2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
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2011-2012 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. The program offers a standard mathematics program and an emphasis in computational and applied mathematics.

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

Admission Requirements

In addition to fulfilling admission requirements for graduate study, 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) and an upper-division course in linear algebra (equivalent to MATH 322). Students intending to go into the computational and applied mathematics emphasis must have some computer knowledge.

Assistantships

A limited number of merit-based teaching assistant ships 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.

Standard Program

Students must complete 30 credits distributed as follows:

  • MATH 621 - Algebra I Credits: 3
  • MATH 675 - Linear Analysis I Credits: 3
  • Six approved graduate courses (18 credits), at least four of which are MATH. All six courses must be approved by the student’s advisor. Courses not listed as MATH courses must be approved by the Graduate Committee. Different rules apply if the student wishes to count graduate actuarial courses toward his or her degree (see below).
  • Research and creative component (6 credits; see below)

Total: 30 credits

Emphasis in Computational and Applied Mathematics

The emphasis in computational and applied mathematics provides students with the analytical skills and background in computational techniques most relevant to the needs of business, industry, and government. The large number of high-technology firms, telecommunications firms, and government laboratories in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area gives students an opportunity to gain practical experience and secure employment after graduation.

Students must complete 30 credits distributed as follows:

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.