The principal feature of graduate study in mathematics is the possibility of designing a study plan to meet your individual needs and interests. A master’s degree in mathematics can be used to fulfill several different goals, and the program meets this diversity of expectations in its several tracks.

The Doctoral Preparation track is for students intending to continue to a doctoral program here or at another university. The requirements include the core courses in two of the examination subjects in the doctoral program.

The Applied track is for students who wish to use mathematics for careers in government or industry, or to pursue a doctoral degree in a field other than mathematics. Students develop skills in the formulation, analysis, and solution of mathematical models valuable for a variety of application areas. Students are required to take courses in numerical analysis and encouraged to take courses in different types of modeling (discrete, continuous, deterministic, stochastic).

The Computational track is for students who wish to use mathematics for careers in government or industry, with an emphasis on algorithms and software. The requirements include courses in numerical analysis and related subjects as well as at least 15 credit hours in computer science, including required courses in Design and Analysis of Algorithms, Computation Theory, and Operating Systems and Computer Architecture.

The Post-Secondary Teaching track is for students who wish to teach mathematics at the post-secondary level in positions not requiring a doctorate. Two- and some four-year colleges are likely employers of students with such a degree. Requirements include some specified courses in mathematics and mathematics education. 

The General track is for students requiring more flexibility than permitted by the more specific tracks. It is important for students in this track to work with their advisor to assure their course choices prepare them for their intended career path.

All tracks require at least 40 graduate credit hours.  The program can normally be completed in two years. 

Admission and Financial Support

To be admitted to graduate study, you should have an undergraduate GPA of at least a B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) and adequate mathematical preparation.  Applicants admitted with deficiencies in their mathematical preparation will be expected to make up the deficiencies during their first year.

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.