OVERVIEW

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers three Master and two Ph.D. degrees. The Master degrees are the Master of Arts degree with three tracks (Applied Math, Pure Math, and Statistics), the Master of Arts in Teaching degree with specialization in Mathematics, and the Master of Science in Applied Statistics degree (jointly with the Department of Applied Statistics and Operation Research). The Ph.D. degrees are the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Mathematics and the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Statistics.

DOCTORAL PROGRAM

The doctoral program comprises two research-oriented doctoral degrees (Ph.D. in Mathematics and Ph.D. in Statistics), which are designed for advanced investigations on the theory and applications of mathematics and statistics.  The purpose of the program is to train mathematics and statistics students at the highest level of education and equip them with a wide range of analytical skills, research abilities, and teaching strategies. Graduates of the programs are prepared to be researchers or teachers actively advancing their research areas, enthusiastically engaging mathematical/statistical thinking with scientific planning into other fields, and consistently enhancing public education on mathematics and statistics.

The current graduate faculty in the Department consists of accomplished scholars and productive investigators with research strengths in the areas of algebra, analysis, applied mathematics, mathematics education, probability, and statistics. These research strengths initiate an academic environment to nurture and facilitate Ph.D. candidates in the program for their career development. In this academic environment, students not only enjoy numerous opportunities of participation in faculty’s research endeavor, but also boost their creative thinking ability in discernable research frontiers featured by the faculty.

Admission Standards:

Admission requirements for the Ph.D. program are a master’s degree in mathematics or statistics from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.2 on a 4-point scale. The Graduate Record Exam is required for all applicants, and the Test of English as Foreign Language is required for all international applicants whose native language is not English. In some cases, interested students with a master’s degree not in mathematics or statistics but in a field substantially associated with mathematics or statistics may be admitted as long as the applicant is able to demonstrate sufficient training in mathematics and statistics.

Addressing the Need of the State/Region:

The Ph.D. program serves the need of the State of Ohio and the region in terms of training high intellectuals to lead state economic development. The program provides the state with doctoral graduates employed as regular or administrative faculty at Ohio colleges and universities, such as Youngstown State University, Ohio University, Heidelberg College, Ohio Northern University, and University of Findlay. The program also provides the state with graduates playing key roles in Ohio government agencies and industries, such as Nationwide Insurance.

Program Review:

Since its inception in 1975, the program has trained more than 100 graduates working in academies, government, and industries across the United States. The doctoral program is reviewed every seven years as part of the University’s Program Review process. The last review occurred in the academic year 2005-2006; the next scheduled review is slated to occur during the academic year 2012-2013.

MASTER PROGRAM

The Master program comprises three different tracks (pure mathematics, statistics, and scientific computation) for the Master of Arts program, one Master of Science in Applied Statistics program jointly with the Department of Applied Statistics and Operation Research, and one Master of Arts in Teaching program in the field of mathematics. Through proper selection of course work, students in the Master programs can prepare for direct entry into careers in business, industry, government, and education, or for study toward a Ph.D. in mathematics or statistics.

1.  M.A. in Pure Mathematics

This track of the M. A. program is designed for students interested in obtaining a broad background in mathematics. By appropriately selecting the core courses, students may pursue for their professional goals in different subjects of pure mathematics with numerous options. Career paths include further graduate work leading to a Ph.D. degree in mathematics, employment in industry or government, and teaching at a two-year college. The written comprehensive exam for this track consists of a three-hour algebra exam and a three-hour analysis exam.

2.  M.A. in Statistics

This track is planned for students interested in career preparation in the field of statistics or biostatistics. It may serve as a terminal degree or lead to further study towards a Ph.D. in statistics degree. Prospective occupations include statistician/biostatisticians in industries such as pharmaceutical companies, financial analysts in actuarial sciences, or teachers in statistics. The written comprehensive exam for this track consists of a four-hour probability and statistics exam, and a two-hour subject exam.

3.  M.A. in Scientific Computation

This track is intended for students interested in applied mathematics. Students choosing this option are expected to have completed courses in linear algebra, advanced calculus, ordinary differential equations, and a programming language such as FORTRAN, C, C++, or Matlab before (or soon after) entry. The written comprehensive exam consists of two three-hour exams based on courses in analysis and applied mathematics.

M.S. in Applied Statistics

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics and the Department of Applied Statistics and Operations Research jointly offer this degree. The prerequisites for this program include preparation in statistics, linear algebra, and advanced calculus. A student who does not meet all of these requirements may be permitted to enter the program and make up deficiencies during the first year. The written comprehensive examination of this program consists of two four-hour exams, one in applied statistics and the other in mathematical statistics. 

M.A.T. in Mathematics

The Master of Arts in Teaching in the field of mathematics is aimed for students who plan a teaching career in secondary schools, two-year colleges, or small liberal arts colleges. Admission to the program requires either teaching certification with one year of teaching experience in mathematics or consent of the program supervisor. Individuals who receive the M.A.T. typically go on to assume leadership roles in secondary schools or liberal arts colleges.