The Causeway Postbaccalaureate Program is a yearlong experience that seeks to expand opportunities for students from historically underrepresented groups to enroll in doctoral programs in the mathematical sciences. All students are eligible to apply. Causeway provides foundational coursework, research advising, and career mentoring in the context of a strong and supportive community of participants. Causeway students also participate in a study evaluating the program’s effectiveness.
Note: The statistics track will not be an option in 2024–25.
FAQs
The Mission
M1. What is Causeway’s mission?
Causeway’s mission is to expand opportunities for students from historically underrepresented groups to enroll in doctoral programs in the mathematical sciences
The Program
P1. What does participating in Causeway “look like”?
Causeway is a 12-month program. The program begins in July and ends the following June. We anticipate that each cohort will consist of between seven and nine students. Participants receive free tuition and a living stipend of approximately $34,000. Each participant selects a track: pure mathematics, applied mathematics, or statistics.
During the summer, students take a course in the foundations of higher mathematics, engage in a research experience with a faculty mentor, and prepare for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Mathematics Subject Test. During the academic year, participants take further coursework, apply to graduate programs, attend seminars and discussions about the profession, mentor high school students and interact with student groups affiliated with Causeway. It will be hard work. It will also be rewarding and fun.
P2. Will I earn a degree by participating in Causeway?
No. While Causeway will prepare you for graduate school, where you will receive a degree, it does not confer a degree. We strongly believe that by not focusing on satisfying degree criteria, you will be more focused on learning–the best reward! Causeway is a certificate program, and upon completion of the program participants will receive a certificate from The Graduate School at Northwestern.
Is Causeway for Me?
C1. Why shouldn’t I just apply to graduate school and see if I get in?
You may be well-prepared for graduate school, apply, be admitted, and succeed. We hope you do! However, many graduate students find themselves less prepared for graduate study than they would like. This experience can be disheartening, disillusioning, and isolating for students, especially those from under-represented groups.
Many students can succeed in graduate school if they have sufficient time to study and engage with the intellectual challenges of the discipline. Causeway is for those students who are eager to meet that challenge and emerge better prepared for the rigors of graduate study.
C2. I love mathematics but I’m not sure if research will be for me. Should I bother applying?
Yes! Causeway is a good opportunity to explore the idea of an academic career in mathematical sciences before committing to a lengthy doctoral program. Causeway recognizes that academia will not be for everyone; a Causeway student who forgoes research for another rewarding career is a success.
Applying
A1. I’ve taken several math courses, but I did not complete the major. Am I eligible?
Yes! Although you must have a bachelor’s degree before beginning the program, you do not need to have majored in mathematics or statistics.
A2. Am I eligible to apply?
Because the United States government provides funding for Causeway, the program is limited to US nationals, i.e. citizens and permanent residents (green card holders). All students who meet this criterion are eligible to apply!
A3. I am not sure if I prefer pure mathematics, statistics, or applied mathematics. Do I have to choose a track when I apply?
Yes. You must declare your intended track when you apply so that you can begin a research experience right away when you arrive at Northwestern. However, it may be possible to change tracks early in the program. Read more about the tracks, or send us an email; we are happy to help!
A4. What are the main components of the application?
The application requires a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, and unofficial undergraduate transcripts. A diversity statement is recommended, but not required.
Housing
H1. Is housing available?
Participants are responsible for securing their own housing. Our students have availed themselves of both on-campus and off-campus housing options. The student stipend should be sufficient to rent an apartment near campus. There is also on-campus housing available for graduate students. See Graduate Housing and Summer Housing for information about on-campus housing for graduate students.