Ivan Todorov
Director of Graduate Program
Office: 505 Ewing Hall
MS in Applied Mathematics or Mathematics
Mathematics is both a science and a tool for many other disciplines, including the physical and life sciences, engineering, economics and sociology. The M.S. degree provides advanced mathematical training at a level beyond a Bachelor's degree. Mathematicians use mathematical models, algorithms, graphs, networks, and other mathematical structures to solve problems in a broad range of fields. Thesis and non-thesis options are available.
Each year, the deadline for spring admission is November 15 and January 15 for fall admission.
Admission to the M.S. programs in Applied Mathematics and Mathematics is open to students who have completed the equivalent of a baccalaureate degree in mathematics or related fields and who have a sound preparation in linear algebra and advanced calculus. On a 4.0 system, applicants should have a GPA of at least 2.5 and an average of at least 3.0 in mathematics and related areas. Applicants who have completed an advanced degree must have done so with a GPA of at least 3.0.
To be eligible for admission, students from a country where English is not a primary language must demonstrate proficiency in English by meeting at least one of the following criteria:
- Score at least 600 on the paper-based TOEFL exam.
- Score at least 100 on the TOEFL iBT, with a minimum score of 20 in each section.
- Score at least 7.5 on the IELTS with a minimum score of 6.0 in each subsection.
The M.S. degree in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics can be earned through one of two options: 30 credits of graduate level coursework; or 24 credits of graduate level coursework and 6 credits for research and thesis in the final semester. The Master's thesis must be successfully completed and defended.
To be eligible for the degree, an M.S. candidate (including 4+1 B.S./M.S. students) must complete 30 credits of coursework beyond the Bachelor's degree. These credits can come from the following sources:
- Any 600 or 800 level MATH course, for a minimum of 24 credits (or 18 credits for students who select the thesis option)
- Any 600 or 800 level non-MATH course, up to a maximum of 3 credits
- The reading course MATH 870, up to a maximum of 3 credits
For students who select the thesis option for the M. S., their 30 credit total must include:
- 6 credits of MATH 869 (“Master's Thesis")
The Master's thesis must be successfully defended. Credit hours for which the grade is below C-minus do not count toward a graduate degree.
Thesis Option
The purpose of this option is to assess the student's ability to conduct and report original research on a particular area within the field of specialization and/or synthesize and critically analyze important issues. The student will determine the particular form of the thesis project (e.g., report of original research or critical review of and exposition on the literature) in consultation with his or her thesis advisor and the Thesis Committee.
The Thesis Committee shall consist of three faculty members and is chaired by the advisor. A member of this committee is not required to be from outside the department. After the topic(s) and project format have been determined, the student will have a maximum of one year to complete the written thesis (typically 50 to 60 pages).
The student is responsible for following the Graduate College deadlines and procedures relating to the thesis, defense, and application for the degree. An oral defense will be scheduled following the Thesis 5 Committee's evaluation of the thesis. This defense will be open to the academic community.
