Mathematics - Master of Science
The Master's degree is designed to increase one's knowledge and understanding of mathematics beyond the Bachelor's degree level. It also prepares a student for future graduate work.
A candidate for a master's degree may select up to two minors in addition to the major. A minimum of 8 credits of graduate work is necessary for a minor.
Minimum Requirements for the Master's Degree
- In fulfillment of the Graduate School requirement of a minimum of 30 semester credits of course work, the student must take at least 24 credits of mathematics or statistics from the courses listed below.
- The student's program of study must be approved by the departmental Graduate Studies Committee.
- The student must successfully complete a master's written examination and final master's oral examination.
| Prefix | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Requirements | ||
| Complete each of the following (12 credits): | ||
| MATH 5350 | Advanced Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 5340 | Abstract Algebra I: Groups and Rings | 3 |
| MATH 5360 | Introduction to Real Analysis I | 3 |
| MATH 5365 | Introduction to Real Analysis II | 3 |
| Complete two of the following: | 6 | |
| Introduction to Topology | 3 | |
| Logic and Set Theory | 3 | |
| Complex Analysis | 3 | |
| Probability: Theory and Applications | 3 | |
| Statistics: Theory and Applications | 3 | |
| Elementary Stochastic Processes | 3 | |
| Complete two of the following | 6 | |
| Topology I | 3 | |
| Topology II | 3 | |
| Mathematical Structures in Logic | 3 | |
| Universal Algebra and Model Theory | 3 | |
| Partial Differential Equations I | 3 | |
| Partial Differential Equations II | 3 | |
| Abstract Algebra II: Fields, Rings and Modules | 3 | |
| Module Theory and Homological Algebra | 3 | |
| Abstract Algebra II: Fields, Rings and Modules | 3 | |
| Introduction to Commutative Algebra and Algebraic Geometry | 3 | |
| Measure and Integration | 3 | |
| Real Analysis | 3 | |
| Introduction to Functional Analysis | 3 | |
| Foundations of Probability | 3 | |
| Continuous Multivariate Analysis | 3 | |
| Linear Models | 3 | |
| Advanced Theory of Statistics I | 3 | |
| Advanced Theory of Statistics II | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 24 | |
The Master’s Written Examination
Candidates for the Master's in Mathematics must pass a written exam, offered at the end of the Fall and Spring semesters, based on the content of MATH 5350 and MATH 5360. Full-time students need to pass the written Master’s exam no later than the Summer following their completion of MATH 5350 and MATH 5360, or the start of their fourth semester in the program, whichever comes first. Graduate assistants must adhere to this timetable. Any second try must be passed within one semester of the first.
The Master's Final Examination
The Master's final examination is an oral examination administered by the student's committee. The exam consists of a short presentation made by the student on a topic covered in the student's coursework, followed by an examination by the committee based on the presentation and related coursework in the student's program of study. When a Master's thesis has been written, the presentation and examination is based on the student's thesis. The student's committee consists of at least three departmental members and a Graduate faculty member from another department who serves as the Dean's representative. The oral exam must be completed at least 10 days prior to the end of the semester in which the candidate wishes to receive the degree.