Mathematics, M.S.

The Department of Mathematics offers a program of study leading to the degree of Master of Science. The program is designed to provide a sound preparation for continued study toward a Doctor of Philosophy degree as well as prepare students for careers in business, government, industry, and teaching. The program provides courses for those interested in the modern applications of mathematics, the pure aspects of mathematics, or statistics, or actuarial mathematics.

The department also participates in the Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering and Applied Science (ENAS) program. Interested students should refer to the description of the ENAS program, admission criteria, and curricular requirements at the beginning of the Graduate Programs in Sciences section.

Student Learning Outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for MS Mathematics
1	Graduate students will learn principal results of graduate mathematical courses and acquire an advanced understanding of concepts in areas related to their thesis and/or area of specialty.
2	Graduate students will achieve their career and educational objectives.
3	Graduate students will acquire skills to write, explain, and present mathematics to both experts and non-experts.
4	Graduate students will apply appropriate mathematical methods and technological skills to solve real-world problems.

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the minimum standards for admission to the Graduate School, applicants should prepare themselves by successfully completing an undergraduate program that includes the equivalent of at least MATH 2134 - Calculus III , and MATH 3511 - Intro to Linear Algebra . In addition, it is strongly recommended that students have taken the equivalent of the MATH 3512 - Introduction Abstract Algebra , MATH 4511 - Linear Algebra and MATH 4101 - Advanced Calculus . See Requirements below for more information. Applicants to the program are required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test. Successful applicants submit GRE scores with scores 150 or more on the Quantitative Reasoning and 140 or more on the Verbal Reasoning section.

Financial Aid

Graduate Assistantships are available to a limited number of qualified applicants. Students who would like to apply for a Graduate Assistantship should contact the Graduate Coordinator in the Mathematics Department.

Degree Requirements

The general regulations of the Graduate School, set forth elsewhere in this catalog, apply to the graduate program in mathematics. Any student who has been admitted to graduate study in mathematics but who has not completed the equivalent of MATH 4101 and MATH 4511 must take MATH 5101 , and MATH 5511 as early as possible. (Note: MATH 5101 is required for graduation, but does not contribute towards graduate credit for the MS degree in mathematics. MATH 5511 counts towards graduate credit.)

The student must complete at least 18 hours of 6000-level courses in the Mathematics Department. Up to nine non-math hours can be used toward the degree and these courses must be math-oriented or direct applications of math and must be approved by the Graduate Advisory Committee of the mathematics department.

The student must obtain at least a 3.0 average in all graduate level courses, excluding Thesis Research, whether or not the course is offered for degree requirements. The student is given the choice of whether or not to write a Master’s Degree Thesis. The total number of semester hours required is 36 for non-thesis option and 30 for the thesis option. Students who choose to write a thesis must give an oral presentation of the thesis with satisfactory performance. Students who choose the non-thesis option must give a satisfactory performance on a comprehensive examination that covers three math courses given for graduate credit.

The student is allowed to take the comprehensive examination up to two times. This exam is offered in April and November.