The Ph.D. in mathematics is intended for students who wish to advance mathematical knowledge itself, apply such knowledge to problems confronting society and science, and educate others in mathematical methods and ways of thinking.  The Mathematics Department offers students the possibility of designing study plans to meet their individual goals and interests. In particular, we offer a broad spectrum of possible research areas for our Ph.D. students, including algebra, analysis, coding theory, computational harmonic analysis, partial and ordinary differential equations, dynamical systems,  integral equations, mathematical biology, numerical analysis, optimal control theory, set theory, statistics, stochastic processes, and topology.

Each student must pass a comprehensive examination and write an acceptable dissertation. The Ph.D. candidate is expected to write a dissertation that is a scholarly work demonstrating the ability to understand, organize, improve, and present mathematical ideas of outstanding importance, depth, or interest. It should include original mathematical research and be worthy of publication.

Admission and Financial Support

To be admitted to the Ph.D. program, students should have a master’s degree with a GPA of at least B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) and adequate mathematical preparation. Students without the equivalent of a mater’s degree will not be admitted directly to the doctoral program; instead they should apply to the doctoral preparation track of the master’s program.

You may apply for admission for any semester, but we strongly encourage applying for the Fall Semester. To apply for financial aid for the following academic year, you should apply by February 1, although late applications will be considered if vacancies exist. Support is available in the form of Teaching Assistantships (TAs), and Graduate Recruitment Stipends (GRSs).

Conferral of a graduate degree requires at least a B (3.0) GPA both in the courses taken towards satisfying the degree requirements as well as in all courses taken at Ohio University. Students whose overall GPA stays below 3.0 in two consecutive semesters will be dropped from the program.