Master of Science Degrees

An entering Master’s candidate should normally have completed at least 18 semester credit hours in undergraduate mathematics and statistics beyond calculus. A one-year course in linear and (except for Statistics applicants) modern algebra and a one-year course in advanced calculus would be highly desirable.

Coursework
To earn a Master’s degree a student must complete 30 credit hours, at least 18 of which must be in courses in the department numbered 600 or above. There are distribution requirements which allow students to obtain a broad knowledge of mathematics and/or statistics and its applications. These requirements are different for each of the options—Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, and Statistics—and students should consult the Graduate Program Director for details. Students in Applied Mathematics and in Statistics are often encouraged to take appropriate courses from other departments.

Exams and Projects
To obtain an M.S. in Mathematics, students must pass a Master’s Exam; this is the same three-part Basic Exam given to Ph.D. students, although with a lower passing level. Students in the Statistics option, or in the M.S. program in Applied Mathematics must pass a two-part exam and must also complete a special project under the guidance of a faculty member.

There is neither a thesis requirement nor a foreign language requirement for a Master’s degree. A Master’s candidate who has not completed the degree requirements by the end of the second year will ordinarily not be permitted to reregister in the department.