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Graduate Degrees

Prof. Oxley

Master of Science

The MS degree in Mathematics is available as both a non-thesis and a thesis degree. There is also a Thesis MS with a Concentration in Finance, as well as a Thesis MS with Concentration in Applications. To apply for the MS degree in Mathematics, use the designation SMATH on your Graduate School Application Form.

(i) Non-Thesis MS:

The graduate course work requirement is 36 semester hours, of which at least 24 hours must be in mathematics, and at least 18 must be in mathematics courses numbered 7000 or higher. Every Non-Thesis MS student must pass the three Core-1 sub-tests of the Department's Comprehensive Examination at least at the MS-Qualifying Level. This examination, which is described on the Graduate Examinations page, constitutes the major portion of the Final Exam for the MS. It presumes knowledge of the first-semester core courses: Algebra (7200), Analysis (7311), and Topology (7510), which must be included among the required hours of Mathematics. 

(ii) Thesis MS:

This program is based on breadth of exposure in mathematics and requires an MS thesis. The graduate course work requirement is 36 semester hours, 6 of which will be thesis credit (Math 8000). Of the 36 hours, at least 24 must be in Mathematics, and at least 18 of those 24 hours must be at the 7000- level or higher. The courses must include the first semesters of the 7000-level core courses in Algebra (7200), Analysis (7311), and Topology (7510), with at least a B-average in these three courses. The courses must include also at least three 7000-level semester courses in mathematics, but outside the core curriculum, which may be selected from diverse areas of applied or pure mathematics. During the second semester of study, the student will need to form an Advisory Committee of at least three members of the graduate faculty in mathematics, one of whom will be the student's Thesis Advisor and the Chair of the Committee. These faculty members must represent at least two of the following specialties: algebra, analysis, combinatorics, topology. With the Advisor's suggestion, and the Committee's approval, the student will select a thesis topic. The thesis must be an original and interesting contribution to the field, or a worthwhile and useful expository work, or a substantial application of mathematics. An oral thesis defense is required as the Final Examination for this program. 

(iii) MS in Math with Concentration in Finance

The Departments of Mathematics and Finance have combined their skills and talents to offer an interdisciplinary program of study: the MS in Mathematics with a Concentration in Finance. Integrating financial theory with applied mathematics, this interdisciplinary program is designed to prepare individuals with backgrounds in mathematics, engineering, or the quantitative sciences for careers in today's sophisticated financial markets. The MS in Mathematics with a Concentration in Finance is designed as a two-year full-time degree program. One summer of internship or individual study is included in the program. A limited amount of financial aid (two half-assistantships) will be offered on a competitive basis to applicants for this program. For further information, use this link for the Concentration in Finance with the MS in Mathematics.To apply for the MS in Mathematics with Concentration in Finance, use the designation SMATH on your Graduate School Application Form, but be sure to state clearly in the essay portion of your application form that you seek the MS in Math with a Concentration in Finance.

(iv) MS in Math with Concentration in Applications

The program is designed to provide graduate students in the sciences an opportunity to obtain a mathematics degree directly related to their specialty. To benefit the most students, flexibility is required. The range of applications of mathematics continues to broaden, and the uses and training needed varies with the student and his research objectives. For further information, use this link for the Concentration in Applications with the MS in Mathematics. To apply for the MS in Mathematics with Concentration in Applications, use the designation SMATH on your Graduate School Application Form, but be sure to state clearly in the essay portion of your application form that you seek the MS in Math with a Concentration in Applications.

Master of Natural Science

The course-work requirement for the MNS degree in mathematics is 36 semester hours, of which at least 18 must be in mathematics, and at least 9 must be in an approved minor area other than mathematics. The remainder may be in any of the following areas: biochemistry, botany, chemistry, computer science, geography and anthropology, geology and geophysics, marine sciences, mathematics, microbiology, physics and astronomy, and zoology and physiology. At least 6 of the hours in mathematics and at least 9 in all of the 36 hours must be in courses numbered 7000 or above. Note: A maximum of 12 semester hours of computer science course work may be applied toward the MNS degree. Every MNS student must pass a Comprehensive Final Examination. To apply for the Master of Natural Science Degree, use the designation MNS on your Graduate School Application Form.

Doctor of Philosophy

The basic requirements for the PhD degree in mathematics include demonstrating a mastery of a broad area of mathematics and writing a dissertation making an original and substantial contribution to mathematics. Specific requirements for the PhD degree in mathematics are the following: (1)completion of the three first semester Core Courses in Algebra (7200), Analysis (7311), and Topology (7510), as well as the student's choice of four of the six second semester Core Courses, selected from Algebra I (7211), Measure and Integration (7312), Differential Equations (7320), Graph Theory (7400), Topology II (7512), and Differential Geometry (7550); (2) completion of one academic year of residency after a program of study is filed with the Graduate School; (3) passing the written Comprehensive Examination at the PhD Qualifying Level (by the end of four regular semesters of study, unless a postponement is allowed by the Graduate Committee); (4) satisfying the departmental language requirement; (5) passing the oral General Examination (by the end of the third year of study, unless a postponement is allowed by the Graduate Committee); (5) writing a dissertation and passing the Final Examination which is primarily a doctoral dissertation defense.

In the competition for financial aid from the Mathematics Department, PhD students and MS students pursuing a curriculum directed towards PhD Qualification do receive priority. To apply for the PhD Degree in Mathematics use the designation PMATH on your Graduate School Application Form. If you plan to earn a PhD but have not yet earned an MS degree, please use the designation PMATH on your form, as PhD students normally earn an MS along the way to the PhD degree.

Graduate Minors in Mathematics

The requirements for a student in another graduate field to obtain a graduate minor in mathematics are as follows:
  • Master's Degree: To obtain a minor in mathematics, a master's degree student in another field must take nine hours of graduate credit in mathematics, with at least three hours credit in mathematics courses numbered above 7000.
  • Ph.D. Degree: To obtain a minor in mathematics, a Ph,D. student in another field must take twelve hours of graduate credit in mathematics, with at least six hours credit in mathematics courses numbered above 7000.

Note: Math 4005 does not count towards graduate credit for a mathematics minor. The following is a list of some possible sequences of courses to be followed by Ph.D. minors in mathematics. The list is not inclusive, but it is simply intended to be a guideline for potential minor professors to use in advising students.

  • Algebra emphasis: 4200 or 4023, 4153, 7200, 7210, or 7400
  • Discrete Math emphasis: 4171, 4172, 7200, or 7400 or alternately: 4200 or 4023, 4470, 7200, 7400
  • Traditional Applied Math emphasis: 4031, 7320, another 7000-level class, and one of 4032, 4035, 4036, 4055, 4065, 4340, 4345

Students seeking a minor in mathematics are encouraged to consult as early as possible with the Mathematics Department, so as to obtain advice regarding prerequisites for desired courses. You may use the email link below.


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