through its members, faculty supervisors, and course coordinators. Additional information about the committee and the department’s teaching-advising process is available on the Mathematics Department SharePoint site.

8.4 ‌Minimum Course Enrollment Requirements

‌In any academic-year semester in which they are supported by an assistantship in the Mathematics Department, PhD students must enroll in a minimum number of regular courses (in Mathematics or a related discipline, numbered 400 or higher, excluding seminars) as follows: (1) before passing two preliminary examinations, three regular courses per semester or two preliminary courses; (2) after passing two preliminary examinations but before passing the Oral Specialty Examination, two regular courses per semester; and (3) after passing the Oral Specialty Examination, no regular courses. These departmental regular-course requirements are in addition to the credit-hour registration requirements stated in Section 2.5. Students must also follow University requirements concerning GPA and required courses such as MATH 600 (dissertation).

8.5 ‌English Proficiency (OPIc) Requirements

‌University teaching authorization. The Graduate School uses the OPIc test to determine the instructional duties that a GTA whose native language is not English may perform. A score of 50 (AH) authorizes uncondi-tional instructional duties, while a score of 45 (AM) authorizes conditional instructional duties. Lower scores limit or preclude instructional duties under current Graduate School policy. Until earning a score of at least 50, an affected GTA must retake the OPIc at least annually, as required by the Graduate School. OPIc registration is arranged through the department.
Students who have not scored at least 50 by the end of their first year must participate in the English Language Institute’s OPIc Speaking Test Prep course at the next available opportunity. Course schedules, delivery formats, fees, and scholarship opportunities may change. Before enrolling, students should consult the current English Language Institute information and the DGS to confirm availability, participation requirements, and funding arrangements.
https://eli.utk.edu/opic-speaking-test-prep/

Mathematics Department funding policy. A GTA who scores below 45, or does not receive a score for any reason, for three consecutive fall or spring semesters will not have GTA support renewed. Resumption of support will be considered after the student scores at least 45, subject to the availability of assistantship positions.
A GTA who scores below 45, or does not receive a score for any reason, for a total of four semesters will lose assistantship support and cannot be reinstated.
A student who scores below 45 at any time, even after a previous score of 45 or higher, may not assume primary classroom teaching responsibilities and will be reduced to the lowest assistantship rank if previously appointed at a higher rank. The higher rank may be reinstated after the student earns a subsequent score of at least 45.

8.6 ‌Resignation

‌A graduate assistant who must resign an assistantship should provide the DGS with written notice stating that intention and the effective date. Before resigning or withdrawing, the student should consult the offices identified in the Early Termination/Withdrawal guidance in Section 7.1.

8.7 ‌Outside Employment

‌Under Mathematics Department policy, a graduate assistant holding a 50% FTE appointment may not hold outside employment. A graduate assistant holding an appointment below 50% FTE must disclose any outside employment to the DGS. All graduate assistants must also comply with applicable University outside-interest disclosure requirements. A student should consult the DGS before accepting outside employment if there is any uncertainty.

8.8 ‌Time Limits of Assistantships

‌These limits govern eligibility to hold a graduate assistantship; they do not determine how long a student may remain enrolled in a degree program. A master’s student may hold an assistantship for no more than three years, a doctoral student who entered with a master’s degree for no more than five years, and a doctoral student who entered with only a baccalaureate degree for no more than eight years. The department may request an extension of the applicable assistantship limit. Separate degree-completion limits are stated in Sections 3.2 and 5.2.
Within the applicable Graduate School limits, students who meet required milestones and perform their assistantship duties satisfactorily should generally expect five years of assistantship support. Students making good progress in the PhD program and in their dissertation research are typically granted a sixth year of support, subject to availability. A sixth-year appointment for a student whose applicable Graduate School limit is five years also requires an approved exception from the Graduate School. Seventh-year support is rare and requires a written petition to the Graduate Committee. Every appointment and renewal is subject to the availability of funding and assistantship positions; no term of support is guaranteed.

9 ‌Department Life and Resources‌‌‌

Maintenance problems, such as heating or lighting issues, should be reported promptly to the main office of the Mathematics Department.

9.1 ‌Common Room

‌The Common Room, 408 Ayres Hall, is available to all faculty and graduate students in the Mathematics Department for relaxation and informal discussion. Many graduate students find the Common Room an ideal place to meet fellow students and faculty. A microwave, refrigerator, and sink are available, and many students who bring lunches eat there. To maintain the room for its intended purposes, teaching assistants should not consult with their students in the Common Room.

9.2 ‌Colloquia

‌The Mathematics Department regards colloquium lectures as part of a student’s graduate education, and graduate students are expected to attend them. Speakers include mathematicians from outside the University, Mathematics Department faculty, and other members of the University community. Most talks concern the speaker’s current research or provide an exposition of an advanced topic. They are general in nature, with technical details left to specialized seminars.

9.3 ‌Graduate Student Travel Grants

‌The Graduate Student Senate (GSS), in cooperation with the Dean of Students and the Dean of the Graduate School, awards funding for graduate and professional students to travel, present work, and participate in scholarly conferences and events. For more information, see:
https://gss.utk.edu/gss-travel-awards/
Contact the Department Head to discuss the availability of Mathematics Department travel funds.

‌9.4 Mathematics Graduate Student Council

‌All graduate students in the Mathematics Department are invited to participate in departmental governance. The Mathematics Graduate Student Council (MGSC) is an elected body composed entirely of mathematics graduate students. Its purposes include promoting cohesion and cooperation, supporting graduate student interests, and serving as a liaison between graduate students and the department’s faculty, staff, and administration. Students are encouraged to run for office and share ideas or concerns with the MGSC. The council also organizes a town hall meeting at least once each semester. For more information, email MGSC@utk.edu.

9.5 ‌SIAM Student Chapter

‌The University of Tennessee, Knoxville student chapter of the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics promotes engagement in applied mathematics and related disciplines. Its activities include invited lectures, professional development, conference participation, research presentations, and social events. Membership and chapter activities are open to interested students from mathematics and other departments. For current information, visit the chapter’s website:
https://math.utk.edu/siam/

9.6 Association for Women in Mathematics Student Chapter

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville chapter of the Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) supports underrepresented groups, with an emphasis on women, in the mathematical sciences. The chapter promotes advocacy, mentorship, community engagement, and professional development and welcomes students and faculty of all gender identities. For current information, visit the chapter’s website:
https://math.utk.edu/association-for-women-in-mathematics/

‌9.7 Other Student Organizations

‌Students can find additional scientific, professional, identity-based, and interdisciplinary organizations through VOLink, UT Knoxville’s student-organization directory. Because registered organizations and their contact information change, consult the current directory:
https://studentlife.utk.edu/student-engagement/volink/

‌9.8 Student Support Resources‌

Graduate students are encouraged to use University support resources whenever needed. The Student Counseling Center provides counseling, groups, workshops, and referrals. For 24-hour crisis support, call 865-974-HELP (4357).
https://studentlife.utk.edu/counselingcenter/
Student Disability Services coordinates accessibility services and accommodations.
https://sds.utk.edu/students/
The Big Orange Pantry provides food, hygiene products, and other essential items.
https://studentlife.utk.edu/basic-needs/big-orange-pantry/

‌9.9 Departmental Property

‌Before leaving the department, graduate students must return all University property in their possession, including textbooks, office keys, checked-out equipment, and any departmental examination materials. Failure to return University property may result in appropriate administrative action. The department may also require the transfer of course records needed to address subsequent grade questions.

9.10 ‌Inclement Weather and Campus Disruptions

‌Changes to campus operations are communicated through the University’s official campus-status page and UT Alert. Graduate students should follow current University instructions and assess local travel conditions carefully. Graduate assistants, as University employees, should also communicate with their supervisors when weather or another disruption affects their assigned duties. Current procedures and guidance are available from UT Emergency Management.
https://safety.utk.edu/status/
https://prepare.utk.edu/emergency-management/inclement-weather-procedure/

10 ‌Institutional Policies‌

10.1 ‌Title IX Compliance and Training‌

Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. At UT Knoxville, Title IX helps ensure that all students, faculty, and staff have access to a safe, respectful, and nondiscriminatory learning, living, and working environment. The University’s Title IX policy addresses sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, sexual exploitation, retaliation, and related forms of prohibited conduct. The Office of Title IX provides information about reporting options, supportive measures, University policies, educational resources, and training opportunities.
https://titleix.utk.edu
UT Knoxville requires employees, including graduate students on assistantships, to complete periodic K@TE training concerning the applicable law, the University’s compliance responsibilities, and employees’ rights and responsibilities.
K@TE (pronounced “Kate”) represents Knowledge and Training Excellence and is the University’s learning-management system for training and professional development. https://kate.tennessee.edu

10.2 Title VI Compliance and Training

‌Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in any federally funded program or activity. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has interpreted Title VI’s protection from discrimination on the basis of national origin to extend to students who experience discrimination, including harassment, based on their actual or perceived shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics. UT Knoxville maintains procedures to ensure Title VI compliance.
https://oir.utk.edu/title-vi/
UT Knoxville requires employees, including graduate students on assistantships, to complete periodic K@TE training concerning the applicable law, the University’s compliance responsibilities, and employees’ rights and responsibilities.

10.3 ‌Information Security and Training

‌UT Knoxville is committed to protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of its information resources. Students, faculty, and staff share responsibility for safeguarding University data and information systems by following established information-security policies and best practices. Graduate students must complete any required training and comply with applicable University policies governing information technology and the protection of sensitive or restricted data. Current information-security policies, training, and cybersecurity resources are available from the Office of Innovative Technologies (OIT).
https://oit.utk.edu

‌10.4 Responsible Conduct in Research: Compliance and Training‌

Graduate students engaged in research must complete any research-integrity, responsible-conduct-of-research, research-security, data-management, export-control, or sponsor-specific training applicable to their work. Requirements vary by funding source and research activity. Students should consult their advisor and the Division of Research Integrity and Assurance for current requirements and training resources.