Mathematics, MS
Requirements
The Master of Science in Mathematics program consists of 36 hours of graduate coursework, from the three areas specified below. In accordance with University policy, a GPA of at least 2.75 must be maintained with no more than two passing grades of "C+" or lower being utilized in satisfying the degree requirement.
Core Coursework (15 hours)
Coursework for the MS degree must include the following five core courses:
An advanced student may be waived from any or all of these required courses by passing the corresponding Ph.D. preliminary exam(s) or otherwise showing proficiency in the material, as determined by the department.
Specialized Coursework (12 hours)
In addition to the five core courses, at least four courses are to be chosen from either the Pure Mathematics Option or the Applied Mathematics Option (refer to course listings below).
Pure Mathematics Option:
This track of the MS Program is intended to prepare students for careers in academia. Each student selecting this track will take at least four of the pure mathematics courses listed below:
Applied Mathematics Option:
This track of the MS Program is intended for students planning to use mathematics in careers outside academia. Each student selecting this track will take at least four applied mathematics courses from the list below:
Up to 6 hours of the applied mathematics courses may be substituted with graduate coursework taken in the departments of Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science or Physics & Astronomy, or from Geological Sciences or Environmental Sciences, with approval from the student's graduate advisor in the Department of Mathematics.
Master's Thesis or Electives (9 hours)
The student may choose either to write a master's thesis (three hours of MATH 70980 and three hours of MATH 70990) and complete three hours of approved elective coursework, or to complete nine hours of approved elective coursework. Based on the recommendation of the department, the dean appoints a Master's Advisory Committee of at least three members, including the thesis advisor as chair. For the student to be eligible for the degree, the Master's Advisory Committee must approve the thesis upon its completion. The thesis need not contain original research but must demonstrate a deep and thorough understanding of some area of mathematics.