Mar 29, 2024  
OHIO University Graduate Catalog 2020-21 
    
OHIO University Graduate Catalog 2020-21 [Archived Catalog]

Mathematics - PHD


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study by Academic Unit

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, 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 tree 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:

Examination Field and Course Requirements


Examination Requirement


Students are required to pass written examinations in two of the following subjects: Algebra, Analysis, Differential Equations, Statistics, and Topology. Choices of subjects should be made in consultation with potential Ph.D. advisers.

An examination in each subject will be offered twice each year, in late summer and in winter. A student may make no more than 5 total attempts at examinations, with a maximum of 3 attempts in any given subject area.

Breadth Requirement


Students must earn a grade of B or better in 4 MATH courses above 5999, excluding the core courses in the subjects of their two written examinations.

At least one course must be a core course in an examination subject in which the student did not take a written examination.

Project, seminar, and independent study courses may not be used for this requirement.

Satisfactory Progress


Students Entering with an Earned M.S.


Student who begin the program with an earned master’s degree are expected to meet the following milestones (assuming a fall start):

  • Clock Starts: entry to doctoral program
  • Pass 1 written examination: winter of year 2
  • Pass 2 written examinations: winter of year 3
  • Find advisor and form advisory committee: within 2 years
  • Breadth course requirement complete: within 3 years
  • Advance to Candidacy, including defense of a dissertation proposal: within 3 years
  • Successfully defend dissertation: within 7 years from entering doctoral program

Students Entering Through the OHIO M.S. Degree


Student who begin the program after admission to the Ohio University master’s degree program in mathematics are expected to meet the following milestones (assuming a fall start):

  • Clock Starts: entry to master’s program
  • Pass 1 written examination: winter of year 3
  • Pass 2 written examinations: winter of year 4
  • Find advisor and form advisory committee: within 3 years
  • Breadth course requirement complete: within 4 years
  • Advance to Candidacy, including defense of dissertation proposal: within 4 years
  • Successfully defend dissertation: within 7 years from entering doctoral program

Culminating Experience


Students must successfully complete and defend a dissertation.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study by Academic Unit