The Ph.D. degree in Pure Mathematics is for students interested in becoming professional scholars, college and university teachers or independent workers in private, industrial or government research institutions. Kent State's pure mathematics Ph.D. program is one of six in the state public university system, and one of only two in Northeast Ohio. In broad terms, the faculty areas of research lie in functional analysis and operator theory, Lie representation theory, approximation theory, finite groups, character theory, number theory, large scale systems of equations, numerical and scientific computation and probability and stochastic processes.

International students can study the Pure Mathematics - Ph.D. at Kent State University at its main campus in Kent , United States of America. This PhD degree is available as a Full Time program delivered on campus in English. The program has a duration of 4 years and is offered at the university's main campus. Students can apply for the next intake starting on August 25, 2027.
About Pure Mathematics - Ph.D.
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Understand and appreciate connections among different subdisciplines of mathematics.
- Be aware of and understand a broad range of mathematical subdisciplines.
- Obtain a broader and deeper understanding of core mathematics subdisciplines of algebra and analysis.
- Obtain a deep understanding of some subdiscipline.
- Reason in mathematical arguments at a deep level, including using precise definitions, articulating assumptions and reasoning logically to conclusions.
- Engage effectively in problem solving, including exploring examples, devising and testing conjectures and assessing the correctness of solutions.
- Approach mathematical problems creatively, including trying multiple approaches and modifying problems when necessary to make them more tractable.
- Develop and carry out a research program in mathematics.
- Communicate mathematics clearly both orally and in writing.
- Teach university-level mathematics effectively.
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Pure Mathematics - Ph.D. at Kent State University
Entry Requirements
English Requirements
- PTEMin 58
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
English Program Requirements
Submitting your English test score
When applying as an undergraduate or graduate student to Kent State, there are a variety of ways to submit your score depending on which type of test you took.
- Students should request that ETS send official TOEFL scores directly to Kent (institution code: 1367).
- An IELTS or PTE report needs to be uploaded as a scanned PDF into our online application system..
All English scores will be verified for authenticity. Students with fraudulent documents will result in denial of admission or immediate dismissal.
Proficiency Waivers
Depending on your educational background, you may be eligible for an English language proficiency waiver, meaning you do not need to take a language exam. See our country list and related requirements.
Tuition and Fee Information for Pure Mathematics - Ph.D. at Kent State University
1 Based on one academic year, two semesters for a full-time international student. Program and special course fees are additional.
2 Based on a standard double room and basic board plan. Other room types and board plans at different prices are available.
3 Based on the Student Health Insurance premium for one year. The United States does not have universal health care. For this reason, the university requires all international students to purchase the sponsored student health insurance plan. Under certain criteria, a student may request a waiver of this charge. Total is based on an estimated cost of the required books/supplies for each term and is subject to change each fall.
All international students are required to pay the $20 per semester International Student Activity Fee. The fee is assessed each semester to support the delivery of the various programs ISSS provides to its students.
How to Apply for Pure Mathematics - Ph.D. at Kent State University
Follow the steps below to become part of the Kent State community. If you have any questions, please reach out to us any time.
- Submit an Online Application and Fee
- Prepare Application Documents to Upload as You Apply
- Passport biographical page.
- English Language Proficiency official results report for IELTS, PTE or MELAB. TOEFL score should be submitted officially through ETS (Institution Code 1367).
- College transcript/detailed marksheets (Certified English translation and original language).
- College Graduation Certificate/Diploma if already issued (Certified English translation and original language).
- GRE/GMAT or other standardized tests if required (submit official test report through test center).
- Graduate assistantship application (if applicable).
- Assistantship application.
- Graduate assistantship applicants may need to meet earlier deadlines. Please check with department for deadlines.
- Additional documents if required. *Review requirements from individual department or school.
- Financial guarantee (bank statements) that show sufficient funds to cover educational expenses.*
- Kent State University Financial Information Worksheet.*
- *Financial documents are only required after acceptance.
- Upload All Required Documents to the Online Application System
For faster processing, all the documents should be uploaded in the online application system to complete the application.
- Check Your Application Status
- Apply for Immigration Documents (I-20)
- Transfer Your SEVIS record (If Applicable)
If you are an F-1 student transferring from a school in the United States, please review the Transfer In Guide regarding your SEVIS record transfer. F-1 students must transfer their SEVIS record in order to maintain their F-1 status.
- Provide Final and Official Documents After Arrival
For admissions purposes, we accept scanned documents of international credentials and scanned copies of official U.S. transcripts. When an applicant is admitted, his/her final and official transcripts and diploma should be brought to the International Admissions Office for verification. This should be done within the first semester (or the first module for ESL students). Otherwise, the student's account will be put on HOLD.

United States of America, Kent