The Department of Mathematics offers the M.S. degree in mathematics which aims are twofold; to prepare well-grounded students for a variety of rewarding career opportunities in entrepreneurial, corporate, and the teaching professions; and to advance forefront knowledge in the areas of pure and/or applied mathematics towards the closed related Ph.D. degree programs.
Research within the department is currently being conducted in various areas of the mathematical sciences, and faculty members possess and demonstrate expertise in their areas. Students in the master’s program can choose from a rich variety of courses in both pure and applied mathematics and statistics. Each master’s degree candidate works closely with faculty member(s) to write a research thesis in an area of interest to the student.
Degree Requirements
The department is committed to providing a challenging and rewarding experience for its graduate students. The department offers individual attention and mentoring, strives to establish a friendly, supportive environment, and assists students as much as possible to achieve their professional goals.
In addition to the general rules, regulations, and requirements of the Graduate School, the following specific requirements pertain to the degrees available in mathematics:
- Credits - All students in the M.S. Program in mathematics must complete a total of at least 36 semester-hour graduate level coursework for their degrees. Courses include the 12 required core courses plus a sequence of 6 credit hour thesis courses with a grade of B or better. (See the course list below).
- Qualifying Exams - All students in the M.S. Program in mathematics are expected to take two qualifying exams on Abstract Algebra and Analysis before the beginning of the second year and are required to pass them prior to their thesis defense. (See the details below)
- Thesis - Each candidate for the M.S. degree in Mathematics must complete a thesis on a subject approved by the student’s thesis advisor. The candidate must prepare a thesis under the supervision of the thesis advisor and the thesis must be defended before a Student Thesis Committee. The Thesis Committee consists of a thesis advisor and two other graduate faculty members from the department.
- Thesis Defense - The candidate must demonstrate satisfactory performance on a final oral examination covering the graduate course work and/or the research thesis. This examination will be conducted by the Student Thesis Committee and moderated by the thesis adviser. To get the ‘pass’ on this thesis defense, the candidate need to obtain all committee members’ approval.
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