What Students Say
Likes
- I really like my department. Maths department is known for its knowledgeable and approachable professors who are committed to teaching and mentoring students at all levels. Also, my department building (Ayres Hall) is famous among all over UTK because of it’s historic architecture.
- UTK Mathematics provides diverse research areas, including pure and applied mathematics, giving students opportunities to engage in cutting-edge projects.
- The department fosters a collaborative and supportive atmosphere for students, with resources like tutoring, seminars, and study groups. Also, here is big orange pantry where they provide free food for students.
Dislikes
- On-campus housing can sometimes be limited, and off-campus housing options might not always meet expectations in terms of affordability or proximity.
- Students often complain about limited parking availability and high parking fees on campus, making commuting challenging.
- Introductory courses in popular majors can have large class sizes, which may reduce opportunities for individual attention.
Course Curriculum
10
- Mathematics may present challenges, but if you find it enjoyable, you can overcome them.
- Transparency: If you are here, you will undoubtedly learn essential knowledge for your survival.
- One subject carries three credit hours. I believe a minimum of eighteen credit hours are required for a master’s degree or an undergraduate degree.
- In my class, there are typically 25-35 students, and only two of us, including myself, are Indian.
Admission Experience
- I have applied to 7 universities. I got 3 acceptance letters. I was waitlisted for the rest of them and a few of them offered me a masters but not a PhD. I got a masters offer letter from Rutgers, UFlorida, Michigan State, and was rejected from URochester. However, I got acceptance from UTK (where I’m), IUPUI Indianapolis, and UMississippi. I got rejection from tier-1 university; those are pretty competitive and there were no application fees. Right now I’m a fully funded PhD student at UTK.
- 1. My primary reason for joining here is my research interest. The faculty in the mathematics department is the best in the field, which aligns perfectly with my career goals.
- 2. CV, SOP, LoR, transcripts, English proficiency score card, and degree certificate are major parts. Some universities required diversity statements too.
- 3. Since I joined here as a research scholar, the only requirement for me was an English proficiency score card. I took ielts ( min requirement for that 7.0)
- I applied for Fall 2024. I intend to pursue my Ph.D. abroad to enhance my career prospects. This endeavour presents numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth. I commenced my application in October 2023, with the deadline set for December 15th. I received my offer letter in March and subsequently embarked on the visa application process.
Faculty
10
- In my course, the faculty-to-student ratio is relatively balanced, given our class size of 25–35 students. This allows for meaningful interactions with instructors, ensuring personalised attention and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- The faculty employs a blend of theoretical and practical teaching methodologies, incorporating real-world examples and problem-solving exercises. The course content is comprehensive and aligns well with industry standards, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to secure jobs in the field.
- Some faculty members actively assist students in finding part-time or full-time job opportunities through their personal networks and industry connections. They also provide valuable guidance on resumes, interviews, and career planning.
- One of the faculty members I admire most is [Professor Frazier]. His ability to simplify complex concepts and engage the class through interactive discussions makes their teaching stand out. Additionally, their mentorship and encouragement have been instrumental in shaping my academic and career goals.
Campus Life
10
- The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) has a single main campus located in Knoxville, Tennessee. It serves as the hub for all academic and extracurricular activities, offering students a cohesive and vibrant university experience.
- UTK provides a range of excellent facilities, including:
- Libraries: The John C. Hodges Library, which is well-stocked with resources, study spaces, and technology.
- Sports Facilities: A state-of-the-art fitness center, sports complexes, swimming pools, and courts for basketball, tennis, and other sports.
- Medical Services: A comprehensive Student Health Center offering healthcare, counseling, and wellness services.
- Dining and Housing: A variety of on-campus dining options and modern residence halls.
- Major Campus Festivals, Clubs, and Events
- Festivals: Homecoming Week and International Festival are among the most popular, celebrating diversity and university spirit.
- Clubs: There are over 400 student organizations, including academic societies, cultural clubs, and recreational groups like the Math Club, Indian Student Association, and the Debate Society.
- Events: Career fairs, volunteer opportunities, and guest lectures are regularly organized. The “Vol Night Long” series is also a favorite, featuring games, food, and activities.
- Extracurricular Activities
- UTK offers a rich variety of extracurricular options:
- Sports: Intramural and club sports like soccer, volleyball, and rugby are widely popular.
- Cultural Events: Students can participate in dance, music, and art showcases through cultural clubs and events.
- Student Organizations: Opportunities range from academic groups to service-oriented organizations like Habitat for Humanity.
- Leadership Development: Programs like the Student Government Association and Emerging Leaders help students develop professional and leadership skills.
Part Time Jobs
- Typically, they select 25-30 interns in my case.
- The annual salary range is approximately $25,000 to $35,000.
- Summer internships typically involve roles such as library assistants, student ambassadors, IT support, dining services staff, and fitness center attendants. On-campus jobs generally offer an hourly wage between $10 and $15.
- PhD students are generally not permitted to work outside of their department without prior approval.
- 18 hours for F-1 students.
- Internships offer valuable part-time work opportunities, though securing one can be challenging as some are restricted to U.S. citizens. On-campus jobs provide an alternative, with students commonly working as library assistants, student ambassadors, IT support staff, dining services employees, or fitness center attendants. These roles offer flexible hours and valuable experience alongside academics.
Placement
10
- Around 80-90% of graduates secure employment within six months, with average salaries ranging from $65,000 to $85,000 annually. Students find jobs through campus recruitment, internships, networking, and online portals. Major recruiters include Amazon, Deloitte, Microsoft, and PwC, offering roles like data analyst and software engineer. Internships often lead to full-time opportunities.
Accommodation
Off Campus
10
- I’m living off-campus. Here there are many apartments. The cost varies between 700 and $800. Already mentioned previously!
- It isn't expensive to live in Knoxville, especially when compared to cities like NYC and ones in California. However, for the same reason (combined with work from home allowed by certain companies), many people have moved to Tennessee as it's relatively 'cheaper', resulting in a surge in rental costs. Apart from that, the expenses would hardly ever cross your income. Plus, I know people who easily send money home as well.
- Talking in terms of figures, rent is usually between $700 and $800 plus utilities (usually internet and electricity, sometimes water). Utilities is mostly under $100.
Exams
- The type of degree you pursue determines the required test. In my case, I only took the IELTS exam. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, GRE is waived at most institutions.
- Indeed, a comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV), statement of purpose (SOP), and letter of recommendation (LOR) are essential components, along with academic transcripts and a degree certificate.
- IIn my case, only one institution conducted interviews (IUPUI). Department faculty will evaluate your interview based on your research interests.
Fees
- Since I’m a PhD student, I joined here as a fully funded PhD scholar. So my department is covering my tuition fees. However, the fees for master’s students or undergraduates are around USD 22-28k yearly. The fees vary depending on the degree you choose.
- My monthly expenses are around 1200-1300$. For students here, they provide free bus services. It isn't expensive to live in Knoxville, especially when compared to cities like NYC and ones in California. However, for the same reason (combined with work from home allowed by certain companies), many people have moved to Tennessee as it's relatively 'cheaper', resulting in a surge in rental costs. Apart from that, the expenses would hardly ever cross your income. Plus, I know people who easily send money home as well.
- Talking in terms of figures, rent is usually between $700 and $800 plus utilities (usually internet and electricity, sometimes water). Utilities are mostly under $100. Groceries (assuming you cook most of the time) should budget well under $300. Add some $100 for non-essential (craving) groceries. Eating out costs usually $20 bucks, including tax and tip (it's lower than that if you don't drink and slightly higher if you do).
- Later on, people tend to get a car (secondhand mostly), as public transport is really bad in the USA unless you are in a big city like Chicago. I bought mine last year, around this time, and got it for $9k (registration included, did a little Hera pheri on tax). Car prices are getting down.
- The initial cost to set yourself up, like getting rations, some utensils, and so on, would cost some money, and that depends on how you approach it. I bought things as I needed them; I think that saved me some money.
Scholarship
- As a fully funded student, I am a departmental fellow. I am not aware of scholarships for master’s or undergraduate degrees. Typically, PhD student scholarships range from $25,000 to $35,000 annually. These scholarships are contingent upon holding a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) or Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) position. GTA duties typically involve approximately 18 hours per week, in addition to research responsibilities. GRA duties solely encompass research responsibilities.
