Class sizes at math phd programs?

In summary, the average class size for math PhD programs at Berkeley, UCLA, and Michigan is about 15 students.
  • #1
Toph_fan
14
0
Where can I find class size information for math phd programs? In physics the class sizes seem to be larger (>20). However, It seems like math phd programs on average have only 15 new grad students per year. I can't find the specific information anywhere though. What would be the average class size at Berkeley, UCLA or Michigan?
 
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  • #2
Some schools have information on this if you dig around for long enough. You can estimate it, though, by taking the number of current grad students and dividing by the average number of years to graduate (which is also frequently on the website, but you can just guess 4.5 and probably won't be far off).

The three schools you mentioned all have fairly large programs. UCLA math, for example, typically have 30-40 new grad students per year (combined in both pure and applied math - some schools treat these separately).
 
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  • #3
Some schools have their admissions data online, just go to their grad programs admissions page.

UCLA math data:
goo.gl/SYWF7

But the PhD completion rate is pretty old.
 
  • #4
JasonMode said:
Some schools have their admissions data online, just go to their grad programs admissions page.

UCLA math data:
goo.gl/SYWF7

But the PhD completion rate is pretty old.

This whole page is actually a little misleading - included in the average are the numbers from before their math and statistics department split up.
 
  • #5
Monocles said:
Some schools have information on this if you dig around for long enough. You can estimate it, though, by taking the number of current grad students and dividing by the average number of years to graduate (which is also frequently on the website, but you can just guess 4.5 and probably won't be far off).

The three schools you mentioned all have fairly large programs. UCLA math, for example, typically have 30-40 new grad students per year (combined in both pure and applied math - some schools treat these separately).

Wow, 30-40! Is that for just pure math or pure math+applied math? Also, I know the numbers have been going down since the economy went down the toilet. Are they going back up?
 
  • #6
You can see actual class sizes for the math department here: http://www.registrar.ucla.edu/schedule/detmain.aspx?termsel=11F&subareasel=MATH , http://www.registrar.ucla.edu/schedule/detmain.aspx?termsel=12w&subareasel=MATH , http://www.registrar.ucla.edu/schedule/detmain.aspx?termsel=12s&subareasel=MATH . The 200 level classes are the graduate ones.

Sizes obviously fluctuate a bit from year to year, partly based on undergraduate interest. If Terence Tao had taught 245A, there would have been a lot more undergrads taking it. He'll be teaching 245B and 245C next year, so I'm guessing that might cause a bit of a bump.
 
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FAQ: Class sizes at math phd programs?

What is the average class size in math PhD programs?

The average class size in math PhD programs varies depending on the university and program. However, most PhD classes tend to have smaller class sizes, ranging from 5-15 students.

How big are the classes for core math courses in PhD programs?

The size of core math courses in PhD programs also varies, but they tend to be smaller than undergraduate courses. On average, core math courses in PhD programs have class sizes of 10-20 students.

Are smaller class sizes better for learning in math PhD programs?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the individual student and their learning style. However, smaller class sizes can allow for more personalized attention from professors and more opportunities for discussion and interaction among students.

Do class sizes affect the quality of education in math PhD programs?

The quality of education in math PhD programs is influenced by numerous factors, and class size is just one of them. While smaller class sizes may offer certain benefits, the quality of education is ultimately determined by the expertise of the professors and the curriculum of the program.

Are there any advantages to larger class sizes in math PhD programs?

Larger class sizes in math PhD programs may offer more diversity in perspectives and a wider range of experiences among students. Additionally, larger class sizes may provide more opportunities for collaboration and networking among students.

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