Research Opportunities
Undergraduate Research & Honors
Discover opportunities to engage in active mathematical research, pursue departmental honors, or complete your capstone requirements in the Tulane Mathematics department.
Summer Research (REUs)
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) are competitive, NSF-funded summer programs (typically 6–10 weeks) hosted at various universities. They provide travel support, housing, and a research stipend.
- Deadlines: Most applications close in February; portals typically open in November or December.
- Eligibility: NSF funding generally limits participation to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Travel Support: Students presenting summer research at conferences can apply for NTC travel grants.
Senior Honors Thesis
Qualified math majors can pursue a year-long, independent Honors Thesis (MATH 4990 & 5000) under the mentorship of a mathematics faculty member, leading to Senior Departmental Honors.
- GPA Requirements: Cumulative GPA ≥ 3.400 and Mathematics major GPA ≥ 3.500.
- Prospectus Deadline: Late August of senior year for May graduates, or late January for December graduates.
- Course Registration: Enroll in MATH 4990 (three credits) and MATH 5000 (four credits). Requires coordinator approval and overrides via the department office.
Independent Study & Reading
Engage in focused mathematical research or advanced reading under the direct supervision of a mathematics faculty member. Independent study (MATH 4910 & 4920) is an excellent way to explore specialized topics and earn academic credit.
- Course Numbers: Register for MATH 4910 (Fall) and MATH 4920 (Spring) for variable one to three credits per semester.
- Major Credit: A maximum of four credits from MATH 4910 and 4920 combined may be counted toward mathematics major elective requirements.
- How to Register: Connect with a mathematics faculty mentor to design a study plan and request a registration override via the department office.
Capstone: Senior Seminar
The two-semester sequence MATH 3980 & 3990 (Senior Seminar) serves as the department's capstone experience. This sequence is mandatory for all math majors who are not completing a Senior Honors Thesis.
Seminar Deliverables
Under faculty supervision, students research a topic in modern mathematics, write a rigorous expository article, and deliver an oral presentation. Successful completion also satisfies the college's Tier-2 Writing Requirement.
Structure & Prerequisites
- Credit Structure: MATH 3980 (one credit, Fall) and MATH 3990 (three credits, Spring).
- Prerequisites: MATH 3050 (Real Analysis I), MATH 3090 (Linear Algebra), and two mathematics courses at the 3000-level or above.
- Counts as one 4000-level elective for the math major.
Research Funding & Travel Support
Undergraduates active in mathematics research have access to various funding resources through Newcomb-Tulane College (NTC) and the School of Science and Engineering:
- NTC Student Research/Travel Grants: Dean's Grants, Georges Lurcy Grants, and Cummings Grants fund up to $1,500 for individual projects or up to $3,000 for group projects to cover research materials or conference travel. Applications are reviewed monthly with deadlines on the 15th of each month.
- CAIDS Grants: Supported by the Connolly Alexander Institute for Data Science, partnering with NTC's URAF office to offer grants up to $2,500 for student research, conference travel, or data-specific workshops focusing on quantitative and data-driven methods. Deadlines are monthly on the 15th.
Departmental Awards & Honors
The department and university recognize exceptional student achievements in mathematics and research through annual awards and medals:
- Terry Lawson Prize in Mathematics: Awarded to a graduating senior in recognition of excellence in undergraduate mathematical research.
- Kappa Kappa Gamma Prize in Mathematics: Awarded to an outstanding undergraduate female mathematics student.
- Glendy Burke Medal in Mathematics: Awarded for outstanding academic excellence in the field of mathematics.
- Goldwater Scholarship: Tulane mathematics majors engaged in research are strong candidates for this prestigious national STEM award. Contact the URAF office for institutional nomination guidelines.
Advising & Contacts
Department Main Office
Gibson Hall 424
Handles course registration overrides and coordinator approval forms.
Office of Undergraduate Research & Fellowship Advising (URAF)
Manages NTC Honors Thesis registry, guidelines, grants, and prospectus submissions.
