Math Misery?

"do not worry about your difficulties in mathematics. i assure you, mine are still greater." -albert einstein, should i get a phd … in math.

If you’re asking this question, then the answer is “Yes, go and work towards a PhD.”

Now for some details.

Every so often (about once a semester), I have a student, a friend, an acquaintance, a client, etc. ask me if they should “get a PhD in Mathematics”. But that’s actually not where the question ends nor is that really the question. Usually the back story is as follows:

  • The person is thinking about graduate school in a technical discipline because they happen to be reasonably good with mathematics (and for the sciences, being reasonably good, at least mechanically, at mathematics is a prerequisite).
  • They have a burning desire for something beyond what their undergraduate curriculum offers.
  • They’ve been in the workforce for some time and now want to go back to graduate school — these folks often have a science, engineering, or math undergraduate degree and their work environment has been technical.

From here the following types of statements are said when the individual goes to seek out the opinions of friends and colleagues for getting a PhD in Mathematics:

  • Don’t get a PhD, you’ll have no job prospects.
  • All you can do with a PhD in Math is teach and you won’t make a lot of money.
  • You’ll be overqualified for industry positions.
  • Don’t get a PhD, you’ll be an expert in something that only 10 people know about.
  • You have to publish papers all the time to keep your professor position.

Some half-truths, some full-blown lies.

Zeroth, who says that there are no job prospects? What is their background? Where / how are they making this claim? Every time I ask these sets of questions, the demographics of the folks who discourage others from further academic pursuit of mathematics are folks who themselves have either failed out of a PhD program or had made their decision to stop further pursuit because of someone else who told them not to. It would be like me saying to someone, don’t pursue a career in Graphic Design, you’re just going to spend the whole time touching up other people’s crappy design work. I’m not a Graphic Designer! I don’t work in that capacity! And even if I did work in that capacity, then seek out a few other opinions! This guy is an awesome graphic designer (he’s my brother).

First, check out 101 Careers in Mathematics . I haven’t read it, but the title alone should be convincing.

Next, at a personal level. I work and have worked as a mathematician in industry. I also teach part-time. I regularly get messages or phone calls from recruiters about full-time opportunities for someone with a strong mathematical and technical background. Depending on the recruiter, it can be hit or miss. Some recruiters don’t really understand the expertise and just see math, math, math, everywhere on my resumé. The recruiters that don’t understand my background will send me full-time positions for Bachelor’s degree candidates. Technical recruiters tend to have a better time understanding the various backgrounds. I am overqualified for some positions, mis-qualified for others, underqualified still for others, or a perfect match. This qualification problem is going to happen no matter what degree one holds. The best thing I can do for myself is to see which positions are within my technical expertise, but for which I am underqualified and start learning those topics. I may not want to apply for that job, but it’s an indication of something I don’t know.

I ran a Math department for a few years in the corporate world with three US offices directly reporting to me and a total of eight global offices over which I had policy oversight. I didn’t do the math in the Math department — I hired people with math and computer science backgrounds to take care of the day-to-day mechanical work. What I had to do was set up sensible and rigorous math policy, field technical questions from clients, create efficient processes, explain the mathematical underpinnings of certain methods to non-math savvy regulators, etc. — in effect, I was a business manager with a very technical background. That is exactly what was needed for that position. The company needed someone who was external facing who could speak about mathematical topics with proven authority in the field without speaking in subscripts.

I now work in a consulting role. I work with organizations to help streamline business processes so that they are cost-efficient without sacrificing quality. How do I do that? I write programs. I analyze the entire product development life cycle and see where bottlenecks are. I track relevant and necessary statistics to measure how effective these processes are. I also run pre-analysis to give a sense of what the expected gains are of a new process or method. And it doesn’t stop there. I also look at existing technical code and see where things can be more efficient.

Some of my clients are also individuals who are working professionals. Some are going through a career change, others just feel that they are falling behind the times and want to get “caught up”. Career changes often requires going back to school, taking some type of graduate school entrance exam, taking a statistics course, etc. Those who feel they are falling behind really just want to learn how to program. I’ve worked with company vice presidents, small business owners, working professionals returning to school for an MBA (for example), medical doctors, finance professionals, and even aspiring math teachers. I have yet to work with a school — I would love to do that, but I’ve found that there’s an immense amount of red tape. Anyone know how I can go about working with a school — math training, professional development, software development, leadership training, classroom management, “cool math stuff seminars”, etc.?

Finally, it is true that there are many teaching positions available with a PhD in Mathematics. It is also true that it is not all fun and glamour, living the life of luxury of an esteemed professor’s life. But tell me, how many other career choices are that glamorous? And if you wanted glamour, go do something else! Either that or solve a popular and open problem in mathematics. Then you’ll have fame! People confuse the fact that there are many teaching positions with there are only teaching positions.

If you are thinking about working towards a PhD in Mathematics and do not want to teach, then absolutely, you must learn to program. Without a reasonably strong programming background, there are fewer industry positions available (“fewer” does not equal “none”). If you do want to teach mathematics, I’d still encourage you to learn to program. It will help with teaching. Students will want to see the theory in action and not just in an academic setting. This is how I teach many of the “applied” courses or units like Graph Theory, Probability, Statistics, Personal Finance, etc.

The point here is that the degree is the degree and in some sense it’s irrelevant, but, if you have the degree and can actually put it to use, there are opportunities beyond teaching. A PhD in Mathematics is not somehow making a person unemployable. It just means that the type of employment one will find is different.

“Getting” a PhD

One does not “get” a PhD by hanging around in the system for a bunch of years. Unlike Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees where the majority of the requirement is to complete coursework in an academically satisfactory way, a PhD is not quite the same. There are few courses that one actually takes as “requirement”. The majority of the time is spent doing research, writing papers, giving talks, and even perhaps, networking within the math community.

Several of the people who have been interested in a PhD were under the impression that the process works as follows: 4 years for a Bachelor’s, 2 years for a Master’s, and then 4 years for a PhD. That may be a reasonable average for the length of time that it takes, but the content is different. The Bachelor’s programs are coursework heavy, with perhaps a senior project that is professor-led. The Master’s degree also tends to be coursework heavy. But there are two types of Master’s degrees. There is the Master’s degree that is not research-oriented, and then there’s a Master’s degree that is research-oriented. The research-oriented degrees are typically set ups for entrance into the PhD program. The non-research-oriented degree is coursework heavy and does not often require the same focus on theory as the research-oriented Master’s degree does. The two degrees have a lot of overlap, but there are nuanced differences in coursework.

Getting into a PhD program often requires the completion of the Master’s level coursework. Some programs award a Master’s degree and then require that the student “reapply” for the PhD program by successfully passing a grueling set of exams known as “Qualifying Exams” (“quals”). Once a student has passed the quals, they are admitted into the PhD program and are now considered to be a PhD Candidate. Other programs have one of two tracks — a Master’s track or a PhD track. If one enters the PhD track, it’s do or die and there’s no Master’s degree awarded regardless of the outcome. If one enters the Master’s track, then they have to apply to a different university for their PhD.

Your Advisor And Your Research

As I said earlier, the PhD is not a degree that one just “gets”. There is a “Master / Apprentice” type relationship between the PhD Candidate and his/her Advisor. There are many, many horror stories of tyrannical advisors who work their apprentices into the ground. I’ve been witness to a few of these incidents. It’s a bit scary and terrifying to have one maniacal individual control several years of a person’s life. For this reason, if you are pursuing a PhD in Mathematics (or any field), choose your advisor very carefully. You will be working with him/her closely for many an hour.

I had the great fortune of having probably the best advisor a student could have. Not only was he a capable and energetic researcher, he was patient, thoughtful, kind, and knew how to work with a variety of personalities and work habits. He left me alone to fiddle. I did a lot of work under him. He pushed me to present and publish. But in all of this, he was never once a tyrant. This is the type of person you want as your advisor. So, when you are working on your Master’s degree towards your PhD, pay close attention to graduate and research faculty. Interact with them. See how they treat their graduate students.

Your advisor, if you are able to cultivate a healthy relationship with him/her, will be your mentor for your life. It really is a Master / Apprentice relationship. You just have to decide if your Master is a Sith Lord or a Jedi Master and then you have to decide what you will become.

Your research is your baby. Nurture it, grow it, cultivate it, and stay with it. That’s a mistake I’ve made. I haven’t kept up with research mostly because I am not working in academia full-time. Regardless, I still make it a point to read the latest in the literature and keep fresh in my mind the things I worked on. One day I will get back into it.

Your research trajectory isn’t necessarily going to go the way you planned. You may start out studying Partial Differential Equations, but before you know it, as you wind through the maze that is Mathematics research, you may find yourself deeply immersed in Stochastic Calculus. Don’t pigeonhole yourself from the outset. Let research take you where it takes you and be excited about everything.

Research is not easy business. There are going to be many, many failures. Some even soul-crushing. My first soul-crushing failure was when one of my research papers was already published in full-generality! I had done an extensive literature review and had found nothing on the topic. Every few months I would do searches and nothing. Then once I had all my results ready and the paper written, I did one last literature review and wouldn’t you know, someone had already published it!

Research is open-ended. There is no textbook solution to the problem you are working on. There is no readily applicable theory. There are no existing methods. This is what you are doing. You are crafting the theory. You are devising the method. You are working on an unsolved problem, however esoteric as it may seem.

Failures define us just as much as our successes do. The sooner we can learn from our mistakes, overcome the setbacks, and get back on our feet, the closer we are to success. Working towards a PhD is not for the weak-willed and it isn’t a degree one just gets.

As I said at the beginning, if you are contemplating working towards a PhD, then do it. Do your homework with respect to who your advisor is, what research specialty you may want to start with, what the university program looks like, what the Math department looks like, etc. Ignore all the silly reasons that people give you about job prospects and the like. Anyone who tells you “don’t learn anymore”, isn’t your friend. Jettison them from your life, immediately.

10 thoughts on “ Should I Get A PhD … In Math? ”

Thank you for your post! I also really enjoy mathematics. I graduated with a Bachelor in Health Science with a minor in business with College Algebra and Calculus 1 courses completed. So fun. I am currently signed up to complete my Masters in Accounting degree, however, I also want to pursue mathematics. I considered completed my Masters in Accounting with a minor in mathematics, and then going on to a PhD in Mathematics. The reason I am considering a Masters in Accounting is due to the “job security,” as well as I kind of enjoy accounting, and the potential to work from home. I know I really enjoy mathematics, and it is one of the subjects that I caught on to the easiest throughout school. I didn’t have to study near as long with math, as I did with other subjects. (1) Moreover, would me pursing a Masters in Accounting with a minor in mathematics, and then going on to pursue a PhD in Mathematics a smart choice? Or should I plan to pursue a Masters in Mathematics, and then go on to the PhD in Mathematics? As a note, the path I would like to pursue with mathematics is to teach mathematics one day. Learning to program sounds cool too. Also, knowing what mathematics scholarships are available out there would be very helpful. (2) Do you know of any math scholarships that I can apply for? Thanks! Melissa Coppola

Thank you for the post…i am having few questions …. what are the benefits that a PhD in mathematics person get…..why should one do PhD in mathematics ..i mean a person is interested but he/she is confused in why one should do PhD ..what are the benifits in future after completing PhD . please reply for the same

Thank you for the post. I have dreamed of learning advanced math since I was in primary school, I have loved math so much, that I had spent my secondary school summers on learning math, solving math questions and equations, I had such a desire for learning math, that it was all I was thinking of and practicing, and I was very good at it. Now, when I graduated from secondary school, I was one of the top students in my country, and though I wanted to pursue a degree in a math related subjects, I ended up pursued to enter medical school, which ended miserably with a low GPA in Health Science. ;( Now I find myself dreaming about math again, wishing if things where different Anyways, do I have a chance? I did not study math at college, I am eager to study math again, I would love to spend up to 12 hours a day every single day studying math, I would feel energetic and happy. Do you have any advice for me, thanks.

Thanks for writing! I don’t know your exact situation, but if you have the time and resources, then absolutely pursue mathematics as you’ve wanted to all along! Generally, and broadly speaking, if you’ve been out of touch with mathematics (formally) for a while, don’t be surprised if it takes a little bit of time getting yourself back up to speed. Be patient, continue to work at it, and always try to ask ‘why’ when studying! Let me know how you are proceeding!

Thank you so much! Weeps.

You’re quite welcome!

Thank you for the post. I’m currently preparing to apply to a graduate program this January after 5+ years of community college teaching. This is great advice and quite encouraging.

By the way, what you say about your advisor is absolutely true, he taught my undergrad multivariable calculus course at Ball State when he was a postdoc. He was fantastic.

I’m so happy to know that this has helped in some way! And yes, Giray is great.

Thank you for this. I really want to study mathematics.. but right now I feel like a lot of door are closed since I pursued a different path. I still have a yearning. I have to see how that path will unfold. Your piece has helped a lot! Thanks

Thank you so much for your words! I’m glad this has helped. Feel free to get in touch if you need a sounding board!

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Colorado School of Mines Graduate School Insights

Should you get a graduate degree in mathematics?

Should you get a master’s or doctoral degree.

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A master’s in mathematics alone will qualify you to work in fields such actuarial science, computer science, and data science, all of which report high earnings and high job satisfaction . Master’s degrees also offer a lot of potential for degree specialization .

A doctoral degree qualifies you for all of the above, as well as working in academia, whether that’s teaching, research or a combination of the two.

Another thing to consider is how much time you’re willing to invest in getting your applied mathematics and statistics graduate degree . For reference, the doctoral program at Mines requires 72 credit hours (one class usually counts for three credit hours). If you’re taking on a recommended course load of 15 credit hours (five classes) each semester, then it’ll take a little over three years for you to get your doctorate. And this doesn’t take into account the time you’ll spend conducting research and writing your thesis.

The master’s program, on the other hand, requires 30 credit hours, or two years for a full-time student. Mines also offers a non-thesis option, which favors coursework over original research.

Many people working toward their master’s do so online and part time. A 2016 survey found that 31% of students enrolled in a master’s program were taking courses online .

Cost is another consideration for many seeking their master’s in mathematics. At Mines, the annual cost of attendance for 2021-2022 is $41,013 for Colorado residents, $62,325 for students from outside the state and $40,003 for online students.

What you’ll need to start a graduate program in mathematics

An undergraduate degree – You don’t specifically need an undergraduate degree in pure math to move on to a graduate program. People who get advanced degrees in math come from a variety of educational backgrounds, with one constant: a bachelor’s.

An above-average GPA – Mines’ program requires a GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.

Math research experience – If you have unique, mathematical research experience, it’ll help set you apart from other candidates . In fact, many programs outright require you to have some kind of research under your belt. The more the better, as there’s a strong chance your program will require you to publish before you can get your diploma. This is not as vital for non-thesis master’s programs.

A GRE score of 151 or higher – Graduate Record Examinations are tests you take prior to getting into grad school that determine your placement. Mines requires a 151 for its applied mathematics and statistics program , but each school is different. The absolute lowest we’ve seen is 145. Generally speaking, the higher the GRE score (especially for math programs) the better off you’ll be in grad school.

Time to devote to the program – Graduate programs require significant time commitments. That said, it is possible to get a graduate degree and work at the same time.

Letter(s) of recommendation – For many graduate programs you’ll need a solid letter of recommendation (or three) from faculty who know you well.

A statement of purpose – Almost every graduate program will require you to communicate to them why exactly you’re seeking a graduate degree in math, and why you’ve landed on their university.

Why a graduate degree in mathematics is worth the cost

People with master’s degrees in mathematics hold a variety of positions – and nearly all of them pay exceptionally well. This is also true for those who hold PhDs in mathematics. Mines’ master’s graduates report an average starting salary of $88,500. A master’s in mathematics alone puts you in the top 75% of earners.

Job prospects for math graduate students are good. Like, seriously good. Demand for graduates with advanced degrees in mathematics has shot up. By 2027, mathematics and statistics jobs are expected to increase by 33% by 2027 , according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and these are among the highest-paying jobs in STEM fields.

Graduate degree holders are equipped to work in any number of fields, but often find work in industries such as:

  • Actuarial Sciences
  • Health care
  • Cryptography

STEM graduates in general have enjoyed strong job prospects for years. STEM jobs are expected to grow 13% by 2027 , and with a graduate degree, your employability is even higher, as is your job satisfaction, making your degree even more robust. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of mathematicians and statisticians to grow 33 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations —about 5,100 openings on average per year, the result of increased use of statistical analysis to make business, health care and policy decisions. Much of this grown will be among statisticians in research development, consulting and computer systems design.

Job Satisfaction

Those with advanced degrees in applied mathematics and statistics report some of the highest job satisfaction in the market. In fact, according to the Jobs Rated Almanac report for 2019 , jobs requiring more than a bachelor’s in mathematics have the highest satisfaction overall. Data scientist (which requires a master’s in math or higher) ranked number one, with statistician (also requires a master’s or higher) coming in second place. Mathematician ranked eighth, with actuary coming in 10th, both of which require a graduate degree.

Satisfaction is rated on a number of factors, including employability, environment, emotional factors, physical factors, salary and more. Math majors find quick work in office environments, usually with high pay and high career mobility (meaning there’s plenty of advancement opportunities).

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math phd worth it

  • Doing a PhD in Mathematics
  • Doing a PhD

What Does a PhD in Maths Involve?

Maths is a vast subject, both in breadth and in depth. As such, there’s a significant number of different areas you can research as a math student. These areas usually fall into one of three categories: pure mathematics, applied mathematics or statistics. Some examples of topics you can research are:

  • Number theory
  • Numerical analysis
  • String theory
  • Random matrix theory
  • Graph theory
  • Quantum mechanics
  • Statistical forecasting
  • Matroid theory
  • Control theory

Besides this, because maths focuses on addressing interdisciplinary real-world problems, you may work and collaborate with other STEM researchers. For example, your research topic may relate to:

  • Biomechanics and transport processes
  • Evidence-based medicine
  • Fluid dynamics
  • Financial mathematics
  • Machine learning
  • Theoretical and Computational Optimisation

What you do day-to-day will largely depend on your specific research topic. However, you’ll likely:

  • Continually read literature – This will be to help develop your knowledge and identify current gaps in the overall body of knowledge surrounding your research topic.
  • Undertake research specific to your topic – This can include defining ideas, proving theorems and identifying relationships between models.
  • Collect and analyse data – This could comprise developing computational models, running simulations and interpreting forecasts etc.
  • Liaise with others – This could take many forms. For example, you may work shoulder-to-shoulder with individuals from different disciplines supporting your research, e.g. Computer scientists for machine learning-based projects. Alternatively, you may need frequent input from those who supplied the data for your research, e.g. Financial institutions or biological research colleagues.
  • Attend a wide range of lectures, seminars and events.

Browse PhD Opportunities in Mathematics

Application of artificial intelligence to multiphysics problems in materials design, study of the human-vehicle interactions by a high-end dynamic driving simulator, physical layer algorithm design in 6g non-terrestrial communications, machine learning for autonomous robot exploration, detecting subtle but clinically significant cognitive change in an ageing population, how long does it take to get a phd in maths.

The average programme duration for a mathematics PhD in the UK is 3 to 4 years for a full-time studying. Although not all universities offer part-time maths PhD programmes, those that do have a typical programme duration of 5 to 7 years.

Again, although the exact arrangement will depend on the university, most maths doctorates will require you to first register for an MPhil . At the end of your first year, your supervisor will assess your progress to decide whether you should be registered for a PhD.

Additional Learning Modules

Best Universities for Maths PhD UK

Some Mathematics departments will require you to enrol on to taught modules as part of your programme. These are to help improve your knowledge and understanding of broader subjects within your field, for example, Fourier Analysis, Differential Geometry and Riemann Surfaces. Even if taught modules aren’t compulsory in several universities, your supervisor will still encourage you to attend them for your development.

Most UK universities will also have access to specialised mathematical training courses. The most common of these include Pure Mathematics courses hosted by Mathematics Access Grid Conferencing ( MAGIC ) and London Taught Course Centre ( LTCC ) and Statistics courses hosted by Academy for PhD Training in Statistics ( APTS ).

What Are the Typical Entry Requirements for A PhD in Maths?

In the UK, the typical entry requirements for a Maths PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) Master’s degree (or international equivalent) in Mathematics or Statistics [1] .

However, there is some variation on this. From writing, the lowest entry requirement is an upper second-class (2:1) Bachelor’s degree in any math-related subject. The highest entry requirement is a first-class (1st) honours Master’s degree in a Mathematics or Statistics degree only.

It’s worth noting if you’re applying to a position which comes with funding provided directly by the Department, the entry requirements will usually be on the higher side because of their competitiveness.

In terms of English Language requirements, most mathematics departments require at least an overall IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in each individual subtest.

Tips to Consider when Making Your Application

When applying to any mathematics PhD, you’ll be expected to have a good understanding of both your subject field and the specific research topic you are applying to. To help show this, it’s advisable that you demonstrate recent engagement in your research topic. This could be by describing the significance of a research paper you recently read and outlining which parts interested you the most, and why. Additionally, you can discuss a recent mathematics event you attended and suggest ways in how what you learnt might apply to your research topic.

As with most STEM PhDs, most maths PhD professors prefer you to discuss your application with them directly before putting in a formal application. The benefits of this is two folds. First, you’ll get more information on what their department has to offer. Second, the supervisor can better discover your interest in the project and gauge whether you’d be a suitable candidate. Therefore, we encourage you to contact potential supervisors for positions you’re interested in before making any formal applications.

How Much Does a Maths PhD Typically Cost?

The typical tuition fee for a PhD in Maths in the UK is £4,407 per year for UK/EU students and £20,230 per year for international students. This, alongside the range in tuition fees you can expect, is summarised below:

Note: The above tuition fees are based on 12 UK Universities [1]  for 2020/21 Mathematic PhD positions. The typical fee has been taken as the median value.

In addition to the above, it’s not unheard of for research students to be charged a bench fee. In case you’re unfamiliar with a bench fee, it’s an annual fee additional to your tuition, which covers the cost of specialist equipment or resources associated with your research. This can include the upkeep of supercomputers you may use, training in specialist analysis software, or travelling to conferences. The exact fee will depend on your specific research topic; however, it should be minimal for most mathematic projects.

What Specific Funding Opportunities Are There for A PhD in Mathematics?

Alongside the usual funding opportunities available to all PhD Research students such as doctoral loans, departmental scholarships, there are a few other sources of funding available to math PhD students. Examples of these include:

You can find more information on these funding sources here: DiscoverPhDs funding guide .

What Specific Skills Do You Gain from Doing a PhD in Mathematics?

A doctorate in Mathematics not only demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning, but it also provides you with highly marketable skills. Besides subject-specific skills, you’ll also gain many transferable skills which will prove useful in almost all industries. A sample of these skills is listed below.

  • Logical ability to consider and analyse complex issues,
  • Commitment and persistence towards reaching research goals,
  • Outstanding verbal and written skills,
  • Strong attention to detail,
  • The ability to liaise with others from unique disciple backgrounds and work as part of a team
  • Holistic deduction and reasoning skills,
  • Forming and explaining mathematical and logical solutions to a wide range of real-world problems,
  • Exceptional numeracy skills.

What Jobs Can You Get with A Maths PhD?

Jobs for Maths PhDs - PhD in Mathematics Salary

One of the greatest benefits maths PostDocs will have is the ability to pursue a wide range of career paths. This is because all sciences are built on core principles which, to varying extents, are supported by the core principles of mathematics. As a result, it’s not uncommon to ask students what path they intend to follow after completing their degree and receive entirely different answers. Although not extensive by any means, the most common career paths Math PostDocs take are listed below:

  • Academia – Many individuals teach undergraduate students at the university they studied at or ones they gained ties to during their research. This path is usually the preferred among students who want to continue focusing on mathematical theories and concepts as part of their career.
  • Postdoctoral Researcher – Others continue researching with their University or with an independent organisation. This can be a popular path because of the opportunities it provides in collaborative working, supervising others, undertaking research and attending conferences etc.
  • Finance – Because of their deepened analytical skills, it’s no surprise that many PostDocs choose a career in finance. This involves working for some of the most significant players in the financial district in prime locations including London, Frankfurt and Hong Kong. Specific job titles can include Actuarial, Investment Analyst or Risk Modeller.
  • Computer Programming – Some students whose research involves computational mathematics launch their career as a computer programmer. Due to their background, they’ll typically work on specialised projects which require high levels of understanding on the problem at hand. For example, they may work with physicists and biomedical engineers to develop a software package that supports their more complex research.
  • Data Analyst – Those who enjoy number crunching and developing complex models often go into data analytics. This can involve various niches such as forecasting or optimisation, across various fields such as marketing and weather.

What Are Some of The Typical Employers Who Hire Maths PostDocs?

As mentioned above, there’s a high demand for skilled mathematicians and statisticians across a broad range of sectors. Some typical employers are:

  • Education – All UK and international universities
  • Governments – STFC and Department for Transport
  • Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals – NHS, GSK, Pfizer
  • Finance & Banking – e.g. Barclays Capital, PwC and J. P. Morgan
  • Computing – IBM, Microsoft and Facebook
  • Engineering – Boeing, Shell and Dyson

The above is only a small selection of employers. In reality, mathematic PostDocs can work in almost any industry, assuming the role is numerical-based or data-driven.

Math PhD Employer Logos

How Much Can You Earn with A PhD in Maths?

As a mathematics PhD PostDoc, your earning potential will mostly depend on your chosen career path. Due to the wide range of options, it’s impossible to provide an arbitrary value for the typical salary you can expect.

However, if you pursue one of the below paths or enter their respective industry, you can roughly expect to earn [3] :

Academic Lecturer

  • Approximately £30,000 – £35,000 starting salary
  • Approximately £40,000 with a few years experience
  • Approximately £45,000 – £55,000 with 10 years experience
  • Approximately £60,000 and over with significant experience and a leadership role. Certain academic positions can earn over £80,000 depending on the management duties.

Actuary or Finance

  • Approximately £35,000 starting salary
  • Approximately £45,000 – £55,000 with a few years experience
  • Approximately £70,000 and over with 10 years experience
  • Approximately £180,000 and above with significant experience and a leadership role.

Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

  • Approximately £28,000 starting salary
  • Approximately £35,000 – £40,000 with a few years experience
  • Approximately £60,000 and over with 10 years experience

Data Analyst

  • Approximately £45,000 – £50,000 with a few years experience
  • Approximately £90,000 and above with significant experience and a leadership role.

Again, we stress that the above are indicative values only. Actual salaries will depend on the specific organisation and position and responsibilities of the individual.

Facts and Statistics About Maths PhD Holders

The below chart provides useful insight into the destination of Math PostDocs after completing their PhD. The most popular career paths from other of highest to lowest is education, information and communication, finance and scientific research, manufacturing and government.

Percentage of Math PostDocs entering an industry upon graduating

Note: The above chart is based on ‘UK Higher Education Leavers’ data [2] between 2012/13 and 2016/17 and contains a data size of 200 PostDocs. The data was obtained from the Higher Education Statistics Agency ( HESA ).

Which Noteworthy People Hold a PhD in Maths?

Alan turing.

Alan_Turing

Alan Turing was a British Mathematician, WW2 code-breaker and arguably the father of computer science. Alongside his lengthy list of achievements, Turning achieved a PhD in Mathematics at Princeton University, New Jersey. His thesis titled ‘Systems of Logic Based on Ordinals’ focused on the concepts of ordinal logic and relative computing; you can read it online here . To this day, Turning pioneering works continues to play a fundamental role in shaping the development of artificial intelligence (AI).

Ruth Lawrence

math phd worth it

Ruth Lawrence is a famous British–Israeli Mathematician well known within the academic community. Lawrence earned her PhD in Mathematics from Oxford University at the young age of 17! Her work focused on algebraic topology and knot theory; you can read her interesting collection of research papers here . Among her many contributions to Maths, her most notable include the representation of the braid groups, more formally known as Lawrence–Krammer representations.

Emmy Noether

math phd worth it

Emmy Noether was a German mathematician who received her PhD from the University of Erlangen, Germany. Her research has significantly contributed to both abstract algebra and theoretical physics. Additionally, she proved a groundbreaking theorem important to Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity. In doing so, her theorem, Noether’s theorem , is regarded as one of the most influential developments in physics.

Other Useful Resources

Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) – IMA is the UK’s professional body for mathematicians. It contains a wide range of useful information, from the benefits of further education in Maths to details on grants and upcoming events.

Maths Careers – Math Careers is a site associated with IMA that provides a wide range of advice to mathematicians of all ages. It has a section dedicated to undergraduates and graduates and contains a handful of information about progressing into research.

Resources for Graduate Students – Produced by Dr Mak Tomford, this webpage contains an extensive collection of detailed advice for Mathematic PhD students. Although the site uses US terminology in places, don’t let that put you off as this resource will prove incredibly helpful in both applying to and undertaking your PhD.

Student Interviews – Still wondering whether a PhD is for you? If so, our collection of PhD interviews would be a great place to get an insider perspective. We’ve interviewed a wide range of PhD students across the UK to find out what doing a PhD is like, how it’s helped them and what advice they have for other prospective students who may be thinking of applying to one. You can read our insightful collection of interviews here .

[1] Universities used to determine the typical (median) and range of entry requirements and tuition fees for 2020/21 Mathematics PhD positions.

  • http://www.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/Graduate/Degree-programmes-2020/MPhilPhD-Mathematics
  • https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/courses/dphil-mathematics?wssl=1
  • https://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/mapmpdpms
  • https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/research-degrees/mathematics-mphil-phd
  • http://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/2020/sci/phd-mathematics/
  • https://www.surrey.ac.uk/postgraduate/mathematics-phd
  • https://www.maths.ed.ac.uk/school-of-mathematics/studying-here/pgr/phd-application
  • https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/postgraduate-courses/mathematics-phd/
  • https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/degrees/mathematics-phd
  • https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/programmes/list/05325/phd-pure-mathematics/
  • https://warwick.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/courses-2020/mathematicsphd/
  • https://www.exeter.ac.uk/pg-research/degrees/mathematics/

[2] Higher Education Leavers Statistics: UK, 2016/17 – Outcomes by subject studied – https://www.hesa.ac.uk/news/28-06-2018/sfr250-higher-education-leaver-statistics-subjects

[3] Typical salaries have been extracted from a combination of the below resources. It should be noted that although every effort has been made to keep the reported salaries as relevant to Math PostDocs as possible (i.e. filtering for positions which specify a PhD qualification as one of their requirements/preferences), small inaccuracies may exist due to data availability.

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Top 10 Best PhD in Mathematics Programs

Lisa Marlin

A PhD in mathematics is an invaluable qualification in many sectors, but particularly academia. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, mathematicians and statisticians will see a 33% growth in jobs  from 2020 to 2030, especially with the growing need for data and cybersecurity  professionals.

Mathematics PhD programs equip you with the advanced skills and knowledge you need to progress to the highest levels of the field.

Table of Contents

Best PhD in Mathematics Programs

Stanford university, school of humanities & sciences.

Ph.D. in Mathematics

Stanford University logo

Stanford is a renowned Ivy League university known for its high-quality programs in several areas, including mathematics. Its faculty includes eminent figures in the field, and the school features a dedicated mathematics research center on campus. Students must pass two exams, one in algebra and the other in real analysis, by the second year to remain in the program. Progressing students are fully funded for five years.

  • Courses : Multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and applied matrix theory.
  • Duration : 5 years
  • Delivery : On-campus
  • Tuition : Refer tuition page
  • Financial aid : Teaching/research assistantships and fellowships
  • Acceptance rate: 5.2%
  • Location : Stanford, California

Harvard University, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Harvard University logo

Harvard’s Department of Mathematics is one of the world’s most acclaimed centers for research and education in pure mathematics. You’ll need to complete four courses for each term of your PhD, though there are no compulsory courses. As one of the most impressive mathematics doctoral programs, this PhD emphasizes the love of the subject for its own sake, curiosity, creative ability, and the research process.

  • Courses : Advanced real analysis, commutative algebra, and geometry & complexity theory.
  • Credits : 16 half-courses
  • Duration : 2-5 years
  • Financial aid : Grants and fellowships
  • Acceptance rate: 5%
  • Location : Cambridge, Massachusetts

Brown University, Graduate School

Brown University logo

Brown University is known for its flexible yet rigorous approach to education that gives students the intellectual freedom to apply creative thinking to their work. Its PhD in Math program encourages close student-faculty relationships and collaboration. This program doesn’t ask for GRE scores or foreign language courses for international students.

  • Courses : Complex functions, topology, and algebraic geometry.
  • Tuition : $7,835 per course
  • Financial aid : Fellowships and teaching assistantships
  • Acceptance rate:  7.7%
  • Location : Providence, Rhode Island

The University of Pennsylvania, School of Arts & Sciences

Penn State logo

UPenn is a world-renowned university that boasts the first medical school in the country. It has a very active mathematics department committed to serious research, and its faculty includes recognized figures from the mathematics community. In its doctorate in mathematics program, students can take courses from other departments in the university. Full-tuition scholarships for all five years of the program are available.

  • Courses: Geometry-topology, mathematical physics, and combinatorics.
  • Duration: 5 years
  • Delivery: On-campus
  • Tuition: Full funding
  • Financial aid: Fellowships, teaching assistantships, and scholarships.
  • Acceptance rate: 9%
  • Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Rochester Institute of Technology, School of Mathematical Sciences

Ph.D. Mathematical Modeling

Rochester Institute of Technology logo

The School of Mathematical Sciences at RIT is world-renowned for mathematical and statistical research. It focuses on creative approaches to solving real-world problems using mathematical and statistical knowledge. Its doctorate degree in mathematics is the country’s first  mathematical modeling PhD  and offers five concentrations, including Biomedical mathematics, applied inverse problems, and dynamical systems & fluid dynamics.

  • Courses : Numerical analysis, mathematical modeling, and high-performance computing for mathematical modeling.
  • Credits : 60 minimum
  • Duration : 7 years maximum
  • Financial aid : Scholarships and graduate assistantships
  • Acceptance rate : 73.9%
  • Location : Rochester, New York

Princeton University, The Graduate School

Ph.D. Applied and Computational Math

Princeton University logo

Princeton University is one of the world’s most famous universities, scoring the top ranking in the US News & World Report’s Best Universities list for 2022 . Its PhD program in Applied and Computational Math is flexible with few central requirements: students can work with their advisers to build their own program.

  • Courses : Differential equations, numerical algorithms, and applied dynamical systems.
  • Credits : 12 hours/semester
  • Duration : 4 years
  • Tuition : $56,010 per year
  • Financial aid : Fellowships, research/teaching assistantships, loans, grants, and federal work-study.
  • Acceptance rate : 5.6%
  • Location : Princeton, New Jersey

The University of Arizona, Department of Mathematics

Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics

University of Arizona logo

The University of Arizona is well-known for its contributions to scientific research. Its PhD in Applied Mathematics is an interdisciplinary program that emphasizes mathematical modeling and computer simulation. The teaching staff is drawn from various disciplines, including engineering, computing, social, and biological sciences.

  • Courses : Real analysis, algebra, and topology-geometry.
  • Tuition : $13,400 per year
  • Financial aid : Teaching assistantships, research assistantships, fellowships, and grants.
  • Acceptance rate:  85%
  • Location : Tucson, Arizona

Portland State University, Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics &         Statistics

Ph.D. Mathematical Sciences

Portland State University logo

PSU’s innovative Mathematics Department has a joint research project  with Ohio University to make the theoretical science of math more relevant and practical. Its PhD program focuses on mathematics and statistics, with separate primary and secondary-level courses in both subjects.

  • Courses : Mathematics, statistics, and mathematical/statistical literature problems.
  • Credits : 81 minimum
  • Tuition : $509 per credit
  • Financial aid : Scholarships, fellowships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and veteran benefits.
  • Acceptance rate : 95.2%
  • Location : Portland, Oregon

Rice University, Wiess School of Natural Sciences

Ph.D. in Computational and Applied Mathematics

Rice University logo

Rice University works closely with many prominent research, education, and science institutions in Houston, translating into exciting student opportunities. Its Computational and Applied Mathematics department only accepts 5-9 students into its PhD program, assuring a low student-faculty ratio. The program allows students to conduct high-impact research with the help of professors from diverse fields such as energy, mathematical biology, healthcare delivery, and sustainability.

  • Courses : Advanced numerical analysis, computational science , and modeling mathematical physics.
  • Duration : 4-6 years
  • Tuition : $2,893 per credit
  • Financial aid : Scholarships, fellowships, teaching assistantships, and loans.
  • Acceptance rate : 10.9%
  • Location : Houston, Texas

Florida Institute of Technology

Applied Mathematics, Ph.D.

Florida Institute of Technology logo

Florida Institute of Technology is the only independent technological university in the Southeast. It is a private institution encouraging a hands-on approach to students’ learning. This PhD is one of the only 30 Applied Mathematics programs in the country and accommodates a wide range of specializations, including non-linear analysis, scientific computing, and optimization. The highly flexible program also allows students to choose their research areas.

  • Courses : Partial differential equations, real analysis, and numerical methods for partial differential equations.
  • Credits : 72 post-bachelor’s or 42 post-master’s
  • Tuition : $1,241 per credit
  • Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, awards, loans, graduate assistantships, and veteran benefits.
  • Acceptance rate: 70.4%
  • Location : Melbourne, Florida

What Do You Need to Get a PhD in Mathematics?

Exact entry requirements vary from program to program, but often you’ll need a master’s in a related field as a basic prerequisite. Some programs will accept graduates with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or a related subject, though you’ll probably need to complete extra credit hours compared to students with a master’s.

You’ll need to submit an application, typically involving a research proposal and/or personal statement , academic resume , and letters of recommendation . You may need to present GRE  scores , but these aren’t required for every program.

Equally, the requirements to earn your doctorate will depend on the specific program, though there are several commonalities. Most PhD in mathematics programs include:

  • Qualifying examinations and a final exam
  • Teaching hours
  • A research dissertation

If you want to prepare thoroughly for a math PhD program, it can be helpful to:

  • Study qualifying exam subjects  such as real analysis and algebra
  • Working with proof of math problems
  • Participate in u ndergraduate research experience programs
  • Build your network  and identify mentors

What to Consider When Choosing a Mathematics PhD Program

With so many strong math PhD programs on offer, it can be hard to know which is the right program for you.

While this is a very individual decision, here are some key factors to consider:

  • Courses, specializations, and concentrations
  • Funding options
  • School and faculty reputation
  • Mode of delivery: online, on-campus, or hybrid

Why Get a Doctorate in Mathematics?

Today’s world desperately needs data in every field to improve and grow. So, mathematics is now highly relevant across many fields. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates impressive job growth of 33%  for mathematicians and statisticians from 2020 to 2030.

A PhD in mathematics equips you with a range of skills, including critical and analytical evaluation, logical reasoning, mathematical solutions for real-life issues, verbal and written communication skills, and dedication.

According to the American Mathematical Society , the number of math PhD graduates has been increasing steadily over the last two decades, and is currently around 2,000 a year. In total, there have been more than 30,000 PhD graduates in mathematics over the last two decades.

Common Jobs for Doctor of Mathematics Grads

With a doctorate in mathematics, you may work in various roles, including:

  • Assistant Professor ( $61,252  average annual salary)
  • Professor ( $88,951 )
  • Data Scientist ( $97,358 )
  • Mathematician ( $70,920 )
  • Postdoctoral Research Associate ( $51,968 )

Key Takeaways

The best PhD mathematics programs are offered by renowned universities across the country, including the most prestigious schools. While some are expensive, various funding options and even fully-funded Mathematics doctorate programs offer some relief.

If you have a real taste for the subject, a PhD in mathematics can take your career to unimaginable heights. It will also let you build high-level skills and in-depth knowledge that could make you a leader in your field.

If you’ve found this guide useful, take a look at our posts on the best online Master’s in Mathematics programs , the top online PhD programs , and the highest-paying PhDs .

PhD in Mathematics FAQs

How long is a phd in mathematics.

A PhD in Mathematics may take 3-7 years to complete, depending on program requirements. If you have a master’s degree , the program will likely be shorter in duration.

How Much Does a Math PhD Cost?

A math PhD costs anywhere from $13,000 to $45,000 per year, including tuition and other fees, based on various factors. You can also find fully funded PhD programs in Math, including from some of the most prestigious schools in the country.

Are Math PhDs in Demand?

A PhD in math is a qualification that has always had a demand in the academic world. With the increasing importance of mathematical principles and concepts in emerging technologies and disciplines, we’re also seeing a range of opportunities for mathematicians in other fields.

Is a PhD in Mathematics Difficult?

Mathematics is an abstract and mostly theoretical subject. Therefore, it’s best to have a certain degree of flair, or at least interest in the subject, otherwise, you may struggle. However, anyone can excel in a math PhD program with a little dedication and hard work.

What Do I Need to be Eligible for a PhD in Mathematics?

At a minimum, you’ll need a bachelor’s in math or another STEM field. However, some programs require a master’s or at least an honors undergraduate qualification.

Lisa Marlin

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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Guide to Graduate Studies

The PhD Program The Ph.D. program of the Harvard Department of Mathematics is designed to help motivated students develop their understanding and enjoyment of mathematics. Enjoyment and understanding of the subject, as well as enthusiasm in teaching it, are greater when one is actively thinking about mathematics in one’s own way. For this reason, a Ph.D. dissertation involving some original research is a fundamental part of the program. The stages in this program may be described as follows:

  • Acquiring a broad basic knowledge of mathematics on which to build a future mathematical culture and more detailed knowledge of a field of specialization.
  • Choosing a field of specialization within mathematics and obtaining enough knowledge of this specialized field to arrive at the point of current thinking.
  • Making a first original contribution to mathematics within this chosen special area.

Students are expected to take the initiative in pacing themselves through the Ph.D. program. In theory, a future research mathematician should be able to go through all three stages with the help of only a good library. In practice, many of the more subtle aspects of mathematics, such as a sense of taste or relative importance and feeling for a particular subject, are primarily communicated by personal contact. In addition, it is not at all trivial to find one’s way through the ever-burgeoning literature of mathematics, and one can go through the stages outlined above with much less lost motion if one has some access to a group of older and more experienced mathematicians who can guide one’s reading, supplement it with seminars and courses, and evaluate one’s first attempts at research. The presence of other graduate students of comparable ability and level of enthusiasm is also very helpful.

University Requirements

The University requires a minimum of two years of academic residence (16 half-courses) for the Ph.D. degree. On the other hand, five years in residence is the maximum usually allowed by the department. Most students complete the Ph.D. in four or five years. Please review the program requirements timeline .

There is no prescribed set of course requirements, but students are required to register and enroll in four courses each term to maintain full-time status with the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

Qualifying Exam

The department gives the qualifying examination at the beginning of the fall and spring terms. The qualifying examination covers algebra, algebraic geometry, algebraic topology, complex analysis, differential geometry, and real analysis. Students are required to take the exam at the beginning of the first term. More details about the qualifying exams can be found here .

Students are expected to pass the qualifying exam before the end of their second year. After passing the qualifying exam students are expected to find a Ph.D. dissertation advisor.

Minor Thesis

The minor thesis is complementary to the qualifying exam. In the course of mathematical research, students will inevitably encounter areas in which they have gaps in knowledge. The minor thesis is an exercise in confronting those gaps to learn what is necessary to understand a specific area of math. Students choose a topic outside their area of expertise and, working independently, learns it well and produces a written exposition of the subject.

The topic is selected in consultation with a faculty member, other than the student’s Ph.D. dissertation advisor, chosen by the student. The topic should not be in the area of the student’s Ph.D. dissertation. For example, students working in number theory might do a minor thesis in analysis or geometry. At the end of three weeks time (four if teaching), students submit to the faculty member a written account of the subject and are prepared to answer questions on the topic.

The minor thesis must be completed before the start of the third year in residence.

Language Exam

Mathematics is an international subject in which the principal languages are English, French, German, and Russian. Almost all important work is published in one of these four languages. Accordingly, students are required to demonstrate the ability to read mathematics in French, German, or Russian by passing a two-hour, written language examination. Students are asked to translate one page of mathematics into English with the help of a dictionary. Students may request to substitute the Italian language exam if it is relevant to their area of mathematics. The language requirement should be fulfilled by the end of the second year. For more information on the graduate program requirements, a timeline can be viewed at here .

Non-native English speakers who have received a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics from an institution where classes are taught in a language other than English may request to waive the language requirement.

Upon completion of the language exam and eight upper-level math courses, students can apply for a continuing Master’s Degree.

Teaching Requirement

Most research mathematicians are also university teachers. In preparation for this role, all students are required to participate in the department’s teaching apprenticeship program and to complete two semesters of classroom teaching experience, usually as a teaching fellow. During the teaching apprenticeship, students are paired with a member of the department’s teaching staff. Students attend some of the advisor’s classes and then prepare (with help) and present their own class, which will be videotaped. Apprentices will receive feedback both from the advisor and from members of the class.

Teaching fellows are responsible for teaching calculus to a class of about 25 undergraduates. They meet with their class three hours a week. They have a course assistant (an advanced undergraduate) to grade homework and to take a weekly problem session. Usually, there are several classes following the same syllabus and with common exams. A course head (a member of the department teaching staff) coordinates the various classes following the same syllabus and is available to advise teaching fellows. Other teaching options are available: graduate course assistantships for advanced math courses and tutorials for advanced undergraduate math concentrators.

Final Stages

How students proceed through the second and third stages of the program varies considerably among individuals. While preparing for the qualifying examination or immediately after, students should begin taking more advanced courses to help with choosing a field of specialization. Unless prepared to work independently, students should choose a field that falls within the interests of a member of the faculty who is willing to serve as dissertation advisor. Members of the faculty vary in the way that they go about dissertation supervision; some faculty members expect more initiative and independence than others and some variation in how busy they are with current advisees. Students should consider their own advising needs as well as the faculty member’s field when choosing an advisor. Students must take the initiative to ask a professor if she or he will act as a dissertation advisor. Students having difficulty deciding under whom to work, may want to spend a term reading under the direction of two or more faculty members simultaneously. The sooner students choose an advisor, the sooner they can begin research. Students should have a provisional advisor by the second year.

It is important to keep in mind that there is no technique for teaching students to have ideas. All that faculty can do is to provide an ambiance in which one’s nascent abilities and insights can blossom. Ph.D. dissertations vary enormously in quality, from hard exercises to highly original advances. Many good research mathematicians begin very slowly, and their dissertations and first few papers could be of minor interest. The ideal attitude is: (1) a love of the subject for its own sake, accompanied by inquisitiveness about things which aren’t known; and (2) a somewhat fatalistic attitude concerning “creative ability” and recognition that hard work is, in the end, much more important.

math phd worth it

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Best Online Doctorates in Mathematics: Top PhD Programs, Career Paths, and Salary

An online PhD in Mathematics can land you a job as a math education specialist, data scientist, or information technology professional. If you prefer theoretical, dissertation, and course-based doctoral programs, then our list of the best online PhD in Mathematics is for you.

This list of PhD in Mathematics degree programs includes information technology, education, statistics, and data science postgraduate degrees with advanced mathematics components. Keep reading to find out what schools offer these programs, the course curriculum, acceptance rates, highest-paying mathematics jobs for PhD grads, and tuition rates.

Find your bootcamp match

Can you get a phd in mathematics online.

Yes, you can get a PhD in Mathematics online. However, finding online doctoral programs primarily focused on statistics, mathematics, or applied mathematics is rare. An online PhD route is apt for students looking to pursue information technology, education, or analytics-based mathematics fields.

Earning an online PhD in Information Technology allows you to advance your education in topics covering discrete mathematics, algorithms, and quantitative methods. An online PhD in Mathematics focuses on core graduate courses with a theoretical research and dissertation process. Some academic programs have a residency component required either on-site or online.

Is an Online PhD Respected?

Yes, an online PhD is respected. Online PhD programs are often considered untraditional, course-based doctoral programs, but they are currently seeing rising popularity and are on par with the curriculum of a campus-based program. Your opportunities for career advancement coincide with an on-campus PhD.

However, an online PhD in Mathematics offers limited research, topics, and dissertation scopes and can limit your career possibilities. Breaking into a mathematics academia or research profession with an online PhD can be difficult.

If you want to pursue a traditional mathematics PhD where subjects include metric space, differential geometry, algebra, and calculus, then an on-campus program is for you.

What Is the Best Online PhD Program in Mathematics?

The best online PhD program in mathematics is a PhD in Mathematics Education. This program focuses on the mathematics curriculum and educational management to help you enter the academic field. You will learn mathematical thinking , qualitative and quantitative research, geometry, and mathematical modeling.

The online math PhD programs discussed in this article cover mathematical subject areas and are more apt for those looking to enter the business, data, or tech fields. You can apply to Stanford University, Columbia University, or Harvard University to find the best in-person mathematics PhDs.

Why the University of Wyoming Has the Best Online PhD Program in Mathematics

University of Wyoming has the best mathematics PhD program because it offers an affordable and reputable online mathematics education doctorate program. This program provides in-depth coverage of mathematics and qualifies you for research or post-secondary positions in the field.

Best Online Master’s Degrees

[query_class_embed] online-*subject-masters-degrees

Online PhD in Mathematics Admission Requirements

The admission requirements of an online PhD in Mathematics include educational qualifications, GPA, and professional experience components. Universities require doctoral students to earn a 3.0 or higher GPA and have a master’s or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

PhD programs from the accredited institutions in this article also require two to three letters of recommendation, a resume, and graduate courses covering math education.

Depending on the school, you might also need to submit GRE and GMAT scores and proof of three to five years of relevant professional experience. Some schools also require candidates to complete a doctoral interview that discusses their interests in the program.

  • 3.0 or higher GPA and a relevant undergraduate degree or master’s degree
  • Official transcripts from all attended universities
  • GRE and GMAT scores
  • Resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation
  • Financial assistance application
  • Doctoral interview with program faculty
  • Prerequisites for graduate courses providing a math education
  • Proof of three to five years of professional experience in math, statistics, or a relevant field

Best Online PhDs in Mathematics: Top Degree Program Details

Best online phds in mathematics: top university programs to get a phd in mathematics online.

The top university programs to get a PhD in Mathematics are offered at prestigious institutions like Texas A&M, Northcentral University, and the University of Wyoming. Below is a list of the best online PhDs in Mathematics, along with their program descriptions, tuition costs, and admission requirements.

This list of online PhDs in Mathematics covers a wide range of subject areas, including information technology, data science, education, and business analytics, all of which encompass mathematics topics to help you further your career in math and tech-based professions.

Capella University is a private online university founded in 1993. Its online academic degrees are catered toward adult learners and busy professionals looking to get a higher education. It offers programs covering business, information technology, psychology, education, nursing, and health science fields. 

PhD in Information Technology

If you’re interested in furthering your education in information technology with an integrated capstone project and in-field curriculum, then this degree is for you. The program includes 70 online courses covering tech research and quantitative analysis topics and allows the transfer of 12 credits. 

This program has courses on assurance controls, tech consulting, quantitative design, and complex adaptive systems. This doctoral degree program can help you enter mathematical and tech research fields. You must also complete two virtual residencies and one dissertation focusing on risk management, data science processes , or advanced computing systems. 

PhD in Information Technology Overview

  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
  • Program Length: Maximum 4 years 9 months
  • Acceptance Rate: N/A
  • Tuition and Fees: $750/credit per quarter; $175 resource kit fee; $3,000/capstone per quarter

PhD in Information Technology Admission Requirements

  • $50 application fee
  • Transcripts from all attended universities
  • Master’s degree from an accredited university
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA

Capitol Technology University was established in 1927 and is a private accredited institution offering both on-campus and online degrees. It is regionally recognized as a top STEM field university and offers online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. Prospective students can apply for online programs in engineering management, cyber security, computer science, product management, or artificial intelligence.

PhD in Business Analytics and Data Science

This business analytics and data science doctorate degree is apt for statisticians wanting to venture into leadership positions in data or business. Although this is an online-based program, it still requires campus visits for its residency course, oral defense, and dissertation presentation. 

The curriculum includes applied statistics, quantitative methods, big data warehousing, applied research, and economic management. You can land lucrative statistician jobs at top companies or pursue a career in data research. 

PhD in Business Analytics and Data Science Overview

  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • Program Length: 3 years
  • Tuition and Fees: $933 plus fees/credit for 2022 to 2023 academic year

PhD in Business Analytics and Data Science Admission Requirements

  • Essay, relevant experience, and skills covering business analytics and data science 
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Resume showcasing a minimum of five years of industry-relevant work experience
  • Undergraduate or master’s degree
  • Official college transcripts

City University of Seattle specializes in providing flexible degree programs apt for adult education. It was founded in 1973 and offers more than 65 degree and certification programs. Prospective students can enroll in its advanced online degrees covering business, project management, computer systems, or education administration. 

Several industry professionals in information technology or computer science have extensive math education. This PhD is an excellent choice for graduate students wanting to build a career in instructional technology, computer science research, or another STEM field. 

It offers cyber security, data science, artificial intelligence, or cloud computing concentrations. The data science specialization is best suited for students wanting to get theoretical and hands-on experience across math subjects. 

Some of its core courses in advanced math education cover discrete math, evidence-based practices, quantitative research, computing algorithms, and differential equation topics. The degree also requires research, a dissertation, and a residency in computer science and research. 

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  • Accreditation : Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
  • Program Length: 4 to 5 years
  • Tuition and Fees: $765/credit
  • Background in programming, database management, operating systems, or networking
  • Resume showcasing more than two years of tech-based experience
  • 400 to 600-word goal statement
  • Three references and their contact information
  • Admissions statement questions form
  • Interview with the program faculty

Colorado Technical University offers online and on-campus programs in business, mechanical engineering, criminal justice, computer science, educational administration, and nursing education. It was founded in 1965 and currently has a robust online advanced degree program. It offers more than 80 programs to its online students. 

PhD in Computer Science with a Concentration in Big Data Analytics

According to PayScale reports, the average salary of a lead data scientist is $135,887 per year. This doctoral degree provides you with the leadership skills and hands-on experience needed to land lead data scientists’ or other senior tech positions. The degree requires you to fulfill its curriculum, residency, dissertation process, and required credit hours. 

Some of its core courses include advanced quantitative analysis, research methods, big data analysis, information systems, and business intelligence. 

PhD in Computer Science with a Concentration in Big Data Analytics Overview

  • Tuition and Fees: $598/credit

PhD in Computer Science with a Concentration in Big Data Analytics Admission Requirements

  • Contact an admissions officer
  • Online application
  • Background in research, theoretical, or other relevant fields
  • Contact program faculty to find other requirements
  • Doctoral interview

Grand Canyon University is an accredited school founded in 1949. It is home to over 23,500 on-campus students and provides education to more than 90,000 working adult students through its online schools as of 2021. 

Some of its popular online programs include graphic design, communication, business administration, information systems, education administration, health sciences, and data science topics. Its online options offer both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. 

DBA in Data Analytics 

If your career goals involve business or data analytics, then this DBA will help you get your dream job in data analytics . It focuses on quantitative research and math education and includes data complexity, business administration, financial management, and research design courses. 

Its residency and dissertation process requires you to pursue research in statistical mechanics, quantitative analytics, and data science topics. You can also opt to attend its on-campus evening classes instead of its online option. 

DBA in Data Analytics Overview

  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission 
  • Program Length: 150 weeks 
  • Acceptance Rate: 73%
  • Tuition and Fees: $715/credit

DBA in Data Analytics Admission Requirements

  • 3.4 or above GPA is preferred, with 3.0 as the minimum GPA
  • MBA or business-related graduate degree
  • Official transcripts of all universities attended

Iowa State University is recognized as one of the flagship public schools with a total undergraduate enrollment of 26,846 students for its fall 2020 cohort. According to US News & World Report, Iowa State University ranks 122 among the best national universities and 45 in the best undergraduate engineering programs.

PhD in Information Systems and Business Analytics 

This tech and business doctoral degree is apt for students looking for career advancement across organizational leadership, computer science academia, or business intelligence management fields. The degree map incorporates dissertation research, oral defense, and advanced degrees. 

You will learn financial management , information technology research, business analytics, and organizational leadership. Some of its math-based courses include applied statistics, logistics, differential equations, and economics. 

PhD in Information Systems and Business Analytics Overview

  • Program Length: 5 years
  • Tuition and Fees: $6,491/semester (in state); $14,490/semester (out of state) for fall 2021 and spring 2022

PhD in Information Systems and Business Analytics Admission Requirements

  • Master’s degree preferred but not required
  • Statement of purpose, CV, and college transcripts
  • GMAT scores preferred, 600 minimum or equivalent GRE Scores
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • A writing sample relevant to the doctorate subject

Northcentral University is a private institution founded in 1996 and offers undergraduate, master's, and doctoral-level online programs. Its doctoral programs are fully online and do not include any physical residency requirements. You can choose to enroll in business administration, health sciences, education law, elementary education, technology, or public administration online programs.  

PhD in Data Science

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for data scientists is 22 percent between 2020 to 2030 . The high job outlook makes a data science doctoral degree investment highly profitable. It’s a research-based program that includes 20 courses in subjects like data warehousing, information systems, and data science theories. 

PhD in Data Science Overview

  • Program Length: 3 years 4 months
  • Tuition and Fees: $68,560/program

PhD in Data Science Admission Requirements

  • Academic evaluation with an enrollment advisor

Texas A&M University is a public school that was established in 1876. It has a large student population with a fall 2021 enrollment of 73,284 students. Its distance learning school offers 104 undergraduate degrees, certificates, and graduate programs. Distance learners can enroll in public administration, education law, public health, criminal justice, or engineering programs.

PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, Emphasis in Mathematics Education 

If you want to become a professor or enter the elementary education sector, then this online doctoral degree in mathematics is for you. It helps you become an education specialist in mathematics. The degree plan requires you to complete a dissertation, curriculum development, research, and core credits. 

Its courses include statistical analysis, qualitative and quantitative research, theories of education, categorical data analysis, and linear models. Some other career prospects include math education administration, data science, or statistical analytics fields. 

PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, Emphasis in Mathematics Education Overview

  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
  • Program Length: 4 years 
  • Tuition and Fees: $4,254/semester (in state); $9,019/semester (out of state) fall 2022 or spring 2023 for 9 credit hours per semester

PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, Emphasis in Mathematics Education Admission Requirements

  • $89 application fee for online application
  • Departmental essays 
  • Three letters of reference

University of Central Florida is a public research institution founded in 1963. The school is best known for its engineering, computer science, public administration, and programs in education. According to US News & World Report, the University of Central Florida is among the top public schools and ranks 15 among the most innovative schools .

PhD in Education

This online PhD in Education offers course tracks across educational psychology, English, instructional design, empirical research, social science, and K-8 mathematics. If your career goals involve being in fields like education policy, education administration, or math education, then this degree is for you. 

It requires you to complete research electives, a dissertation, and 18 credit hours of core courses. It helps you master evidence-based decisions, teacher education administrative tasks, and curriculum development skills. 

PhD in Education Overview

  • Tuition and Fees: $327/credit (in state); $1,151/credit (out of state)

PhD in Education Admission Requirements

  • Speak with a graduate program success coach
  • GMAT or GRE scores
  • Transcripts from all universities attended
  • Immunization forms
  • Residency class form
  • Contact program faculty for other requirements

University of Wyoming is among the reputable national universities and offers both on-campus and online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. According to US News & World Report, the University of Wyoming ranks 196 among the best national universities and number 99 in the top public schools. 

Its online students can choose from its accounting, education policy, public administration, education law, finance, or nurse practitioner certificate or degree programs.

PhD in Mathematics Education

This math education doctoral degree focuses on qualitative research, mathematical modeling, quantitative reasoning, differential equations, and associated geometry topics. It also requires you to complete dissertation research and a preliminary exam. 

You can use this degree to venture into mathematics professor, math doctorate degree advisor, or elementary education specialist professions. 

PhD in Mathematics Education Overview

  • Tuition and Fees: $7,182/year (in state); $18,324/year (out of state) for 18 credits per academic year

PhD in Mathematics Education Admission Requirements

  • GRE Scores: 144 quantitative, 151 verbal, 4.0 analytical writing
  • Master’s degree
  • Three years of P-12 teaching or other relevant professional experience
  • Meet residency and academic status requirements
  • Letter of intent, three letters of recommendation, an academic writing sample, and a resume

Online Mathematics PhD Graduation Rates: How Hard Is It to Complete an Online PhD Program in Mathematics?

It is extremely hard to complete an online PhD program in mathematics. This is due to the advanced core courses, extensive research, and dissertation process requirements. Several mathematics online PhDs tend to branch into difficult subjects covering information technology, data science, or business analytics .

This requires doctoral candidates to have an extensive background in technical and advanced mathematics subjects. The timeline and approval aspects of a PhD are also demanding, leading to high attrition rates.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Mathematics Online?

It takes about four years to get a PhD in Mathematics online. However, the exact time duration can range anywhere from three to six years, depending on the candidate and program requirements. Doctoral students with transfer credit hours can complete the degree in a shorter time frame.

Students who fail to meet their dissertation process requirements or get early approval for their research topics will finish their degrees in a longer time frame. Online PhDs are catered toward full-time professionals or adult learners by offering a flexible schedule. Those who take fewer credit hours and opt for a flexible schedule will increase their degree timeline.

How Hard Is an Online Doctorate in Mathematics?

An online Doctorate in Mathematics is extremely hard. It incorporates an array of advanced subject areas and dissertation topic possibilities. The best online mathematics PhDs are offered in information technology, data science, or business analytics fields. All of these subject areas require technical knowledge and extensive research commitment and self-discipline.

Best PhD Programs

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What Courses Are in an Online Mathematics PhD Program?

The courses in an online mathematics PhD program include mathematical modeling, statistics, quantitative reasoning, and discrete mathematics. Depending on your choice of a doctoral program, your core courses might also include curriculum development, data analytics, programming languages , or financial analysis.

Regardless of the primary PhD concentration, the mathematics components of the degree will help you master advanced applied math topics.

Main Areas of Study in a Mathematics PhD Program

  • Data science
  • Differential equations
  • Mathematics curriculum development
  • Business analytics
  • Quantitative and qualitative research
  • Discrete mathematics

How Much Does Getting an Online Mathematics PhD Cost?

It costs $19,314 per year to get a PhD in Mathematics, according to the National Center of Education Statistics (NCES). Your online PhD tuition rates will typically range in this area but will vary from one university program to another.

NCES further reports the graduate tuition of private institutions from 2018 to 2019 was $25,929 and for public institutions was $12,171. This disparity in tuition costs is also present in online PhDs in Mathematics.

How to Pay for an Online PhD Program in Mathematics

You can pay for an online PhD program in mathematics by applying for doctoral funding programs, scholarship opportunities, or education loan financing. You can also apply for an employee sponsorship program at your workplace.

The online aspect of the PhD limits student exposure to research opportunities and graduate assistantships. You can still get in touch with a university representative to find potential internal funding opportunities, though. Doctoral students can also apply for external funding available for math programs.

How to Get an Online PhD for Free

You cannot get an online PhD for free. However, PhDs and other advanced degrees may be eligible for fully-funded scholarships, depending on the student applying for them. You can apply for university or external scholarships to fully fund your PhD, but the chances of getting a full-tuition grant are low for online programs.

What Is the Most Affordable Online PhD in Mathematics Degree Program?

The most affordable online PhD in Mathematics degree program is offered by the University of Central Florida for $18,675. The school’s PhD in Education charges $327.32 per credit hour and consists of 51 to 57 credits for the program.

Most Affordable Online PhD Programs in Mathematics: In Brief

Why you should get an online phd in mathematics.

You should get an online PhD in Mathematics because it will help you land lucrative positions in post-secondary education, management, or research. A PhD is highly respected and showcases your expertise in advanced applied mathematics topics.

Top Reasons for Getting a PhD in Mathematics

  • Multifaceted career outcome opportunities. An online PhD in Mathematics covers technical and non-technical subjects, including computer science, data analytics, education management, and applied mathematics. This opens up career possibilities across several in-demand industries.
  • Specialized skills. Mathematics PhDs help you acquire specialized skills in quantitative research, statistical analytics, and discrete mathematics. These skills are highly demanded in the data, research, artificial intelligence, and business industries.
  • Higher salaries. These doctoral programs also qualify you for senior roles. Senior-level roles offer higher salaries and an increased earning potential.
  • High job security. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the job outlook for computer and information research scientists is 22 percent between 2020 to 2030. Several online mathematics PhDs will qualify you for jobs under these tech occupations and provide you with a high job security rate.

Best Master’s Degree Programs

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What Is the Difference Between an On-Campus Mathematics PhD and an Online PhD in Mathematics?

The difference between an on-campus mathematics PhD and an online PhD in Mathematics the core course topics and research potential. The career outcomes of these types of degrees also vary depending on your choice of program. Below are the key differences between an on-campus vs an online mathematics PhD program.

Online PhD vs On-Campus PhD: Key Differences

  • Tuition affordability. An online PhD in Mathematics is typically less expensive compared to an on-campus PhD. However, although an on-campus degree is more costly, there are more funding opportunities.
  • More math concentrations. There aren’t many mathematics concentrations in an online program compared to in-person degrees. Most online programs offer information technology, data science, or education focused on advanced math subjects.
  • Research scopes. The research topic scopes in an on-campus program are more practical, unlike dissertation-based online PhDs.
  • Socialization opportunities. An on-campus PhD offers ample socialization opportunities and easy access to the program faculty and financial aid offices. This is more difficult for online doctoral students.

How to Get a PhD in Mathematics Online: A Step-by-Step Guide

Mathematical formulas written on a white piece of paper.

To get a PhD in Mathematics online, you need to fulfill the school’s admissions prerequisites and program requirements. Below are the five main steps required to complete an online PhD in Mathematics.

You must pay the application fee, upload official transcripts, and fill out the application questionnaire. You will also submit all proof of professional experience, letters of recommendation, resumes, and personal statements. 

The admissions requirements section is where you complete a doctoral interview with the program faculty. The requirements for this interview will vary from school to school. You will discuss degree outcomes, passions, and financial payment plans during the interview.

The third step is to contact your program advisor and discuss the degree timeline and requirements. You will discuss potential research and dissertation topics.

Next, you must complete all core courses. The courses will vary depending on your major, but it is crucial to complete them to graduate both successfully and on time.

The last step is to complete your research, residency, and dissertation process. This step requires prior approval from the program’s doctoral faculty. 

Online PhD in Mathematics Salary and Job Outlook

The salary and job outlook for online mathematics PhDs will vary by industry, profession, and degree concentration. The salary can range from $79,640 to $110,000 per year, and the job growth rate can go as high as 33 percent.

What Can You Do With an Online Doctorate in Mathematics?

With an online Doctorate in Mathematics, you can become a research analyst , mathematics professor, statistician, or data scientist. You can also enter higher education management, data analytics, quantitative research, or finance analytics professions. The career possibilities with an online Doctorate in Mathematics are countless and cover many industries.

Best Jobs with a PhD in Mathematics

  • Mathematics Professor
  • Statistician
  • Operations Research Analyst
  • Mathematician
  • Data Scientist

Potential Careers With a Mathematics Degree

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What Is the Average Salary for an Online PhD Holder in Mathematics?

The average salary for PhD in Mathematics holders is $110,000 per yea r, according to PayScale. However, your salary range will vary depending on your choice of profession. Education sector professions often offer lower average salaries compared to information technology or data science sectors.

Highest-Paying Mathematics Jobs for PhD Grads

Best mathematics jobs for online phd holders.

The best mathematics jobs for online PhD holders opens up opportunities across the research, data, analytics, or information technology fields. Below are the highest-paying jobs you can apply for with your online PhD in Mathematics.

A data scientist is responsible for analyzing, visualizing, and sorting raw data into useful information. They can work in a wide range of industries and work to extract useful data for optimal business operations or scientific results. 

  • Salary with a Mathematics PhD: $100,910
  • Job Outlook: 22% job growth from 2020 to 2030
  • Number of Jobs: 33,000
  • Highest-Paying States: Oregon, Arizona, Texas

A statistician is a mathematics and data science professional who uses quantitative and qualitative research in surveys to find valuable information. They are responsible for designing, conducting, and analyzing each quantitative survey. 

  • Salary with a Mathematics PhD: $96,280
  • Job Outlook: 33% job growth from 2020 to 2030
  • Number of Jobs: 44,800
  • Highest-Paying States: New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts 

A mathematician conducts research on theoretical mathematical principles to advance the mathematics, physics, engineering, data science, or economics fields. They work with mathematical modeling, statistical analysis, and quantitative reasoning to study mathematics. 

  • Highest-Paying States: District of Columbia, New York, New Jersey

An operations research analyst is responsible for evaluating an organization’s operations and production plan and must suggest further productivity solutions. They use data analytics, mathematics, quantitative and qualitative research, and statistics for their jobs. 

  • Salary with a Mathematics PhD: $82,360
  • Job Outlook: 25% job growth from 2020 to 2030
  • Number of Jobs: 104,100
  • Highest-Paying States: Virginia, Alabama, Maryland

A mathematics professor works at post-secondary educational institutions and develops the course curriculum, assignments, and exams to test students in their knowledge and comprehension. They teach introductory and advanced math classes to college students and can also lead research departments. 

  • Salary with a Mathematics PhD: $79,640
  • Job Outlook: 12% job growth from 2020 to 2030
  • Number of Jobs: 1,276,900
  • Highest-Paying States: California, Rhode Island, Oregon

Is It Worth It to Do a PhD in Mathematics Online?

Yes, it is worth it to do a PhD in Mathematics online. Mathematics online PhDs cover subject areas that open up career opportunities in lucrative sectors of academics, business, data science, and tech.

PhD programs are worth it for doctorate students looking to earn a higher salary and achieve increased job security. Mathematics doctoral programs qualify you for many high-paying jobs, including university professor, research analyst, and mathematician.

Additional Reading About Mathematics

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Online PhD in Mathematics FAQ

Online mathematics PhDs cover courses in applied mathematics, discrete mathematics, statistics, quantitative research, and operations analytics topics. The core subject areas will vary depending on the focus subject of the online degree.

No, it is not easy to get an online mathematics PhD. A doctoral degree comprises research, dissertation, and advanced courses covering highly technical topics.

It will take around three to five years to complete an online mathematics PhD. Your degree timeline depends on your course schedule, dissertation process, and transfer credits.

A data science concentration is best for an online mathematics PhD. Data science is a rapidly growing field that encompasses tons of in-demand professions with high salaries. Moreover, with a data science focus, you will also get to work on a wide range of real-world problems instead of just theoretical scenarios.

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2024 Best Online PhD in Mathematics [Doctorate Guide]

Earning a math PhD can be beneficial for many different professional paths. A doctorate in mathematics will encourage you to explore the boundaries of math, and you’ll conduct research in addition to coursework.

Best Online PhD in Mathematics

Additionally, some programs ask students to complete a thesis or dissertation to earn the title of Doctor of Mathematics.

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Read on to learn more about what a doctorate degree in mathematics entails and determine if it’s the right path for you.

Online Math PhD Programs

Woman taking Online Math PhD

Earning a PhD in Mathematics can be an exciting step for many students. This advanced degree is typically sought out by those who wish to dive deeper into mathematical processes, theory, and research.

Students who earn the title of Doctor of Mathematics are often prepared for a variety of advanced roles in education, STEM fields, and data science and management. In addition to completing core classes, you’ll typically have the opportunity to take courses and complete research that help you complete your dissertation.

A dissertation is often linked to potential career and professional opportunities and studies. Many math PhD programs provide a variety of specialty areas to help students hone in on their area of expertise. Those who graduate with a doctorate degree in mathematics pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on their area of expertise and research.

Graduates’ advanced skills in understanding numeric principles and mathematical reasoning are applicable to a variety of roles, such as:

  • Actuarial analyst or financial strategist for businesses
  • Academic leader or postsecondary professor
  • Government agency consultant or advisor
  • Researcher in STEM fields

A highly developed understanding of mathematics, research, theory, and their applications can be beneficial in a variety of professional settings. Pursuing a math PhD can help you fine-tune your skills and grow your professional qualifications in this lucrative field.

Math Careers & Salaries

Math Careers & Salaries

Individuals who have earned a PhD in Math often select careers that exercise their skills in reviewing numbers, outcomes, and analyzing information. Many math professionals with a PhD combine their interests with fields such as physics, engineering, or finance.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , here are the median salaries for various careers related to advanced studies in mathematics.

Some mathematics professionals work as analysts, actuaries, or economists, working with businesses or government entities to review figures and review outcome probability. Others pursue work as professors, researchers, or leaders within postsecondary education.

Mathematicians and statisticians are often employed in a variety of fields where an in-depth knowledge of these topics can be important. These fields can include energy production and mining, aerospace and transportation, finance, or pharmaceutical production.

Mathematics Doctorate Curriculum & Courses

students pursuing Mathematics Doctorate working on their thesis

While each school offering a doctorate degree in mathematics will have its own unique curriculum, students will typically encounter courses that encourage their growth.

Some courses that you may encounter while studying for your math PhD include:

  • Linear Algebra : This course involves the process of plotting mathematical problems via vectors and matrices.
  • Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations : In this course, you’ll solve for unknown variables and their derivatives.
  • Probability : At the doctorate level, you’ll take this study of likelihood and chance to a more in-depth, theoretical stage.
  • Geometry and Topology : This course compares the local and global implications of continuous and discrete moduli, and it explores topics such as Riemannian geometry and homotopy theory.
  • Harmonic Analysis : Using the Fourier transform and Fourier series, you’ll explore functions and frequency.
  • Estimation Statistics : Students will combine a variety of factors to create and conduct experiments that allow them to analyze incomplete data.
  • Graph Theory : This course provides the opportunity to study graphs and the relationship of multiple pieces of data to each other.
  • Mathematical Analysis : In this course, you’ll use both real and complex numbers to explore scenarios involving continuous and analytic functions, limits, infinite sequences, and other mathematical objects.
  • Algebraic Combinatorics : Students will explore enumeration, permutation, partitions, sets, and cycles to investigate the world of abstract algebra.
  • Operator Theory : This course involves a deep dive into linear operators on function spaces, including the study and analysis of various operators.

Your interests, dissertation, and overall goals will typically influence which courses you choose. It can be beneficial to review each program’s curriculum before you decide on a school.

Admissions Requirements

Man preparing requirements for PhD in Mathematics

Each college or university will have its own set of admissions requirements for students applying for their PhD in Mathematics. It’s beneficial to review the application process in full before starting.

Some of the items required by many mathematics doctorate programs include:

  • GRE or GMAT Scores (only some schools require them)
  • Transcripts of previous education
  • Master’s degree in a related field
  • CV or resume
  • Statement of intent

In addition, you will likely be asked to provide academic writing samples as well as letters of recommendation. You may be asked to complete an interview with department staff, too.

Accreditation

University offering PhD in Mathematics online

When researching schools that offer a PhD in Math online, you may wish to give special attention to schools that hold regional accreditation.

Accredited schools have been carefully evaluated for their academic precedence. As a result, employers often prefer or require candidates to have received their doctorate in mathematics from an accredited institution. Credible regional accrediting organizations are recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. You can visit CHEA’s website to verify a school’s accreditation status.

Additionally, benefits such as financial aid, certification, and membership to professional organizations may be tied to earning your doctoral degree from an accredited institution.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

PhD in Mathematics Financial Aid

If you are interested in needs-based financial aid, you could fill out and submit the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid . This determines your eligibility for federal financial aid. Most state aid programs want to see your FAFSA results as well.

You could also inquire about scholarship opportunities through the school you choose to attend. Many programs offer financial assistance for students based on prior academic performance, chosen specialty, or demographic factors. Your employer may also offer an educational assistance program, such as tuition reimbursement, for workers who are furthering their education.

In addition, some independent parties, corporations, and communities offer scholarship or grant opportunities for doctoral students. The requirements for these scholarships vary and are often as unique as the gifts themselves.

What Can You Do with an Online PhD in Mathematics?

Financial Manager preparing business activity reports

A Doctor of Mathematics degree is designed for those who wish to complete in-depth research and exploration of the various expressions of mathematics in our world.

Those who earn this degree may wish to work in educational, research-driven, financial, economic, or technological fields. They may also choose to work in a variety of STEM-related fields, in areas such as energy, software, corporate, government, and aerospace.

Common career paths for advanced mathematics professionals include mathematician, statistician, actuary, economist, data scientist, and operations research analyst. Those with a PhD may also pursue teaching or research roles in colleges and universities.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Math Online?

Woman taking PhD in Math Online

It often takes between 3 to 5 years of full-time study to complete a PhD program. Your overall timeframe, though, could depend on the program you select and your enrollment status.

In many cases, the number of required credit hours combined with the dissertation process will dictate how long it takes to receive your degree. If a doctorate program does not have a dissertation requirement, a full-time student can typically complete the program in 3 years.

You may wish to compare programs’ course catalogs to understand the program structure and course schedule of each school you’re considering.

What’s the Difference Between Applied Mathematics vs. Mathematics PhD Programs?

There are many similarities between the topics studied in a PhD program in applied mathematics versus a PhD program in mathematics. The area of concentration for each program differs a bit in practice.

In each program, students are able to test theories, produce research, and examine principles, though the motivation and results may vary.

Is a Math PhD Degree Worth It?

Data scientists evaluating results of their research

Yes, a math PhD degree is worth it for many students. Math professionals can use their skills in a variety of areas, including finance, engineering, technology, education, and business.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment for math occupations is projected to grow by 29% over the next ten years. This is much faster than the average for all occupations. Common math careers include actuaries, data scientists, mathematicians, statisticians, and operations research analysts. A PhD can also help you qualify for positions in research and academia.

Universities Offering Online Doctorate in Mathematics Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University – Bloomington offers a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Mathematics Education. This degree is intended for individuals who have already obtained a master’s in a related field. The curriculum consists of 60 credits, and courses meet online. It covers topics like teaching methods, mathematical thinking, student assessment, and research skills.

Indiana University – Bloomington is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Montana State University

Montana State University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics (Education Emphasis). This program is designed for those who wish to pursue careers in K-12 educational settings. Potential courses include Principles of Mathematical Analysis, Models of Assessment in Mathematics, and Applied Educational Research. The completion of at least 60 credits is required to graduate.

Montana State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

University of Colorado - Denver

The University of Colorado – Denver offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Human Development with a concentration in Mathematics Education. The curriculum is designed to teach the skills required to excel in diverse educational environments. The program utilizes a blend of online and on-campus delivery methods. The program’s 75 required credit hours can typically be completed in 4 to 8 years.

The University of Colorado – Denver is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

University of Wyoming

The University of Wyoming offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics Education. This program is designed to prepare students for work as scholar-leaders in settings like research institutions and universities. It can be completed entirely online. The curriculum consists of 81 credit hours and covers key concepts like multicultural education, curriculum development, learning and cognition, and assessment.

The University of Wyoming is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Getting Your PhD in Mathematics Online

student getting PhD in Mathematics online

In our technological and solution-driven world, the horizons and practical applications of mathematics are expanding daily.

A math PhD program could help you grow your professional qualifications in this lucrative field. Much like with a masters in mathematics online  program, earning a PhD in Mathematics online could be a more flexible and convenient format for working professionals. The professional applications of an advanced mathematics degree are diverse. Many graduates use their PhD to advance in research, academia, business, or other areas of industry.

You could start exploring accredited schools today to see which online math PhD programs best align with your interests, schedule, and goals.

math phd worth it

PhD in Mathematics Salary

PhD in Mathematics Salary

The most apparent reason to consider a PhD in mathematics is the salary. For private industry jobs, math PhDs earn high starting wages. In fact, salaries for math PhDs are among the highest for any advanced degree, especially when employed in technology.

According to PayScale.com, the average salary for math PhDs is $106,000 .

One reason salaries are so high: a PhD in mathematics qualifies individuals for some of the best-paying jobs in data science and machine learning. For example, PhDs in math commonly land senior data scientist roles ( $130,000 / year ) and machine learning engineer jobs ( $120,000 ).

Yet, beyond salary, you might be wondering: Is a PhD in mathematics worth it? Sure, the degree results in a salary bump, but the trade-offs include opportunity costs (these programs usually take 3-5 years to complete) and they do require you to learn skills on your own like analytics, SQL and Python.

Below we’ve taken a closer look at math PhD salaries. Read on for a look at salaries by job title, PhD in math salaries vs. other fields, and if a PhD in math is good for a data science career. Afterward, we explore the other considerations for your decision-making by also checking the most up-to-date data science salary statistics.

PhD in Math: Salary by Job Title

Math PhDs that seek private industry jobs tend to fall into three areas: IT, finance, or business administration. In terms of IT careers, some of the best starting salaries for math PhDs are in data science, with many jobs starting at $120,000+.

Here is a look at some of the top private industry data science jobs for math PhDs, as well as their starting salaries in data science :

  • Data Scientist: $106,000
  • Senior Data Scientist: $130,000
  • Lead Data Scientist: $143,000
  • Quantitative Analyst: $100,000
  • Machine Learning Engineer: $120,000
  • Senior Machine Learning Engineer: $150,000
  • Research Scientist: $98,000

Source: PayScale.com

PhD in Math Salary vs Other Fields

PhDs in math earn some of the highest wages of all STEM PhDs, behind just a small set of subjects including computer science and engineering. The industry you enter does have a significant effect on salary however.

Almost all PhDs who go into teaching and academia, for example, earn a similar median wage of around $75,000. For private industry jobs, PhDs earn significantly more.

According to the 2019 Survey of Doctorate Recipients , math PhDs have the fourth-highest median salary once they are in the field of IT:

  • Computer Science - $162,000 / year
  • Electrical Engineering - $160,000 / year
  • Engineering (All fields) - $149,000 / year
  • Mathematics and Statistics - $148,000 / year
  • Industrial Engineering - $145,000 / year
  • Physics - $144,000 / year
  • Physical Science - $131,000 / year
  • Economics - $114,000 / year

Source: National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics

According to the survey, math PhDs also command high median salaries in the fields of management, sales or administration ( $164,000 ) and professional services ( $142,000 ). Considering another PhD program? See our salary guides for PhD in economics and PhD in statistics .

PhD in Math for Data Science

Mathematics PhDs receive training and experience that is relevant to data science careers, and provide training to others on a number of subjects that data scientists use every day. For instance, a PhD program in math would provide training in:

  • Experimental design and research
  • Working with complex, real-world datasets
  • Math and statistics
  • Researching or advancing new methods and techniques

In particular, many tech companies hire PhDs for research and development (R&D) roles. A PhD is often a required or preferred qualification, especially in the roles of Research Scientist and Machine Learning Scientists for example. In these positions the main responsibility of the scientist is to help advance machine learning or data science exploration for the company.

As such, PhDs in data science roles typically research and/or develop new algorithms or create machine learning libraries. They can also be asked to provide leadership on a niche specialization like machine learning, computer vision, or robotics.

With advanced degrees becoming increasingly common in data science – within the industry more than 80% have a master’s or PhD – a math PhD can help make you more competitive for a data science job. In fact, mathematics is the No. 2 subject amongst data scientists holding a PhD, according to the Burtch Works 2021 Salary survey :

Area of Study phD in data science graph

Is a PhD in Mathematics Worth It?

Looking only at median salary, a math PhD is a valuable investment. But the PhD cannot be taken in a vacuum, and it is important to evaluate the other skills you may need to invest in for a private sector employer. Programming and SQL knowledge being high among them.

To help understand some of the other aspects of pursuing this advanced degree, we talked with a math PhD who now works in the data science field. They highlighted five areas to give thought to before committing to a program:

Consider a master’s first - An accelerated master’s program can help prepare you for a PhD, as well as help you better understand if you want to make the commitment. And you can complete a master’s program in as little as one year.

Do you like teaching? - Math PhDs typically are required to teach undergraduate students. If you are not interested in teaching, or you don’t like it, a PhD in math might not be right for you.

Why do you want to pursue a PhD? Answer this question. You should be able to articulate exactly why you want to make this commitment, and you should be able to explain it to someone outside of the field. If you understand your motivations, you will be more likely to succeed.

Consult with an advisor - Ask a potential advisor about the work they do. This will help you better understand the PhD research component. Hint: It should interest and excite you. If it sounds tedious, chances are, you likely won’t excel in a PhD program.

Know where you want to focus - If you are interested in a career in data science, you should focus your research in an area that is applicable to the career you want. Some research areas that are applicable to data science include: algorithms, machine learning, deep learning and artificial intelligence.

Beyond these questions, you also have to bear the opportunity costs. Completing a PhD requires a significant investment of time, typically five to six years, and can incur significant expenses, both in the direct (tuition) or indirect (delayed earnings).

Let’s briefly expand on those costs. PhD candidates usually earn a stipend of about $35,000 / year, and depending on the program, may have to pay tuition. If you stack that up against the earnings you are delaying – starting salaries for master’s in data science programs can start at $126,000 / year – you can calculate as your opportunity cost roughly $90,000 / year, starting your second year (the first year would be required for an accelerated master’s regardless).

Weigh all of the factors we’ve discussed here in your decision: starting and median salary, on the job responsibilities and opportunities, alternative pathways to your goals, and associated costs. With all of this aggregated knowledge and the linked resources we’ve sprinkled throughout, you are well on your way to making the best choice for your career!

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  • Education Advice

Is PhD in pure math worth it?

  • Thread starter Four
  • Start date 10/6/13

Four

I am currently enrolled in a MS in computer science program at a top 20 school. My goal is to work as a front-office quant analyst in the future. I found out too late that a MSCS will not lead me to a quant analyst role, so would it make sense to do a PhD in math? I heard you shouldn't do a PhD for the sake of getting a quant job, but I noticed that the top banks seem to only hire PhDs for quant analyst roles these days. My guess is that a PhD in math doing research in financial math should qualify a person for a job as a quant. Or should I just apply to a MFE?  

It depends on what specialization in Phd maths and your research dissertation. If you are recruited as RA as part of your Phd training in derivative pricing then everything you are about to learn in technical knowledge will be make good use in landing a quant role. There are a few schools offering Phd in financial mathematics rated in this forum.  

Daniel Duffy

Daniel Duffy

C++ author, trainer.

You don't do a PhD to get a job but because you want to do it. Especially Mathematics.  

JesseLevermore

I'm now convinced that the only people who Think a phd in math is just four years away are the people who haven't studied high level math. Andy has said it countless times and I agree completely. You don't just decide a phd is a nice idea. Tell me how nice it is when you realize you have to spend 12 hours a day studying to keep up with your classmates. Your classmates who you've come to realize are not hoping for your success, rather measuring their success by how much better they perform than you do.  

JesseLevermore said: I'm now convinced that the only people who Think a phd in math is just four years away are the people who haven't studied high level math. Andy has said it countless times and I agree completely. You don't just decide a phd is a nice idea. Tell me how nice it is when you realize you have to spend 12 hours a day studying to keep up with your classmates. Your classmates who you've come to realize are not hoping for your success, rather measuring their success by how much better they perform than you do. Click to expand...

bigbadwolf

JesseLevermore said: Tell me how nice it is when you realize you have to spend 12 hours a day studying to keep up with your classmates. Your classmates who you've come to realize are not hoping for your success, rather measuring their success by how much better they perform than you do. Click to expand...

MFE and Phd (maths major in FM) are two completely different skill sets. The reason why many of Phd maths graduates not landing a job in quant role is because their dissertation and RA skill not related to FM. Those who're trained in Phd FM knows the lucrative demand in market especially in derivative pricing, a REAL quantitative researcher role. For example, i am specialize in market micro-structure in developing hft strategies, but i don't need Phd maths because i do not disclose the secret in dissertation for the sake of passing viva test. Maybe some day i will elevate to Phd when i discover a new technology in predicting the quotes.  

systemtrader

PTN said: MFE and Phd (maths major in FM) are two completely different skill sets. The reason why many of Phd maths graduates not landing a job in quant role is because their dissertation and RA skill not related to FM. Those who're trained in Phd FM knows the lucrative demand in market especially in derivative pricing, a REAL quantitative researcher role. For example, i am specialize in market micro-structure in developing hft strategies, but i don't need Phd maths because i do not disclose the secret in dissertation for the sake of passing viva test. Maybe some day i will elevate to Phd when i discover a new technology in predicting the quotes. Click to expand...

I'm taking classes with CS PhDs right now and yes, there is definitely no hand-holding. The classes are painful (algorithms) and stressful but so far manageable. Is the math PhD much harder? My career goal is to work as a trader or quant. I trade with my IRA portfolio and have gotten good returns over the past 10 years (~25%) and would love to do it professionally. Is it possible to become a trader with a MSCS or will I get pigeonholed as an IT person forever? I do know that a MSCS will not give me a shot at any "quant" type jobs.  

MiloRambaldi

MiloRambaldi

Four said: I'm taking classes with CS PhDs right now and yes, there is definitely no hand-holding. The classes are painful (algorithms) and stressful but so far manageable. Is the math PhD much harder? My career goal is to work as a trader or quant. I trade with my IRA portfolio and have gotten good returns over the past 10 years (~25%) and would love to do it professionally. Is it possible to become a trader with a MSCS or will I get pigeonholed as an IT person forever? I do know that a MSCS will not give me a shot at any "quant" type jobs. Click to expand...

I think having never worked in finance it's hard to know what to do. I've always liked my math and engineering courses the most in college and have now ended up in a MSCS program. It seems like quants do the most intellectually challenging work in finance. Would you say the only way to quant/modeling roles at the top i-banks and hf's is through a PhD?  

Xianhao Xin

Four said: I think having never worked in finance it's hard to know what to do. I've always liked my math and engineering courses the most in college and have now ended up in a MSCS program. It seems like quants do the most intellectually challenging work in finance. Would you say the only way to quant/modeling roles at the top i-banks and hf's is through a PhD? Click to expand...

Wow, thanks. I'll need some more math courses before I can do these. I'll keep your examples in mind.  

Four said: Wow, thanks. I'd need some more math courses before I can do these. I'll keep your examples in mind. Click to expand...

I was looking at NYU's math PhD program and noticed that Marco Avellaneda is a well-respected financial math researcher there. Wouldn't you qualify for the best quant roles in the industry if a respected financial math researcher were your dissertation advisor? And NYU doesn't seem to offer a PhD in applied math either. Just "math".  

Four said: I am currently enrolled in a MS in computer science program at a top 20 school. My goal is to work as a front-office quant analyst in the future. I found out too late that a MSCS will not lead me to a quant analyst role, so would it make sense to do a PhD in math? I heard you shouldn't do a PhD for the sake of getting a quant job, but I noticed that the top banks seem to only hire PhDs for quant analyst roles these days. My guess is that a PhD in math doing research in financial math should qualify a person for a job as a quant. Or should I just apply to a MFE? Click to expand...
systemtrader said: Mind if I ask what type of education and at what level you have completed? Click to expand...
PTN said: Hi systemtrader I graduated with Msc Mathematical Science specialized in modelling MM in hft strategies. Those maths, stats and algo stuffs that i created were self modified. Click to expand...
MiloRambaldi said: Apparently you don't even know what pure math is. There is no financial math there. Also, there is plenty of hand-holding in pure math btw. Click to expand...
systemtrader said: Wow, that seems like a really specialized degree. Which school offers specialization in HFT strategies? Click to expand...

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IMAGES

  1. Is A Phd In Applied Mathematics Worth It

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  2. Ph.D. In Mathematics: Course, Eligibility Criteria, Admission, Syllabus

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  3. PhD in Mathematics

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  4. Mathematics Education, PhD

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  5. Is a PhD in mathematics worth it? : r/math

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  6. PhD In Mathematics

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  3. day in lyfe of PhD math student👨‍🎓

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COMMENTS

  1. Is a PhD in mathematics worth it? : r/math

    I mean if you're John Nash level at mathematics and interested in developing theory or research or something then sure otherwise anything else is better. opportunity cost of spending years doing almost free labor bites your career, but if you happen to be very well educated on the subject, smart, and your research is beneficial then go for it.

  2. Should I Get A PhD … In Math?

    In Math? 10 Replies If you're asking this question, then the answer is "Yes, go and work towards a PhD." Now for some details. Every so often (about once a semester), I have a student, a friend, an acquaintance, a client, etc. ask me if they should "get a PhD in Mathematics".

  3. Why pursue a PhD in pure Mathematics?

    Why pursue a PhD in pure Mathematics? Asked 1 year, 7 months ago Modified 1 year, 7 months ago Viewed 14k times 22 Except from the goal of finding some new truths, proving some theorems, or new ideas. What is the career path for someone pursuing a PhD in pure mathematics? Continuing in research and trying to land a professor's position somewhere ?

  4. Should you get a graduate degree in mathematics?

    Should you get a graduate degree in mathematics? A master's or PhD in mathematics is a significant undertaking, but the rewards can be worth it. Companies are increasingly relying on highly educated graduates to fill important skill gaps in sectors such as IT, insurance, finance and more. Should you get a master's or doctoral degree?

  5. PhD in Mathematics

    What Does a PhD in Maths Involve? Maths is a vast subject, both in breadth and in depth. As such, there's a significant number of different areas you can research as a math student. These areas usually fall into one of three categories: pure mathematics, applied mathematics or statistics. Some examples of topics you can research are: Number theory

  6. Best PhDs in Mathematics

    Updated June 21, 2022 Given that only a small proportion of the general population holds a PhD in Mathematics, there aren't many people pursuing doctoral studies in the math field. It requires a high level of intelligence and mathematical ability which a typical person doesn't possess.

  7. Top 10 Best PhD in Mathematics Programs [2024]

    Its PhD in Applied Mathematics is an interdisciplinary program that emphasizes mathematical modeling and computer simulation. The teaching staff is drawn from various disciplines, including engineering, computing, social, and biological sciences. Courses: Real analysis, algebra, and topology-geometry. Units: 47.

  8. Guide To Graduate Study

    Guide to Graduate Studies. The PhD Program. The Ph.D. program of the Harvard Department of Mathematics is designed to help motivated students develop their understanding and enjoyment of mathematics. Enjoyment and understanding of the subject, as well as enthusiasm in teaching it, are greater when one is actively thinking about mathematics in ...

  9. Best Online PhDs in Mathematics

    June 5, 2022 An online PhD in Mathematics can land you a job as a math education specialist, data scientist, or information technology professional. If you prefer theoretical, dissertation, and course-based doctoral programs, then our list of the best online PhD in Mathematics is for you.

  10. career development

    4. Admittedly, I cannot see why anyone involved in hiring employees would choose a job applicant with a pure math PhD and zero relevant skills/experience over a job applicant with years of relevant skills/experience or with a degree in a more relevant field. Industry won't consider a PhD as equivalent to years of experience.

  11. I'm considering pursuing a Ph.D in Mathematics, are there any ...

    It's not worth it from an investment standpoint, but I certainly know a lot more about math than most other people now. However, like you said I barely scratched the surface. Even with a PhD in math you can't know everything hence the reason everyone specializes in 2-3 sub-fields of math.

  12. 2024 Best Online PhD in Mathematics [Doctorate Guide]

    Yes, a math PhD degree is worth it for many students. Math professionals can use their skills in a variety of areas, including finance, engineering, technology, education, and business. Editorial Listing ShortCode: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment for math occupations is projected to grow by 29% over the next ten ...

  13. Interview Query

    According to the 2019 Survey of Doctorate Recipients, math PhDs have the fourth-highest median salary once they are in the field of IT: Computer Science - $162,000 / year. Electrical Engineering - $160,000 / year. Engineering (All fields) - $149,000 / year. Mathematics and Statistics - $148,000 / year.

  14. A PhD in math worth it or not?? : r/learnmath

    102 mattmo910 • 1 yr. ago I've never met an advisor that wasn't a worthless pile of tuition expense. Go to your college's math tutoring center, and find the graduate mathematicians there, and pick their brain. That's the only way to get real, true perspective. 25 Dr0110111001101111 • 1 yr. ago In my school, every undergrad has several advisors.

  15. What Do You Do With a PhD in Math?

    Watch the full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXsrtYlMdyMSubscribe to our main SimplyPodLogical channel: https://www.youtube.com/simplypodlogical_ ...

  16. Is a math degree really useless financially? [closed]

    Now that I am about to start my phd program, although I enjoy math a lot, I do not want to get a phd in math and after four years find that it did not worth it financially and I have to do a not well-paid job. I can not also hope that I will end up in academia as I have heard academic jobs are very hard to get.

  17. Math PhD. Is it worth it? : r/math

    Math PhD. Is it worth it? Straight up. Is it worth it? Having to publish so many papers, working for tutoring for free (at least at my university) , having no life but mathematics. Takings years to solve 1 problem....discovering something new.

  18. Is PhD in pure math worth it?

    #1 I am currently enrolled in a MS in computer science program at a top 20 school. My goal is to work as a front-office quant analyst in the future. I found out too late that a MSCS will not lead me to a quant analyst role, so would it make sense to do a PhD in math?

  19. Was majoring in mathematics worthwhile for you? : r/math

    Then do a phd in math. Go back to working for a few more years (while reading up on research and trying to publish myself). Then retire early and continue with math ... So yeah, majoring in mathematics was worth while, and prepared me to understand the hard parts of computer science, which I think a CS degree wouldn't have done. ...

  20. Quora

    We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us.

  21. Is a PhD a bad choice? If so, why? : r/math

    r/math • 10 yr. ago 11_vole Is a PhD a bad choice? If so, why? I recently read in the PhDs abroad thread a comment by an individual who just completed a PhD program. He strongly advised against the posted entering the program. There was another commenter who agreed, while only one person expressed the opposite view point.