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2016-2017 University Catalog
Mathematics, MS
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Banner Code: SC-MS-MATH
College: College of Science
Department: Mathematical Sciences
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.
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Graduate Admission Policies section of this catalog, applicants must submit three letters of recommendation. GRE scores are not required.
Students intending to pursue the Mathematics, MS 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 assistantships, are available as funding permits. Graduate students also have the opportunity to work in the Math Tutoring Center and the Math Learning Center.
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Coursework (24 credits)
The following course is required:
Coursework Options
Choose three courses from the following:
Additional Approved Coursework
Choose four approved graduate courses (12 credits), at least two of which are MATH courses. All four 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 (consult the graduate coordinator).
Research and Creative Component (6 credits)
A student may fulfill the research and creative component of the Mathematics, 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 of Mathematical Sciences , 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 George Mason University’s Graduate Policies . The student must give an oral defense of the thesis to the committee and the George 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 of Mathematical Sciences , 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 completed in fulfillment of course requirements. 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.
- Students choosing this option take 6 additional credits of electives.
Preliminary Exams for the PhD
The research and creative component of the Mathematics, MS can also be fulfilled by passing three preliminary written examinations, as required for the Mathematics, PhD degree.
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