Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics

Mathematics – PH3101

Department of Mathematics
Morton Hall 321
1 Ohio University
Athens, OH 45701
mathematics@ohio.edu

Delivery Mode: Athens Campus

Terms of Entry: Fall

Terms of Entry Requiring Program Permission: Spring

Program Overview

This is a full-time program. Normative time to completion is five academic years if students have MS degree from elsewhere or six years from starting our MS program. 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, financial mathematics, mathematical biology, numerical analysis, optimal control theory, set theory, statistics, stochastic processes, and topology.

The first phase in doctoral education in Mathematics is to understand a few subjects deeply and a range of subjects in less detail. Our program accomplishes this through a system of courses and written examinations. An exceptionally well-prepared student can attempt the examinations early and spend relatively little time doing coursework.

The second phase is to become the expert on a specific problem and produce new mathematical results on it suitable for a dissertation. In our program this phase is done one-on-one with a faculty advisor or in a small research group. The dissertation is a scholarly work demonstrating the ability to understand, organize, improve, and present mathematical ideas of outstanding importance, depth, or interest. It must include original mathematical research and be worthy of publication.

Most doctoral students are trained and financially supported as teaching assistants and have the opportunity to teach classes as the primary instructor.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Graduates will write and defend a thesis involving their original research.
• Graduates will demonstrate mastery in subject material by taking a significant amount of high-level courses and taking comprehensive examinations.
• Graduates will be able to read and analyze mathematical literature.
• Graduates will be able to communicate mathematical ideas and results effectively in written and oral form.
• Graduates will be able to conduct professional activities in an ethical manner.

Opportunities for Graduates

Most graduates work in academia, teaching and/or doing research in Mathematics.

Further Information

Link to Program: https://www.ohio.edu/cas/math/graduate/phd

Admission Requirements

Minimally, a master’s degree in Mathematics or a closely related field is required, with GPA at least 3.3. Due to capacity limitations, only the top few applicants are admitted each year. The application requires three letters of recommendation, one preferably from the applicant’s current supervisor and others from individuals who have supervised, mentored or taught the applicant, or are otherwise familiar with the applicant’s academic ability and/or work experience

Non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency as specified in this graduate catalog.

International Students

This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.

Graduation Requirements

The Ph.D. in Mathematics requires a minimum of 90 credit hours (including those transferred or applied from a master’s program). The following requirements must also be satisfied: