Program highlights
- Unparallelled research opportunities. Our faculty in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics aren’t just teachers. They’re active, pioneering researchers. You’ll work alongside and learn from scholars whose discoveries shape entire fields – from geometric algebra and numerical analysis to topology and biostatistics.
- Intimate learning environment. Unlike massive research universities where students can feel like just another number, our program maintains intentionally small cohorts to ensure personalized mentorship. Every student working toward a Ph.D. in mathematics receives dedicated faculty guidance that fosters intellectual insights and collaborations that can help define career-long success.
- Graduate assistantships. The department funds approximately 55 total teaching assistantships. There are about 20 new openings annually awarded on a competitive basis.
- Cutting-edge resources. Our campus features state-of-the-art computational facilities, advanced software packages and collaborative spaces. When you need to test theoretical frameworks or run complex simulations, you’ll have immediate access to world-class technology.
- Industry connections. Our carefully cultivated partnerships with leading corporations, government agencies, research institutions and thought leaders provide chances to network that can lead to high-impact research projects and career opportunities.
Demand for mathematicians is expected to increase 11% over the next decade –
far faster than average.
– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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Career opportunities
Graduates of our Ph.D. in mathematics program gain reputations as preeminent mathematical authorities. They publish influential research, present at international conferences and establish professional networks that span continents. They become the mathematicians with whom others consult when facing seemingly impossible challenges.
Although many graduates find career success teaching the scholars of tomorrow, a growing number of today’s most in-demand Ph.D. in mathematics jobs span industries you may not have yet considered.
BGSU has one of the nation’s best Ph.D. programs in mathematics and prepares graduates for careers in which they may:
- Conduct cutting-edge research at universities and research institutions while teaching the next generation of mathematicians and statisticians.
- Lead advanced analytics and mathematical modeling teams in technology companies, financial institutions and consulting firms.
- Develop algorithms and computational methods for artificial intelligence, machine learning and data science applications.
- Work as research scientists in federal government agencies focused on defense, security and innovation.
- Apply mathematical expertise to solve complex problems in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical research.
- Become invaluable to the bottom line in the banking and insurance industries, thanks to expertise in quantitative, finance, risk analysis and actuarial science.
Career paths
- Academic department chair
- Algorithm developer
- Blockchain developer
- Climate modeler
- Cryptographer
- Financial risk analyst
- Mathematics education specialist
- Quantitative analyst
- Research scientist
- Simulation and modeling expert
- University professor
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Average median salary for mathematicians is 90% higher than the median average for all occupations in the U.S
Curriculum
The Ph.D. in mathematics at BGSU is a comprehensive, research-focused mathematics degree requiring 90 graduate hours of credit beyond the bachelor’s level. Students complete eight core courses from specialized sequences ensuring both depth and breadth of mathematical knowledge:
- Algebra
- Real Analysis
- Complex Analysis
- Topology
- Partial Differential Equations
- Probability
The Ph.D. program is geared to serve industry and regional demand and train high-level intellectuals for leadership roles. By emphasizing skills in critical thinking, advanced problem-solving and communication of complex mathematical concepts to varied audiences, this doctorate degree in mathematics prepares graduates for diverse career paths in academia, government and industry.
Culminating experience
Doctoral students must complete a minimum of 16 hours of original dissertation research, judged to be of publishable quality.
Academic prerequisites
Admission requirements for the Ph.D. in mathematics at BGSU include:
- A master’s degree in mathematics or statistics from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.2 on a 4-point scale*
- TOEFL or IELTS for all international applicants whose native language is not English
- Three letters of recommendation from faculty or professionals who can attest to your academic preparation for the program
- Statement of purpose
*Students with a master’s degree in a different but substantially associated field may also be admitted, so long as they demonstrate sufficient training in mathematics and statistics.
Sample courses
- Complex Analysis
- Partial Differential Equations
- Topology
- Advanced Probability
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The doctorate in mathematics program is part of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Updated: 11/25/2025 02:33PM