Mathematics, M.S.

Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Wei Feng

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 College of Education to determine the current requirements for certification.

Admission Requirements

Application and supplemental documents must be submitted by the published deadline. 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 credit 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 30-33 credit 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 credit 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 (30 total credit hours)

Each student must complete two credit hours of seminar (MAT 595 ) and four credit hours of thesis (MAT 599 ). Each student must present a thesis, acceptable to his/her thesis 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. The student must successfully complete a written comprehensive examination administered during the semester the student plans to graduate.

B. Non-thesis Plan (33 total credit hours)

Each student must complete two credit hours of seminar (MAT 595 ) and a one-credit hour research project (MAT 596 ) or internship (MAT 598) . The student must successfully complete a written comprehensive examination administered during the semester the student plans to graduate.

Core Requirements (12 credit hours)

Each student must complete:

MAT 515 - Introduction to Complex Variables Credits: 3
MAT 531 - Linear Algebra Credits: 3
One of:
MAT 535 - Linear Programming Credits: 3 Or
MAT 541 - Modern Algebra I Credits: 3 Or
STT 512 - Regression and Correlation Credits: 3
And one of:
MAT 511 - Real Analysis I Credits: 3 Or
MAT 518 - Applied Analytical Methods I Credits: 3 Or
STT 566 - Mathematical Statistics I Credits: 3

Additional Requirements (12 credit hours thesis and 18 credit hours non-thesis)

The remaining hours of course work are selected from MAT 500 - 599 or STT 500 - 599 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 credit hours of graduate coursework from outside the department toward fulfillment of degree requirements. This petition 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.