<p>I graduated in December of 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics with a 3.96 overall GPA (4.0 math GPA). I'm currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Mathematics (4.0 GPA...only math courses).</p>
<p>Recently I've started thinking more about going for a PhD. Is the fact that I went for my Master's first going to hurt me?</p>
<p>Also, what good programs are in the NY area? I live on Long Island and I cannot relocate.</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>The master's can only help you. I think it shows commitment to graduate study.</p>
<p>NYU and Columbia - both good programs and tough to get into. I think they are the only PhD programs in NYC.</p>
<p>Will the university (for BS and MA) that the OP went to matter in the admissions process?</p>
<p>Also CUNY Graduate Center and Stony Brook (the latter actually on Long Island). Also, Princeton and maybe Rutgers are within unreasonable but feasible commuting distance- which one of these is the "best" depends on your interests...
The university the OP previously went to does matter, but won't be the principal factor in admission.
The fact that you went into a master's program (unless it was part of a BA/MA dual program or one of the spiffy Churchill/Marshall type things) first will raise a red flag--most American applicants who do this either failed to get into Ph.D programs out of undergrad--if there were other factors involved you should mention these in your personal statement.</p>
<p>I see that the OP is female. That will be a huge factor since most Phd math programs are overwhelmingly male.</p>
<p>I went to Hofstra University on Long Island for undergrad and grad.</p>
<p>I am presently 40% done with my Master's degree, with As in each course. I've already started my thesis.</p>
<p>I'm also not planning to go directly for my PhD.</p>
<p>I don't know what to do lol</p>
<p>I think as long it's made clear in your statement of purpose that you aren't doing the Master's just because you got rejected from PhD programs, it won't hurt you. You don't need to make it too obvious, but just mention how the Master's program fit into your previous academic goals and why you now want to go for the full PhD.</p>