The doctoral program offers concentrations in five areas of study: applied mathematics, pure mathematics, statistics, mathematical finance, and mathematics education. The program consists of 60 hours of graduate coursework and 12 hours of doctoral dissertation. The program requirements listed below are in addition to the university and Graduate School requirements. Specific questions concerning interpretation of these policies should be directed to the graduate advisor. A student in the doctoral program must fill out a degree plan after the end of the second long semester and before the start of the third long semester in the program. Advanced topics seminars which contribute to the student's overall mathematical background will be offered each semester. It is expected that each student will participate in seminar work in his/her area of specialty. dissertation is required of every candidate for the doctoral degree. This requirement is separate and apart from other requirements in the doctoral program. Consequently, successful performance in other areas does not necessarily guarantee the acceptance of a dissertation. The dissertation should embody a significant contribution to new information to the subject. After passing the required preliminary examinations, the next required step towards candidacy is passing the qualifying exam. It consists of a public presentation by the candidate, after which the audience is asked to leave and the examination continues between candidate and committee. The decision (pass/fail) is recorded in writing and signed by the committee.