Graduate Programs

The Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MS) in Mathematics are designed to achieve two objectives:

• Provide a strong program of course work in mathematics beyond the undergraduate level

• Be flexible enough to accommodate a wide variety of student interests and backgrounds.

The main differences between the MA and MS programs are in the number of required credit hours and the exit requirements. The MA program requires the completion of 30 credit hours and the MS program requires the completion of 36 credit hours. The MA requires the completion of a thesis, whereas the MS program requires the completion of an applied project or a comprehensive exam.

There are no required courses in either program, but students are strongly encouraged to develop an emphasis in the courses that make up their individual plan of study; such an emphasis provides both focus and depth in the graduate experience. To assist in this, the department has created several concentrations that focus on particular emphases. The inclusion of a concentration in the degree program is entirely optional, and a concentration can be added, changed, or removed at any point prior to graduation. Further information about the available concentrations can be found at the bottom of the page.

Whatever the objectives in their graduate programs, students should form a close working relationship with a faculty member having similar mathematical interests as soon as possible. This will ensure good advice in planning a coherent plan of study. In addition, an adviser may be able to suggest special topics courses, independent study, or the thesis option which could all be used to pursue one's interests in greater depth.

Finally, students who plan to pursue a doctoral degree should pursue an MA and complete a thesis. Furthermore, students planning to pursue a doctoral degree in mathematics should include a sequence in analysis and a sequence in algebra in their plans of study.

Computational Mathematics

This concentration is recommended for students interested in Computational Science, particularly those students who are interested in pursuing graduate study in Applied and Computational Mathematics at the graduate level.

A Concentration in Computational Mathematics may be useful in a wide range of areas including Science, Engineering, Government, Health Care, Business, and Information Technology. The specialization in Computational Mathematics is designed for students with a strong interest in Mathematics and in mathematical applications to areas of Science and Engineering. By choosing elective courses carefully, students completing this specialization will be prepared for a career in a variety of Computing and/or Engineering areas. Students will also be prepared to continue on to a graduate program in Applied Mathematics.

Computational Mathematics involves the use of math and computers to solve problems and predict outcomes. The concentration in Computational Mathematics is intended for any student who is interested in applications to solving practical and physical problems in Engineering, Science, and Business. This concentration is also recommended for students who wish to work in the research and development area of industry. The concentration is especially intended for students seeking a career as Quantitative Analysts, Computational Scientists, and Applied Mathematicians, and for those thinking of continuing the study of Applied and Computational Mathematics at the graduate level.

Data Science

Data Science is the art and science of transforming raw data into deliverable data products in order to help businesses or government agencies make more informed decisions. The Concentration in Data Science consists of eight major components:

• Data Visualization
• Scientific Methods
• Statistical Modeling
• Statistical Computing
• Real-world Data Applications
• Data Consulting
• Data Research
• Data Technology

The Concentration in Data Science prepares students for a job as a Data Scientist, as well as providing a strong background for many other careers.

Because Data Science is a rapidly expanding field, creating a high demand for Data Scientists, the Department of Mathematics is committed to developing partnerships with the local business community, not only to assist with their data analysis needs, but to demonstrate the value of our math majors.

Operations Research

This concentration is recommended for students interested in a career as an Operations Research Analyst or in pursuing a graduate degree in Operations Research or a related field.

The broad real-world applicability of Operations Research makes it an attractive choice for Math majors. In Operations Research courses students get a solid background in mathematical modeling of decision-making problems, algorithms for solving different types of these problems, as well as experience using appropriate software tools.

Statistics

Statistics, the study of data, is of growing importance. Students who have the skills to properly collect, analyze, interpret, and present data are in high demand around the country.

The objectives of this concentration are: (1) to gain an understanding of the mathematical underpinnings of statistics; (2) to use appropriate statistical modeling to solve practical problems; (3) to develop an understanding of how to use statistical software; (4) to communicate statistical results to non-statisticians.

Statistics is used in a many fields, including biology, sociology, psychology, medicine, economics, and quality control. This diversity, along with the growing need for people with statistical knowledge makes it an attractive choice for mathematics students.