Mathematics Courses

The Department of Mathematics offers the Master of Science and the Doctor of Philosophy. At the master's level, programs are available in applied mathematics, computational mathematics (also known as the computer science option), mathematics for secondary school teachers, and pure mathematics. At the doctoral level, you may specialize in algebra, analysis, topology, or applied mathematics. The principal feature of graduate study in mathematics is the possibility of designing a study plan to meet your individual needs and interests.

To be admitted to graduate study, you should have an undergraduate average of at least a B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale). If you plan to pursue the study of pure or applied mathematics, your undergraduate program should have included advanced calculus and junior- or senior-level courses in abstract and linear algebra. Students pursuing the computational mathematics program (CS option) should have completed at least a full course sequence in calculus, differential equations and linear algebra, and computer science courses in C++, microprocessors, discrete structures, and data structures prior to admission. Students specializing in secondary education should have completed the calculus sequence and courses in geometry and algebra. If you are admitted with deficiencies, you will be expected to make up the deficiencies during the first year.

The Master of Science degree may be taken with or without a thesis--no examination is required. Under the nonthesis option for pure and applied mathematics majors, the minimum amount of coursework is 45 quarter hours. At least three courses must be taken at the 600- level or above. If most of your work is on the 500 level, the graduate committee may require more than 45 hours, but not more than 60. (The usual requirement is 55 hours.) The coursework should include at least two mathematics sequences, e.g., algebra, analysis, topology.

To pursue the program in computational mathematics (CS option), you must complete a minimum of 27 graduate hours beyond the 5xxN level in computer science and a minimum of 27 graduate hours in mathematics. Up to 10 of these 54 hours can be taken as a project or a thesis.

Specific mathematics requirements for the program in computational mathematics (CS option) include MATH 510, Matrix Theory, plus three courses from the following group of courses: MATH 511, Linear Algebra; MATH 512, Introduction to Algebraic Coding Theory; MATH 542, Theory of Linear and Nonlinear Programming; MATH 543, Mathematical Modeling and Optimization; MATH 544, Introduction to Numerical Analysis; MATH 545, Advanced Numerical Methods; MATH 546, Numerical Linear Algebra; MATH 610, 611, Topics in Applied Abstract Algebra; MATH 640ABC, Numerical Analysis; MATH 642 ABC, Optimization Theory; MATH 692, Project in Computational Mathematics; MATH 695, Thesis; plus three additional mathematics courses to be selected in consultation with the advisor. The above list of courses is subject to periodic updates by the Graduate Committee.

Specific computer science requirements include CS 506, Computation Theory, plus two courses each from two of the following areas: Theory (CS 504, 510, 604, 605, 606), Operating Systems and Data Communication (CS 542, 544, 558, 644), Databases (CS 562, 563), Software Development (CS 657ABC), Compilers (CS 620, 621). The remaining two computer science courses are to be selected in consultation with the advisor from the above list or other areas of computer science.

With the assistance of your faculty advisor, you must submit a plan of study approved by the graduate chair by the end of your first quarter. Any changes to this study plan must be approved by your faculty advisor and the graduate chair at least one quarter before you apply for graduation.

The Department of Mathematics, together with the College of Education, offers a joint program for secondary school teachers. The master's degree may be taken in either the College of Education or the Department of Mathematics. Expect at least half of your credits to be earned in mathematics. Topics studied are geometry, algebra, number theory, and analysis. A minimum of 50 hours is required.

No specific courses are required for the Ph.D., but each student must pass a comprehensive examination and write an acceptable dissertation.

The dissertation is expected to be a scholarly work demonstrating your ability to understand, organize, improve, and present mathematical ideas of outstanding importance, depth, or interest. It should include original mathematical research and be worthy of publication.

The Department of Mathematics encourages its students to develop the ability to read mathematics in those languages which predominate the literature of the discipline. Students in post-master's courses are expected to understand mathematics written in one or more of the following languages: French, German, or Russian.

All graduate-level computer science courses except 521, 522, and 599 may be used to satisfy requirements for a graduate degree in mathematics.

Applications for the computational mathematics option will only be considered for the Fall Quarter. Review of applications for this option will begin on February 1. For all other options of our graduate program, you may apply for admission for any quarter. To apply for financial aid for the following academic year, you should apply by February 1, although late applications will be considered if vacancies exist.