Master’s Degree Requirements

A Master’s in Mathematics consists of 30 credits with completion expected in two years. The minimum GPA of the Master’s program is 3.0. Coursework used to fulfill the degree requirements must be taken on a grade basis when offered. 

Students entering the Master’s program are required to have completed an undergraduate degree prior to matriculation into the program.

Master’s Plan A requirements

  • 14 major credits — Courses in Mathematics at the 5xxx or 8xxx level that support the student’s area of study. It is expected that students complete at least one 8xxx level sequence from the general area in which the thesis will be written. 
  • 6 outside credits — Courses that support the student’s program and are outside of their primary area of study. This may be a formal minor in another program or Mathematics coursework that is outside of the primary area of study. 
  • 10 thesis creditsMATH 8777 can be taken at any point while enrolled as a Master’s student. It is recommended that in semesters when you are registered for 6 or more credits that you fill your registration to 14 credits with Master’s thesis credits

Emphasis in Industrial and Applied Mathematics

Completing the Plan A Master’s with an emphasis in Industrial and Applied Mathematics also requires:

  • That the outside credit be taken in a department other than Mathematics.
  • The completion of a one-semester or summer internship working in an industrial laboratory.

Master’s Plan B Requirements

  • 15-30 major credits — Courses in Mathematics at the 5xxx or 8xxx level that support the student’s area of study.
  • Up to 15 outside credits — Courses that support the student’s program and are outside of Mathematics. This may be a formal minor in another program.

Emphasis in Mathematics education

Completing the Plan B Master’s with an emphasis in Mathematics education are expected to: 

  • Complete three yearlong sequences in mathematics: One in analysis, one in algebra, and one in another area of Mathematics.
  • Pursue the appropriate math education licensure (either your initial license or an additional license). Coursework to pursue teaching licensure is used to fulfill the outside credit requirement.

Final exam

Completing a Master’s in Mathematics requires completing a final exam. Formats are:

  • Plan A Master’s students: Defense of the thesis. 
  • Plan B Master’s students: Final comprehensive oral examination covering the student's coursework.

The Master’s final committee consists of three faculty members. If a formal minor is declared, one committee member must be from the minor department. 

Degree completion steps