The Mathematics at The Ohio State University is a Full Time Bachelor program offered on the Columbus campus in United States of America. The program is delivered on campus in English and can be completed in 4 years. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. The next available intake starts on August 24, 2027.

About Bachelor of Mathematics

Be introduced to the areas of real and complex analysis, number theory, abstract algebra, logic and other fields.

Mathematics

Degree: BS, BA

Campus: Columbus

College: Arts and Sciences

Mathematics is a tool for understanding our world and trying to solve its problems. Mathematical models are used in such diverse areas as determining the shape of aircraftâ€™s wings for maximum lift, analyzing disease spread and control, and simulating network flows for efficient transportation systems.

Mathematics also requires imagination, necessitating abstract and formalized thought on the one hand and creativity and intuition on the other. All people, in every trade and profession, use mathematics in their personal and professional lives. Thus, almost all university students will take formal courses to acquire the use of mathematical tools.

The mathematics major introduces students to the areas of real and complex analysis, number theory, abstract algebra, logic and other fields. Mathematics study can be designed to support different career goals, such as employment in business and industry, biology and medicine, development of new products using physics and chemistry, preprofessional education, or preparation for graduate school.

Get started

Students interested in mathematics as a major generally have an ACT Math score of at least 25, or an SAT Math score of at least 590. Students with less preparation are likely to require additional time to complete a major in mathematics.

Upon acceptance into the college, students may declare mathematics as a major. Students should then contact one of the mathematics advisors to map out an appropriate program of courses. The Department of Mathematics offers both the Bachelor of Science and the Bachelor of Arts.

Curriculum

The department offers six tracks: Theoretical Math, Math for Educators, Financial Math, Biomath, Applied Math and Honors Math. Students should discuss their long-term goals with their academic advisor to determine the best mathematics track for them.

All tracks require the following courses:

Calculus sequence (three semesters)
Calculus-based Statistics
Foundations of Higher Mathematics
Linear Algebra
Probability
Math major seminar (required only for non-Honors)

In addition to the required courses, students must take other courses as appropriate for their selected track and long term goals. Courses might include:

History of Mathematics
Vector Analysis
Complex Variables
Partial Differential Equations
Number Theory
Geometry
Discrete Mathematical Models
Combinatorial Mathematics
Calculus on Manifolds
Real Analysis
Abstract Algebra
Numerical Analysis
Introduction to Financial Math
Beginning Scientific Computing
Theory of Interest
Dynamical Systems

Data analysis requirement

The Department of Mathematics requires Statistics 4201 or Math 4530 and Statistics 4202 to fulfill the General Education data analysis requirement.

Mathematics minor

The minor consists of the calculus sequence, a course on the foundations of higher mathematics, a post-calculus linear algebra course, and several upper-division elective courses.

Internship

Businesses and industries in central Ohio and around the country offer internships specifically for math majors. Internship listings are maintained by the Arts and Sciences Center for Career and Professional Success.

Honors and Scholars

The Department of Mathematics offers many honors courses which comprise a very challenging alternative for highly motivated students. This unified four-year program benefits students by introducing much more mathematical rigor and is especially valuable for students intending to pursue graduate studies in mathematics and other fields. These exceptional courses offer an undergraduate training in mathematics comparable to that at the best universities in the country. Students may be considered for graduation with distinction by completing selected graduate level course work or a research project under the mentorship of a faculty member.

Research

The department provides several undergraduate research opportunities:

The Reading Classics Group provides undergraduates with the opportunity to work as part of a research team with other undergraduates/graduate students/faculty on exciting mathematics topics.

The Mathematical Biosciences Institute* (MBI) provides undergraduates with a summer research opportunity interfacing with faculty and their peers on the intersection of mathematics and the biosciences. (*MBI is funded by the National Science Foundation.)

During the summer, Honors mathematics majors have the opportunity to participate in knot theory research with Dr. Sergei Chmutov. Imagine a rope, tied in a certain way, with its ends glued together: Having two such ropes, can you move one of them around to get the other one? Can you untie it and get a perfect circle? Knot theory, or the mathematical study of knots, concerns itself with answering these questions.

Student organizations

The Department of Mathematics has an active undergraduate math club, â€œRadical Pi,â€ which provides opportunities for students to interact with their peers as well as participate in presentations by faculty and graduate students on topics of interest to an undergraduate. A student chapter of SIAM (Society of Industrial and Applied Mathematics) reinforces interactions between mathematics and other scientific and technological communities through membership activities, publication of journals and books, and conferences.

Possible careers

A bachelorâ€™s degree in mathematics is designed to provide students with the analytical and logical training necessary for many diverse professions. These students find that their skills in quantitative reasoning are in demand in many careers and are needed for many different positions, very few of which have mathematics in the job title.

Approximately 50 percent of the mathematics specialists are employed in industry, with the federal government and in public administration. The opportunities in industry for persons trained in mathematics are many and varied, including operations research, math modeling, actuarial science and data analysis. Computer programming generates a wealth of mathematical problems in logic, combinatorics, number theory, algebra, differential equations and numerical analysis.

Mathematics majors can also pursue engineering, and they are commonly accepted into medical schools, law schools and graduate programs in mathematics, physics, economics, business, education, statistics and computer science. Preparation in these graduate programs may lead to careers in academia or in the business, industry or government sectors.

Students interested in pursuing high school teaching as a career option need to complete an undergraduate degree in mathematics and then proceed to a masterâ€™s degree (MEd) in the College of Education and Human Ecology. Upon completion, students are licensed to teach. In general, students need a 3.0 or better cumulative grade point average, and a 2.7 or better in mathematics courses.

Salary estimates

Beginning salaries for students with a bachelorâ€™s degree in mathematics vary widely based on the candidateâ€™s ability, performance and previous experience, as well as the particular industry, business or government organization in which the candidate is employed. Recent surveys indicate that average starting salaries range from $40,000 to $50,000 annually.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Mathematics at The Ohio State University

Entry Requirements

Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.

Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State

Enrollment in your intended major

Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 79

English Program Requirements

we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.

Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Mathematics at The Ohio State University

How to Apply for Bachelor of Mathematics at The Ohio State University

How do I submit scores?

Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.

Tips for sending scores to Ohio State

Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.

Is the essay required?

The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.

Should I take a standardized test more than once?

Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.

How does Ohio State look at scores?

When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.

These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.

Official transcripts

High school transcripts

Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.

How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:

Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.

Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.

Official ACT or SAT scores

Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.

How do I submit my scores?

We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.

Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor

While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.

If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to [email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.

Official proof of English language skills

You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:

TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher

You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.

Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.

*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.