Master’s Degree in Mathematics

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers a program leading to the Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Mathematics. In this program, thesis and non-thesis options are available. Master’s degree in Mathematics gives students excellent preparation for further study toward the doctorate, employment in industry or government, teaching at the high school or community college levels, or becoming an instructor in a major university. Some opportunities exist for students to work on applied research projects through faculty members who have grants or contracts.

Time Limit for degree completion: 3 years

Mathematics Core Courses

  1. MA 6153  -  Matrices and Linear Algebra
  2. MA 6753  -  Applied Complex Variables
  3. MA 6933  -  Mathematical Analysis I 

In addition to the three courses above, students would take one of the courses:

  1. MA  6163 Group Theory or MA 6943 Mathematical Analysis II 

and one of the courses:

  1. MA 6313 Numerical Analysis I  or MA/ST 6543 Introduction to Mathematical Statistics I

Specific Degree Requirements

Master of Science with a thesis option: 

  1. Earn 30 semester hours of graduate credits in the program plus six hours MA 8000 earned as thesis credits; a minimum of 12 coursework credit hours, exclusive of thesis/research credits, must be at the 8000 level or higher. Enrollment in LIB 9010 during the final semester is mandatory to meet the Graduate School requirements for graduation. 
  2. Present and defend the thesis with an oral examination component administered by the student's Master's committee. This oral examination is open to the general members of the faculty and students, and the majority vote of the student's Master's committee will determine pass or fail. 

Master of Science with non-thesis option: 

  1. Earn 33 semester hours of graduate credits in the program plus three hours DIS 7000/ MA 8000 earned as project credits on a mathematical/statistical topic with at least 15 hours at the 8000 level or higher.
  2. Present and pass the project with an oral examination component administered by the student's Master's committee. This oral examination is open to the general members of the faculty and students, and the majority vote of the student's Master's committee will determine pass or fail.