Master of Arts in Mathematics Degree Requirements

The Master of Arts in Mathematics degree requires at least 36 approved credit hours. Students must meet the following requirements:

• Earn credit in each of the following courses, or receive an exemption:
  • MTH 528 - Advanced Calculus 2
  • MTH 546 - Probability and Statistics 2
  • MTH 552 - Modern Algebra 2
• Earn credit in at least 18 credit hours of MTH courses at the 600 level. These 18 credit hours may include Special Topics courses, but neither Thesis nor Independent Study.
• Write and defend a master's thesis, or pass a comprehensive oral examination.

Typical Plan of Study

Students with sufficient preparation should expect to take four semesters to complete the degree, if the first semester of graduate study is in the fall.

Students who have taken classes equivalent to MTH 528, 546, or 552 may receive an exemption from the Assistant Chair for Graduate Studies. Students who do not have the necessary background for 500-level coursework may be required to take preparatory classes, which may require additional semesters of coursework.

Thesis or Comprehensive Oral Examination

Students have the option of writing and defending a master's thesis, or taking a comprehensive oral examination.

• Students writing a thesis may include up to 6 credit hours of MTH 681 (Thesis) towards their 36 hours of MTH coursework. MTH 681 may not be used to satisfy the requirement for 18 credit hours of 600-level coursework, however.
• Students who choose to take an examination will select three graduate courses at the 600 level to demonstrate a depth of knowledge in those areas of mathematics. The student will select, with the approval of the Assistant Chair for Graduate Studies, a committee consisting of three faculty members who will examine the student on the selected courses.

Graduate Area of Emphasis in Statistics

The Area of Emphasis in Statistics is an optional addition to the Masters of Arts in Mathematics degree. To earn the Area of Emphasis, a student must satisfy the requirements for the Masters of Arts in Mathematics as well as the following additional requirements.

• Earn credit for MTH 661 (Advanced Mathematical Statistics) and MTH 662 (Multivariate Mathematical Statistics). These courses may be counted towards the 18 hours of 600-level coursework required for the Master of Arts requirements.
• Earn credit for at least 12 credit hours of mathematics coursework at the 500-level or higher.
• Student who choose to write a thesis must take no fewer than 15 credit hours not including Thesis and Independent Study in probability or statistics courses. Students who choose to take a comprehensive oral examination must take no fewer than 18 credit hours in probability or statistics courses.

Graduate Minor

The Department of Mathematics also offers a Graduate Minor in Mathematics for students majoring in other subjects. This minor is earned by taking at least 6 credit hours in courses at the 500 level or higher in Mathematics as approved by the student's advisor and the Assistant Chair for Graduate Studies.

Disclaimer

This page is an unofficial summary of degree requirements. The official requirements are described in the most current Graduate Catalog. Students should consult their advisor when deciding on a plan of study.