Need Suggestions for Switching from MS Computer Science to PhD Math

[Moonracer]

I'm currently a MS computer science degree student at a top 20 school. I'd like to switch to a PhD in pure math. I know that research matters the most at top-ranked math depts. My question is that is research in machine learning or artificial intelligence acceptable or do you need to show research in a pure math subject? Would computer science math (combinatorics, number theory, etc.) be acceptable?

Edited October 9, 2013 by Moonracer

[33andathirdRPM]

I'm not pursuing a PhD in pure math, but I have a couple questions. Do you know what research area(s) interest you? Do you have the necessary coursework to begin a PhD program in that (those) area(s)?

[Moonracer]

I'm not pursuing a PhD in pure math, but I have a couple questions. Do you know what research area(s) interest you? Do you have the necessary coursework to begin a PhD program in that (those) area(s)?

Sorry for the late reply. Midterm week was pretty hellish. I'm not sure what areas to research yet. I like anything visual, like geometry. i thought about topology, but have heard the concepts are very challenging to grasp. I also really enjoyed a discrete math course that I took last semester, so possibly number theory, combinatorics, or probability.

As far as coursework I have only had a couple of semesters of calculus and a graduate course in discrete math. I'm guessing that I would still need to take multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and maybe differential equations (not to mention the GRE subject test) before applying to PhD programs.

Edited October 22, 2013 by Moonracer

[cyberwulf]

If you haven't taken multivariable calc or linear algebra, you're a long, long way from having the preparation necessary to be a credible candidate for a PhD in mathematics anywhere. You're probably looking at a good 2-3 years of coursework to get there.