Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Mathematics, MS


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study

The degree of Master of Science with a major in mathematics is designed to advance the student’s knowledge of applied mathematics, pure mathematics, and statistics, and to introduce the student to independent study and research. Completion should enable the student to pursue a more advanced degree, teach mathematics at the secondary or college level, or use mathematical techniques in a scientific or industrial environment.

Prerequisites


In addition to meeting the general application and admission requirements of the Graduate School, applicants to the M.S. program in Mathematics must provide official results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE); official scores must be sent directly from the administrator to the Graduate School. The admission decision for a prospective student will be based on the Graduate Record Examination scores, the student’s record in undergraduate mathematics or statistics, and letters of recommendation. At least nine semesters hours beyond calculus, with courses in advanced calculus and linear algebra when possible, should be included in the undergraduate program.

Course Requirements


The M.S. degree program in Mathematics has thesis and non-thesis tracks.

Thesis Track:


The thesis track requires twenty-four semester hours of course work and the preparation of a thesis (for which six hours credit are awarded upon completion). A minimum of twelve semester hours in mathematics courses above the 400(G)-level is required.

Non-thesis Track:


The non-thesis track requires thirty-six semester hours of graduate course work, of which a minimum of eighteen hours must be above the 400(G)-level.

Optional Concentrations


Students in the non-thesis track may choose any of the following concentrations:

(i) Applied Mathematics Concentration. The student must complete at least four courses at the 500-level in Applied Mathematics, as follows:

(ii) Pure Mathematics Concentration. The student must complete at least four courses at the 500-level in Pure Mathematics, as follows:

(iii) Statistics Concentration. The student must complete at least four courses at the 500-level in Statistics, as follows:

Required Courses


Information about specific required courses can be obtained from the department’s graduate coordinator. All programs of study must be approved in advance by the coordinator.

In either track, a student must complete at least one of the two-semester sequences:

Other Requirements


Candidates must pass a comprehensive examination covering the student’s course work and also basic topics from certain standard areas such as advanced calculus and linear algebra. The examination may be partly written and partly oral; when a thesis is written, part of the oral portion of the examination is a defense of the thesis.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study