College of Sciences and Humanities
Department of Mathematical Sciences
www.kent.edu/math

About This Program

Dive into the beauty and depth of mathematics with Kent State’s Pure Mathematics Ph.D., where you will explore advanced theories across areas like algebra, analysis and geometry while working alongside faculty engaged in cutting-edge research. Build the expertise to contribute original scholarship through intensive coursework and a dissertation, preparing you for careers in academia, research or industry. As one of only a few programs of its kind in Ohio, it offers a focused, rigorous environment to develop your voice as a mathematician. Read more...

Contact Information

• Artem Zvavitch | azvavitc@kent.edu |
  330-672-3316

• Connect with an Admissions Counselor

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 3.000 GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Goal Statement
• Résumé or vita
• Three letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:¹
  • Minimum 71 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.0 IELTS score
  • Minimum 50 PTE score
  • Minimum 100 DET score

¹

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Application deadline: March 1
• Spring Semester
  • Application deadline: October 1
• Summer Term
  • Application deadline: March 1

All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted after these deadlines will be considered on a space-available basis.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

Students may petition to have specific course requirements waived if minimum B grade was obtained for an equivalent course at another institution. The basic courses will prepare the student for the candidacy examination. Students still must meet the minimum credit hours for the degree (60 for post-master's and 90 for post-baccalaureate).

²

Each student is required to pass the departmental qualifying examination at the doctoral level in algebra and analysis (real and complex).

³

Each doctoral candidate, upon admission to candidacy, must register for MATH 87199 for a total of 30 credit hours. It is expected that a doctoral candidate will continuously register for MATH 87199, and thereafter MATH 87299, each semester, until all requirements for the degree have been met. It is expected that candidates will present the results of their research in a defense open to students and faculty, at which the dissertation will be presented an defended before the dissertation committee.

Graduation Requirements

• Students present at least one seminar during their graduate career.

Candidacy for Degree

This examination will be a comprehensive examination in the field of the major subject, and will be a substantially deeper test than the qualifying examination.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Understand and appreciate connections among different subdisciplines of mathematics.
2. Be aware of and understand a broad range of mathematical subdisciplines.
3. Obtain a broader and deeper understanding of core mathematics subdisciplines of algebra and analysis.
4. Obtain a deep understanding of some subdiscipline.
5. Reason in mathematical arguments at a deep level, including using precise definitions, articulating assumptions and reasoning logically to conclusions.
6. Engage effectively in problem solving, including exploring examples, devising and testing conjectures and assessing the correctness of solutions.
7. Approach mathematical problems creatively, including trying multiple approaches and modifying problems when necessary to make them more tractable.
8. Develop and carry out a research program in mathematics.
9. Communicate mathematics clearly both orally and in writing.
10. Teach university-level mathematics effectively.

Full Description

The Ph.D. degree in Pure Mathematics is for students interested in becoming professional scholars, college and university teachers or independent workers in private, industrial or government research institutions. Kent State's Ph.D. degree in Pure Mathematics is one of six in the state public university system, and one of only two in Northeast Ohio.

In broad terms, the faculty areas of research lie in functional and harmonic analysis, convex and algebraic geometry, Lie representation theory, approximation theory, finite groups, character theory, number theory and probability and stochastic processes. Original research in pure mathematics is required, and the Ph.D. dissertation must be orally defended. Two years of graduate coursework and three years of research are typical.