Applied Mathematics, M.S.

The master’s degree program in mathematics is designed to produce mathematicians with competence in analysis who have breadth and versatility in mathematics and its applications in related fields. To this end, students entering the master’s program in mathematics are required to select an applied field in which they wish to develop some expertise and to complete six credit hours toward the degree from approved courses outside the mathematics curriculum. In addition, the master’s program is organized so that students will have the freedom to select some of their mathematics electives to develop their own special interests and to complement their choice of applied field. The flexibility in the elective part of the curriculum allows some students the opportunity to achieve a breadth of experience in mathematics and its uses in physical and engineering sciences, computer science or operations research. At the same time, it will allow other students to achieve more knowledge in a particular area in which they may wish to develop expertise. In either case, the program is organized to help students obtain an appropriate background for industrial employment or to pursue further graduate studies toward the doctoral degree. In either case, students will benefit from the range of options that are available in the applied mathematics master’s program.

Students are encouraged to consider which combination of elective mathematics courses are appropriate for their choice of applied specialization and to discuss the program with their advisers as soon as graduate study begins.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should have the equivalent of an undergraduate major in mathematics and must have completed undergraduate courses in differential equations, linear algebra, probability, introductory analysis and statistics, and have proficiency in a high-level programming language. (Programming languages are noncredit courses for graduate mathematics students.) Applications from graduates with undergraduate majors in the physical sciences or graduate students seeking a second master’s degree are welcome. In such cases, however, it may be necessary for applicants to take courses in addition to the 30 credit hour degree requirement in those subjects where their backgrounds are deficient.

Degree Requirements

The master of science degree in mathematics requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of work beyond the bachelor’s degree. It can be pursued with either a thesis or nonthesis option; each requires 30 credit hours. Under the thesis option, an oral defense is required and up to six credit hours of thesis are used in place of electives. The thesis should demonstrate the candidate’s abilities in the areas of reading and understanding mathematical literature, independent learning and written expression. Theses that combine mathematics with its applications in a related field are encouraged. A nonthesis option candidate must successfully complete a final program examination.