The Department of Mathematics offers both an exam option and a thesis option for the Master of Science degree.
Total Credit Hours
The MS (exam) requires 32 credit hours; the MS (thesis) requires 33 credit hours.
Teaching requirement
Teach a minimum of one semester at the college level.
Courses
Both paths require successful completion of MAS 5311-5312 Introduction to Algebra and MAA 5228-5229 Modern Analysis.
The MS (exam) requires at least 18 credits of mathematics courses at the 6000+ level, or in the applied option, requires a specialization package either designed by the student with prior approval of the Graduate Committee or from a list available from the Graduate Coordinator. The typical package combines at least 12 credits of 6000+ mathematics with two or more graduate level courses from an area of application/specialization.
The MS (thesis) requires at least 12 credits of mathematics courses at the 6000+ level (not counting MAT 6931) plus enrolling in MAT 6931 Masters Research during the term the student graduates. At most six credits of MAT 6931 toward the degree, and six credits spread over two terms are usually required to write a thesis. Enrollment in MAT 6931 is required for the final term, 3 credits if graduation is in the fall or spring and 2 credits if graduation is in the summer.
Individual work in the form of MAT 6905, MAT 6910, MAE 6940 will not count toward the requirements for mathematics courses at the 6000+ level for either of the plans.
Examinations for the Master of Science in Mathematics
Each student must pass three First Year Semester Exams with a grade of Masters Pass or better, including one of the first four listed, one of the last four listed, and one on a semester from MAA 5228-9 or MAS 5311-2.
The First Year Semester Exams, given in May, August and January, correspond to the material covered in the six core courses:
- MAA 5228 Modern Analysis 1
- MAA 5229 Modern Analysis 2
- MAD 6407 Numerical Analysis
- MTG 5316 Introduction to Topology 1
- MTG 5317 Introduction to Topology 2
- MAD 6406 Numerical Linear Algebra
- MAS 5311 Introduction to Algebra 1
- MAS 5312 Introduction to Algebra 2
After completing one of the core courses, a student may take the corresponding First Year Semester Exam only the first three times the exam is offered. A student may petition the Graduate Committee to substitute a passing grade on an exam on the material covered in MAD 6406 or MAD 6407 for one of these parts.
If the final part of the First Year Exam has been completed earlier than the term prior to the one in which the student applies for the Master of Science degree, the student must take an oral exam to ensure the final examination is comprehensive.
Examinations for the Master of Science in Applied Mathematics
Each student must pass three of the following six First Year Semester Exams with a grade of Masters Pass or better, including one of the first three parts and at least one of the last three parts.
The First Year Exam, given in May, August and January, consists of six parts corresponding to the material covered in the six core courses:
- MAS 5311 Introduction to Algebra 1
- MAS 5312 Introduction to Algebra 2
- MAD 6406 Numerical Linear Algebra
- MAD 6407 Numerical Analysis
- MAA 5228 Modern Analysis 1
- MAA 5229 Modern Analysis 2
If the exams have been passed more than one term prior to the term in which the student applies for the Master of Science degree, the student must take an oral exam to ensure the final examination is comprehensive..
Thesis for the Master of Science in Mathematics (thesis option)
Each student must prepare and present a thesis acceptable in form and content to the supervisory committee and the Graduate School. It must contain some original research material.
Each student must defend the thesis in an oral exam administered by the supervisory committee.
Satisfactory Progress Criteria
- Maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or better in all classes and in all mathematics classes.
- Complete at least two mathematics courses for 6 credits each semester.
- The examination requirement should be completed by the May offering of the second academic year. Students who fail to pass one part by the First Year Exam by the August offering will be encouraged to shift to the MAT/MST program.
- Complete the program in three years.