What are the list of math books one must complete before entering into a Ph.D.?

Question

I am interested to know what books one should complete before entering their Ph.D. in mathematics? What topics I should have a strong grip on in order to feel eligible for entering into a Ph.D.

One of my seniors said I must complete Baby Rudin, Munkres's Topology, Conway's Complex Analysis.

I want a complete list of such topics and books. This will help me prepare for my PhD.

This really depends on the school, program and their requirements and those change over time. — Moo, Dec 09 '20 at 18:30
I'm a second year math Ph.D grad student and I can confidently say I've never had to finish a math book all the way through. — morrowmh, Dec 09 '20 at 18:34
Topics would be Real Analysis and Abstract Algebra (at the absolute minimum). As for books, there is no standard list. I think, your question is mostly a duplicate of this. — Moishe Kohan, Dec 09 '20 at 18:34
@MichaelMorrow: What are the topics you had a good grip on before entering your Ph.D.? — Saikat, Dec 09 '20 at 18:36
I got a B.S. in math, took undergrad classes in abstract algebra and analysis. Those are the main two. As long as you're comfortable with those subjects and can write decent proofs, I'd say you'll be fine. — morrowmh, Dec 09 '20 at 18:38
There isn't really any such list. I've never finished reading a math book. — Qiaochu Yuan, Dec 09 '20 at 18:47
Does this answer your question? What is the expected mathematical repertoire of a Ph.D. program applicant in the US? — Qiaochu Yuan, Dec 09 '20 at 19:21
Lots of stuff - Munkres, Rudin, and Artin's Algebra were probably the most important. (But I never finished any of them, as I said.) — Qiaochu Yuan, Dec 09 '20 at 19:22

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered Dec 09 '20 at 18:33

1

Just look at what ppl who got a Ph.D. got to read and found to be insightful instead of asking this. The math sorcerer has book recommendations like this.

answered Dec 09 '20 at 18:33

phiStackOverFlow

37

What are the list of math books one must complete before entering into a Ph.D.?

1 Answers1