College of Science

Department of Mathematics and Statistics

This program prepares students to work as mathematicians in government, business, and industry. This degree may also be a “stepping stone” for students who ultimately wish to pursue a doctorate in mathematics or a closely related subject.

This degree requires 30 credits of approved coursework at or above the 5000 level. At least 18 of these credits must be at the 6000 level or above, excluding MATH 6990  and MATH 7990  (Continuing Graduate Advisement) and MATH 7910  (College Teaching Internship). Generally, most of the coursework will be in mathematics, but the student’s supervisory committee may approve courses in statistics, physics, engineering, or any other discipline, if it seems such coursework is appropriate for the student’s program of study.

The MS in mathematics has three options. The Plan A or the thesis option requires taking 6 credits of MATH 6970  (Thesis and Research) and working with a faculty member on a substantial research project. The research must be presented in a thesis, which must be approved by the student’s supervisory committee and the dean of the School of Graduate Studies. An oral defense of the thesis must be arranged through the School of Graduate Studies.

The Plan B or project option requires taking 3 credits of MATH 6970  and working with a faculty member on a smaller research project. A written report of the research must be approved by the student’s supervisory committee. An oral defense of the report must be scheduled through the School of Graduate Studies.

The third option of the MS in Mathematics requires only coursework, and is called the Plan C option. This option is only for students simultaneously working on degrees in other departments.

All students in the MS program in Mathematics must pass a written qualifying examination covering the introductory analysis and advanced calculus material presented in MATH 4200 , MATH 5210 , and MATH 5220 . Students may take this exam before beginning formal coursework in the MS program, and must take the exam at the end of the first full year of matriculation. The exam is typically given twice a year, in May and October. Matriculated students who fail on their first try must pass the exam at the next scheduled opportunity. A detailed exam syllabus is contained in the Graduate Handbook, available from the department.