Mathematics, M.S.

Graduate Coordinator: Dr. John Karlof

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers programs of study leading to the Master of Science degree in mathematics. The Master of Science program is flexible enough to provide several plans of study depending on the choice of recommended sequence of courses. Student interested in applied mathematics may take courses to prepare themselves for careers in business, industry, or government as well as for further study in mathematics. Applications from the sciences, industry and management are stressed in course work from the areas of classical applied mathematics, operations research, and statistics. A more traditional pure mathematics plan of study provides a strong background in basic areas of mathematics. Thus it is often the choice of those interested in secondary or community college teaching and for those who intend to pursue the Ph.D. degree in mathematics at another institution. Teachers in secondary schools who wish to obtain graduate level teacher certification should check with the graduate coordinator in the Watson School of Education to determine the current requirements for certification.

Admission Requirements

Applications for fall admission must be completed by June 15 for the fall semester. Applicants who have their applications complete by April 1 will be given priority, especially those applying for a teaching assistantship. A complete application consists of:

An application for graduate admission submitted on-line through the Graduate School website..
Official transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate).
Official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) aptitude test. Scores more than five years old will not be accepted. In cases where the opportunity to take the GRE may be limited (such as in certain foreign countries) the applicant may request a waiver or modification of this requirement. Such requests will be considered by the department on their individual merit.
Three recommendations from individuals in professionally relevant fields.
Each applicant also must:
Have a strong overall academic record and have passed, with a “B” or better average, the following undergraduate mathematics courses or their equivalent: a standard introductory calculus sequence including multivariate calculus, a course in linear algebra, and at least 15 additional semester hours of mathematics or statistics courses beyond the level of calculus.

Admissions decisions are based upon the examination of several factors, and where other indicators of success warrant, individuals who fall below the established criterion in one of the areas may be considered for admission. Such individuals may be required to take additional course work to remove deficiencies or required to demonstrate proficiency in certain areas.

To ensure that the mathematical prerequisites have been met, any student not enrolled in the mathematics degree program or the Master of Education in secondary education mathematics track must obtain permission from the Department of Mathematical Sciences to register for any graduate course offered by the department.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science degree requires a total of 30 semester hours of graduate work in mathematics and statistics. With the permission of the graduate coordinator and the chair, the coursework may include up to six hours of graduate courses from outside the department. To fulfill part of these requirements each student must select one of the following plans:

A. Thesis Plan

Each student must complete two semester hours of seminar (MAT 595 ) and four semester hours of thesis (MAT 599 ). Each student must present a thesis, acceptable to the advisory committee, prior to graduation. The student will report orally on the thesis to a general audience during the final semester before graduation. The thesis defense will be followed by an oral examination on the student‘s course work.

B. Non-thesis Plan

Each student must complete two semester hours of seminar (MAT 595 ) and a one-semester hour research project (MAT 596 ). The student must successfully complete a written comprehensive examination administered during the semester the student plans to graduate.

Course Requirements

Each student must complete two required core sequences:

1. Either

MAT 511 - Real Analysis I Credits: (3)
MAT 512 - Real Analysis II Credits: (3)
or
MAT 518 - Applied Analytical Methods I Credits: (3)
MAT 519 - Applied Analytical Methods II Credits: (3)

2. Either

MAT 541 - Modern Algebra I Credits: (3)
MAT 542 - Modern Algebra II Credits: (3)
or
MAT 535 - Linear Programming Credits: (3)
MAT 536 - Discrete Optimization Credits: (3)

Additional Requirements:

The remaining hours of course work are selected in consultation with an advisor, who will assist in selecting those courses best suited to the student‘s goals and interests. A candidate for the M.S. degree may petition the graduate coordinator for permission to apply up to six hours of graduate coursework from outside the department toward fulfillment of degree requirements. This petition, which requires approval of the graduate advisors, must address the relevance of this coursework to the student‘s academic goals and to a coherent program of study. Detailed advising guidelines supplied by the department recommend courses for students preparing for further graduate work; for careers in teaching community college of secondary school; and for careers in industry, business and government.