Master of Arts in Mathematics
The MA in Mathematics is currently not accepting new students.
Mathematics Overview
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Mathematics degree program provides students with an avenue for further in-depth study in theoretical or applied mathematics. Students may use this program as a first step towards a Ph.D. in Mathematics, as a means of increasing their knowledge of mathematics to support their teaching, or as a tool to enhance their skills and knowledge for careers in such diverse fields as actuarial science, statistics, cryptography, engineering and computer science.
Program Mission, Goals and Objectives
The mission of the M.A. in Mathematics program is to extend the knowledge of beginning mathematicians with depth and breadth in mathematics content, research and applications. The goals of the program are to increase:
- depth and breadth in mathematics content;
- independence as a learner of mathematics;
- mathematical problem-solving ability; and
- communication skills in a mathematical context.
Admission Requirements
A student who wishes to earn the degree must have received the bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in mathematics or a related field, and have demonstrated competence in undergraduate mathematics.
Degree Requirements
Requirements for the degree of M.A. in Mathematics include:
- A minimum of 30 semester hours of coursework as described below, and
- A culminating experience, which consists of a comprehensive examination and may include a thesis.
Master of Arts in Mathematics
Requirements-30 S.H. (21 S.H. required credits as indicated—4 courses required of all students plus 2 of the 2nd semester classes in Algebra, Analysis, Numerical Analysis or Statistics. The remaining 9 credits can be selected from those listed in agreement with the student’s faculty advisor and graduate coordinator.) Students exhibiting exceptional ability may choose the thesis option to complete their degree.
| REQUIRED (21 Sem. Hrs.) SEMESTER HOURS | ||
| MAT 512 | Modern Algebra I | 3 S.H. |
| MAT 514 | Real Analysis I | 3 S.H. |
| MAT 507 | Applied Statistics I | 3 S.H. |
| MAT 518 | Complex Analysis I | 3 S.H. |
| MAT 526 | Numerical Analysis I | 3 S.H. |
| Plus 2 of the following: | ||
| MAT 513 | Modern Algebra II | 3 S.H. |
| MAT 515 | Real Analysis II | 3 S.H. |
| MAT 508 | Applied Statistics II | 3 S.H. |
| MAT 527 | Numerical Analysis II | 3 S.H. |
| ELECTIVES (9 Sem. Hrs.) | ||
| MAT 505 | Logic | 3 S.H. |
| MAT 508 | Applied Statistics II | 3 S.H. |
| MAT 513 | Modern Algebra II | 3 S.H. |
| MAT 515 | Real Analysis II | 3 S.H. |
| MAT 522 | Topics in Advanced Geometry | 3 S.H. |
| MAT 528 | Number Theory | 3 S.H. |
| MAT 529 | Historical Development of Mathematics | 3 S.H. |
| MAT 540 | Topics in Mathematics (May be taken more than once) | 3 S.H. |
| MAT 598 | Independent Study_________________________ | 3 S.H. |
| MAT 599 | Student Developed Study____________________ | 3 S.H. |
| MAD 511 | Topics in Elementary School Mathematics Education | 3 S.H. |
| MAD 512 | Topics in Middle School Mathematics Education | 3 S.H |
| MAD 513 | Topics in Secondary School Mathematics Education | 3 S.H |
A maximum of 6 S.H. may be taken at the 400 level with approval of Coordinator.
MAT 400-level senior mathematics course 0-6 S.H.
Comprehensive Exam *__ OR Thesis** 3 S.H.__
*All students are required to take the comprehensive exam. This consists of 2-one hour exams in Algebra, Analysis, Numerical Analysis or Statistics, with at least one being Algebra or Analysis; plus 2-half hour exams in courses of student’s choice. **Only exceptional students (GPA≥3.75) may request the thesis option. Thesis option requires exam in 1 of the areas—Algebra, Analysis Numerical Analysis or Statistics, and it must be in an area different from the thesis.
Comprehensive Examination
The comprehensive examination is a three-hour examination on the courses in the program completed by the student as follows:
- One hour on each of two one-year, six-credit MAT courses in the areas of Algebra, Analysis, Numerical Analysis or Statistics, with at least one being Algebra or Analysis;
- Two half-hour exams in courses of student’s choice.
- Exceptional students (GPA ³ 3.5) have the option of writing a thesis. In such cases, the examination is a single, one-hour exam in one of the areas of Algebra, Analysis, Numerical Analysis or Statistics, and it must be in an area different from the thesis.
All coursework must be completed prior to the semester in which students take the comprehensive examination. The total grade point average must be 3.0 or better. Credit is not awarded for the comprehensive examination.
The written examination is given twice a year: the first Saturday in December and the first Saturday in May. It is the responsibility of students choosing to take the examination to notify their adviser by November 1st for the December examination and by April 1st for the May examination. Successful fulfillment of the examination requirement necessitates a passing mark on each section of the examination. In the event the student fails to pass one section of the examination, the student may:
- repeat that particular section of the examination on the next examination date, or
- choose another option with the approval of the department graduate committee.
Thesis
The thesis is completed through MAT 592, Independent Thesis Research in Mathematics (0 to 6 semester hours, as agreed to by the student, the thesis adviser and mathematics department chair). The thesis is a scholarly work researched and solely written by the student under the guidance of a thesis adviser and thesis committee. The thesis proposal must be approved by the thesis committee and graduate school before registering for MAT 592. The thesis credits must be approved by the mathematics department.
The Master of Arts in Mathematics degree program, including the thesis and the comprehensive examination approach, must be planned and agreed upon by the student and the graduate adviser.