Program Overview

The Master of Science in mathematics is designed to achieve two objectives:

• Provide a strong program of course work in mathematics beyond the undergraduate level and
• Be flexible enough to accommodate a wide variety of student interests and backgrounds. There are no required courses in the program, but students are strongly encouraged to develop an emphasis in the courses which make up their individual plan of study; such an emphasis provides both focus and depth in the graduate experience.

Whatever their 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 advisor 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 in mathematics should include a sequence in analysis and a sequence in algebra in their plans of study.

Statistics Research

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.