The Department of Mathematics and Physics offers a Master of Science degree in Mathematics and Physics, with a concentration in Mathematics. The curriculum of study must be chosen by the student and approved by the Graduate Committee of the Mathematics Program. Emphasis of study will reflect the student's choice.
Faculty
Professors:
Barona, Humberto Munoz
Ph.D., Mathematics
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Associate Professors:
Gaskin, Joseph
Ph.D., Mathematics
Syracuse University
Vincent-Finley, Rachel
Ph.D., Computational and Applied Mathematics
Rice University
Assistant Professor:
Cunningham, Katrina
Ph.D., Mathematics
Saint Louis University
Introduction
The graduate program in mathematics began in 1960. For the first five years of the program’s existence, the students were in-service teachers who were participants in summer institutes sponsored by the National Science Foundation. Students not in this category, i.e. full-time graduate students, began to enroll in the late 1960s. The content of the program was focused on classical mathematics: Algebra, Analysis, Geometry, and Topology.
In 1985, the program added two more dimensions, namely Applied Mathematics and Mathematics for Teachers. These three programs were called Option I (Classical), Option II (Applied) and Option III (Teaching). Later, Options I and II were combined and renamed Program I, Option III was renamed Program II.
In 2006, the Teacher Option (Option II) was combined with the Option I Program. This redesigned program has the flexibility to meet the needs of the three options created in 1985, depending on the choices made by the student in choosing from the list of approved electives.
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM
This program is designed for persons interested in teaching postsecondary mathematics, pursuing further studies in mathematics or mathematics education, or working in industry.
Objectives:
- To offer intensive study in the areas of Classical and Applied Mathematics.
- To provide insights into the structure of mathematics and its importance.
- To strengthen the background of those persons who are interested in pursuing further studies in mathematics or mathematics education.
- To provide a stimulating environment for graduate students in mathematics.
- To provide a sufficiently flexible program that allows students to engage in meaningful mathematical experiences which will enhance their career opportunities.
Admissions Requirements
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements of the Graduate School, applicants holding Bachelor of Science degrees in related fields, or having deficiencies in mathematics, may apply for provisional admission. In these cases, the Graduate Committee within the Mathematics Program, with the approval of the Chair, may recommend that the student enrolls in a mixed program of graduate and undergraduate courses approved by the graduate committee for the purpose of removing deficiencies in undergraduate mathematics. All deficiencies must be removed before a student can become a candidate for a graduate degree. Students admitted on the provisional basis cited above will receive credit toward the Master of Science degree for all graduate work successfully completed during this provisional period upon admission to the program.
Plan of Study
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
In order to be eligible as a candidate for the Master of Science degree, a student successfully complete the core courses with a grade of at least "B" in each course. Students must also complete and successfully defend a thesis or a special project. The two options for degree requirements available are:
1: Thesis Option: The thesis option includes thirty-three credit hours of coursework including six credit hours of thesis research. With this option, a students must write and defend a thesis.
2: Non-Thesis Option: The non-thesis option includes thirty-three credit hours of coursework including six credit hours of a special project, and successful completion of the Department's Graduate Comprehensive Examination (MATH 601B) administered by the Mathematics Graduate Committee.
All students must pass eighteen credit hours consisting of the following core courses: MATH 500B, MATH 530B, MATH 531B, MATH 533B, MATH 565B, and MATH 566B. In addition to the core courses, all students must pass a minimum of nine credit hours selected from the list of approved electives.
Core Courses
All students must pass eighteen credit hours consisting of the following core courses:
Approved Electives
In addition to the core courses, all students must pass a minimum of nine credit hours selected from the list of approved electives.
Additional Mathematics Experiences
The following 400 level courses carry graduate credit and may be used to service various students needing additional mathematics experiences. It should be noted that only MATH 432B and MATH 492B are on the list of approved electives for purposes of meeting the thirty-three credit hours of Graduate Mathematics program requirements.
Research Courses