Master of Arts/Master of Science in Mathematics

The MA/MS Mathematics program is designed for the student who wishes to prepare for community college teaching, industrial work in mathematics, or further advanced work toward a PhD in mathematics.

Admission

Program Prerequisites

Transcript(s) must show satisfactory completion of at least the following undergraduate courses: linear algebra, abstract algebra/group theory, introductory analysis/advanced calculus, and differential equations. (These are equivalent to the following PSU courses: MTH 261, MTH 344, MTH 311 and MTH 256.)

In addition to program prerequisites, applicants must meet the university's minimum admission requirements including English language proficiency.

Application Deadline

This program currently offers rolling admissions for each term (fall, winter, spring, summer). The application closes 2 weeks before the term starts.

Application Instructions

Cost and Funding

Refer to the University Student Finance web page for tuition and financial aid information.  

The department offers a limited number of Teaching Assistantships, Research Assistantships, Fellowships, and Scholarships.  Program applicants are able to indicate their interest in an assistantship as part of the online program application. 

Degree Requirements

Planning a MA/MS Mathematics Degree Program

The department offers courses in pure and applied mathematics and in statistics. Students may choose an emphasis in one or more of these areas. The Course Projection Guide (CPG) lists the projected future 600-level course offerings. These projections enable students to plan programs that include any necessary 500-level prerequisites. Students also need to plan programs that will prepare them to pass one MA/MS examination or two MA/MS examinations depending on the degree option. New students are urged to meet with the MA/MS Mathematics advisor regarding degree requirements and for help with program planning.

Students interested in pursuing the MA degree must also show proficiency in a second language.

Course Requirements

Candidates must complete an approved 45-credit program that includes at least 30 credits in mathematics or statistics. Students shall select either Option A or Option B.

Option A.    

The student must satisfy the following requirements:

• Complete 30 credits in Mathematics and Statistics which include approved courses distributed as follows: two 6-credit sequences at the 600 level, 6 additional credits at the 600 level and a 3-credit Mth 501 course on Mathematical Literature and Problems 

• Pass one written Master’s examination in either Algebra or Analysis. 

Option B.    

The student must satisfy the following requirements:

• ·    Complete 30 credits in Mathematics and Statistics which include approved courses distributed as follows: two 6-credit sequences at the 600 level, 6 additional credits at the 600 level,

• ·    Pass two written Master’s examinations, one of which must be in either Algebra or Analysis.

Check with the program adviser for additional courses, including omnibus-numbered courses, which also may be approved for MA/MS programs. "Approved" means that it is approved toward fulfilling the 30 mathematics/statistics credit hours for the MA/MS in Mathematics program.

"Approved as elective" means that the course is approved inside the 45 total credit hours but not inside the 30 mathematics/statistics credit hours. Check with the program adviser for additional approved electives.

Master's Exams

Depending on the option chosen, students must pass one or two Master’s exams.

Option A.    Student must pass one written examination in either Algebra or Analysis.

Option B.    Student must pass two written examinations, one of which must be in either Algebra or Analysis. Other subject areas include: Geometry, Mathematical Statistics, Numerical Methods, Ordinary Differential Equations, Partial Differential Equations and Set Theory/Topology.

Exams are offered twice a year, during the week prior to the start of fall term and during the first week of spring term. Students may take a given area examination at most two times. Syllabi and the last six previously given exams for each topic are available. You must be registered for and complete at least one graduate credit during the term(s) in which you take your exams. Refer to the MS Exam Policy for further details.

MTH 501 Mathematical Literature and Problems

In this  3-credit course, a student works under the supervision of a faculty member in an area of mathematics in which the student has acquired the background needed to read current mathematical literature, prepare a research paper, and present this research in a colloquium. You must be registered for at least one graduate credit during the term in which you plan to present your 501 research. Requirements for the course are contained in the Guidelines and Deadlines for Literature and Problems Seminar.

Grades

A student must have a minimum 3.00 GPA on the courses applied to the program of study, as well as a minimum 3.00 GPA in all graduate-level courses taken at PSU. Although grades of C+, C, and C- are below the graduate standard, they may be counted as credit toward a master’s degree with the specific written approval of the department if taken at PSU after the term of formal admission to the graduate program. All courses counting toward the degree must be letter-graded. The pass/no pass option is not allowed.

Graduate Policies & Procedures

Students are responsible for knowing University-level graduate policies and procedures for obtaining the degree. These policies and procedures are in Graduate School section of the University Bulletin.Several of the most frequently asked about University-level graduate policies and procedures can also be found on the Graduate School's website.