Skip to main content

Qualifying Exams

Qualifying Exams

The Ph.D. qualifying examination in Mathematics is a written examination in two parts. The purpose of the Ph.D. qualifying examination is to demonstrate that the student has achieved a degree of mathematical depth and maturity in the core areas of real analysis and abstract linear algebra, has additionally cultivated advanced problem solving skills in graduate level mathematics, and is poised to undertake independent mathematical research. The content and timing of the qualifying exam allows this determination to be made within the first two years of graduate study.

The two parts of the examination are as follows.

  • Part 1 covers the material presented in the core course MTH 511, Real Analysis
  • Part 2 covers the material in MTH 543, Abstract Linear Algebra.

The qualifying exam is given twice each year, near the beginning of Fall and Spring terms. The two parts of the exam are usually given one or more days apart. A student may take each part of the Ph.D. qualifying examination a maximum of three times, with one additional free attempt before a student's first term in the program. To advance in the Ph.D. program, a student must pass both parts, but they do not need to be passed at the same time. A student must pass both parts of the exam by the end of spring term of the student’s second year of study.

Questions about the qualifying exam can be directed to the Chair of the Qualifying Examination Committee (gradinfo@math.oregonstate.edu).

Fall 2023 Qualifying exams

Real Analysis

Tuesday, September 19, 2023, from 4:00-8:00 pm.

Linear Algebra

Thursday, September 21, 2023, from 4:00-8:00 pm.

Past Exams

Download: Spring 2023 Real Analysis.pdf (pdf)
Download: Spring 2023 Linear Algebra.pdf (pdf)
Download: Fall 2022 Real Analysis.pdf (pdf)
Download: Fall 2022 Linear Algebra.pdf (pdf)
Download: Spring 2022 Real Analysis (pdf)
Download: Spring 2022 Linear Algebra (pdf)
Download: Fall 2021 Real Analysis (pdf)
Download: Fall 2021 Linear Algebra (pdf)
Download: Summer 2021 Real Analysis (pdf)
Download: Summer 2021 Linear Algebra (pdf)
Download: Spring 2021 Real Analysis (UPDATED 6/4/21) (pdf)
Download: Spring 2021 Linear Algebra (pdf)
Download: Fall 2020 Real Analysis (pdf)
Download: Fall 2020 Linear Algebra (pdf)
Download: Fall 2019 Real Analysis (pdf)
Download: Fall 2019 Linear Algebra (pdf)
Download: Spring 2019 Real Analysis (pdf)
Download: Spring 2019 Linear Algebra (pdf)
Download: Fall 2018 Real Analysis (pdf)
Download: Fall 2018 Linear Algebra (pdf)
Download: Qualifying Exam Syllabus 2000 - Spring 2018 (pdf)
Download: Spring 2018 Real Analysis (pdf)
Download: Spring 2018 Complex and Linear Algebra (pdf)
Download: Fall 2017 Real Analysis (pdf)
Download: Fall 2017 Complex and Linear Algebra (pdf)
Download: Spring 2017 Real Analysis (pdf)
Download: Spring 2017 Complex and Linear Algebra (pdf)
Download: Fall 2016 Real Analysis (pdf)
Download: Fall 2016 Complex and Linear Algebra (pdf)
Download: Spring 2016 Real Analysis (pdf)
Download: Spring 2016 Complex and Linear Algebra (pdf)
Download: Fall 2015 Real Analysis (pdf)
Download: Fall 2015 Complex and Linear Algebra (pdf)
Download: Spring 2015 Real Analysis (pdf)
Download: Spring 2015 Complex and Linear Algebra (pdf)
Download: Fall 2014 Real Analysis (pdf)
Download: Fall 2014 Complex and Linear Algebra (pdf)
Download: 2013 Real Analysis (pdf)
Download: 2013 Complex and Linear Algebra (pdf)
Download: 2012 Real Analysis (pdf)
Download: 2012 Complex and Linear Algebra (pdf)
Download: 2011 Real Analysis (pdf)
Download: 2011 Complex and Linear Algebra (pdf)
Download: Fall 2010 Real Analysis (pdf)
Download: Fall 2010 Complex and Linear Algebra (pdf)
Download: Fall 2009 Real Analysis (pdf)
Download: Fall 2009 Complex and Linear Algebra (pdf)
Download: Fall 2008 Real Analysis (pdf)
Download: Fall 2008 Complex and Linear Algebra (pdf)
Download: Fall 2007 Real Analysis Complex and Linear Algebra (pdf)
Download: Spring 2007 Real Analysis Complex and Linear Algebra (pdf)
Download: Fall 2006 Real Analysis Complex and Linear Algebra (pdf)
Download: Fall 2005 Complex and Linear Algebra Real Analysis (pdf)
Download: Fall 2004 Complex and Linear Algebra Real Analysis (pdf)
Download: Fall 2003 Complex and Linear Algebra Real Analysis (pdf)
Download: Fall 2002 Complex and Linear Algebra Real Analysis (pdf)
Download: Fall 2001 Complex and Linear Algebra Real Analysis (pdf)
Download: Fall 2000 Real Analysis Complex and Linear Algebra (pdf)
Download: Fall 1999 Real Analysis Complex and Linear Algebra (pdf)
Download: Fall 1998 Real Analysis Complex and Linear Algebra (pdf)