Do you need to be a genius to get a PhD in math?

Generally speaking, you dont need to be a genius. However, there are very clever folks doing maths PhD especially in pure mathematics. What determines success in research is not only how clever you are-its more about resilience, love for your subject, tenacity, emotional intelligence and sustained focus.

How difficult is it to get a PhD in mathematics?

It depends on your mathematical ability. If this is low, then a math PhD is impossible. If it is high, then it’s not that hard, it just takes a decent work ethic and the ability to set aside 5–7 years for graduate school. There is no step in your education that is harder than what you are doing right now.

Do you have to be good at maths to have a high IQ?

Does one have to be a genius to do mathematics? The answer is an emphatic NO. In order to make good and useful contributions to mathematics, one does need to work hard, learn one’s field well, learn other fields and tools, ask questions, talk to other mathematicians, and think about the “big picture”.

Should I get a PhD in math or not?

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.

Do you have to start a PhD program pretty much right after undergrad?

You do not have to start a PhD program “pretty much right after undergrad”. It is most common to do so, but there is a substantial minority of students who are older and/or spent several years out of school. In (American, at least) academia, your age counts for nothing; the ticking clock in the sky keeps track of the number of years since your PhD.

Will my research be good enough for a PhD?

PhD students often worry about whether their research will be good enough for a PhD. It’s useful to remember the criteria which most universities have at the core of their PhD assessment: ‘original work’ which makes ‘a significant contribution to knowledge’.

How long does it take to get a master’s degree in math?

@DavidMulder: Yes, that’s correct (at least in math and most fields I know), but typically graduate level masters work is built-in to the PhD program, so it usually takes 5-6 years in math. – KimballDec 18 ’14 at 13:01