2014-2015 University Catalog 
  
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2014-2015 University Catalog

Mathematics, MS

Banner Code:  SC-MS-MATH

The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers courses in pure and applied mathematics leading to the master of science degree in mathematics.

An accelerated master’s option is available to students in the bachelor’s program.  See Mathematics, BS/Mathematics, Accelerated MS  for specific requirements.

This program of study is offered by the Department of Mathematical Sciences in the College of Science .

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Admission  section of this catalog, applicants must submit three letters of recommendation. GRE scores are not required.

Students intending to pursue the MS degree must have taken an upper-division course in advanced calculus (equivalent to MATH 315 ), an abstract algebra course (equivalent to MATH 321 ) and an upper-division course in linear algebra (equivalent to MATH 322 ). Students should have some computer knowledge.

Assistantships

A limited number of merit-based teaching assistantships are available for students taking at least 6 graduate credits each semester. Other sources of support, such as research assistant ships, are available as funding permits. Graduate students also have the opportunity to work in the Math Tutoring Center and Math Learning Center.

Degree Requirements

Candidates for the MS in mathematics must satisfy all requirements for master’s degrees as expressed in the Academic Policies  section of this catalog.

Total: 30 credits

Research and Creative Component

A student may fulfill the research and creative component of the MS degree in any one of the following three ways:

Thesis Option

In preparation for this option, the student must form a committee comprising a chair and two other faculty members. The chair and at least one other member must be from the department; one member may be from a related field.

The student completes a thesis under the direction of the committee chair. The thesis work is typically completed while students are registered for 6 credits of MATH 799 . A thesis proposal and thesis are submitted in accordance with university rules. The student must give an oral defense of the thesis to the committee and the Mason community at large. Students are expected to respond to questions on the thesis and related material. The committee determines whether the defense is satisfactory.

Paper Presentation Option

In preparation for this option, the student must form a committee comprising a chair and two other faculty members. The chair and at least one other member must be from the department; one member may be from a related field. The student gives an oral presentation of a paper (or series of papers or book chapter) chosen in consultation with the chair of the committee and approved by the full committee. The chosen material must be distinct from work done in fulfillment of course requirements. Students choosing this option take 6 additional credits of electives. The oral presentation is given to the committee and the Mason community at large. Students are expected to respond to questions on the paper and related material. The committee determines whether the defense is satisfactory.

Preliminary Exam for the PhD

The research and creative component of the MS degree can also be fulfilled by passing the preliminary written examination for the Mathematics PhD degree.