All Ph.D. students must at one point during their studies satisfy the Language Requirement.

The standard way to satisfy this requirement is by passing an exam or course in a foreign language in which there is a substantial body of current mathematical research. French, Russian, German and Chinese are acceptable languages, and the students may submit a petition to the Graduate Program Committee to substitute a different language, which meets these requirements.

The language requirement can also be satisfied by the successful completion of two courses (at least 6 credits) in a related area if this option is met with the approval of the major advisor of the student and the graduate committee.