Mathematics, MPhil
The Master of Philosophy in mathematics is a terminal professional degree that is designed for students who want to go beyond the usual masters degree. Entering students should have previously completed either an undergraduate or a regular masters program in mathematics. The degree is typically earned one or two years after beginning to take courses that go beyond the regular master of arts degree.
Students who already have a regular masters degree take six additional graduate courses numbered 6000 or above to earn an M.Phil. degree. Students who enter the program with just an undergraduate degree will fulfill the usual masters course requirements plus an additional six (for a total of 14 courses). Students in this program also need to pass the Masters Preliminary Exam and an oral exam in one area of mathematics, and to submit and defend an M.Phil. thesis (which is somewhat longer and more in depth than a thesis in the usual masters program).
For more information: https://www.math.upenn.edu/graduate
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.
Curriculum
View the University’s Academic Rules for Research Master's Programs.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Research Requirement | ||
| Master's Final Exam | ||
| Graduate Group signoff | ||
A total of 14-17 course units are required for graduation.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| Select a minimum of six course units at the 6000 level and above 1 | ||
| Masters Thesis | 3 | |
| Master's Thesis | ||
| Total Course Units | 14-17 | |
- 1
At least four courses must be taken in the Penn Math Department.
- 2
Thesis: Each student must write, under the supervision of a Mathematics Department faculty member, a satisfactory M.Phil. thesis, which is typically expository in nature, but may also be a research paper. The preparation of this thesis should involve the mastery of some area of mathematics beyond the curriculum of the courses that the student has taken. (To obtain an M.Phil. degree, it is not necessary to have previously written a masters thesis. But a student in the M.Phil. program who previously submitted a masters thesis cannot resubmit that thesis toward the M.Phil.)