There are three Master's Programs in Mathematics. In addition to the M.S. in Mathematics (Plan A or Plan B), we offer an M.S. in Industrial and Applied Mathematics, and an M.S. in Mathematics with emphasis in Secondary Education (jointly with the College of Education). Some require a thesis, while others emphasize course work. All have a Final Oral Examination in some form, none has a language requirement or a written examination.
All these courses of study begin in Fall, and are completed in four semesters (Fall, Spring, Fall, Spring). The M.S. with emphasis in secondary education also has a summer commitment between the two academic years.
All courses on the official program must be for a grade (A/N grade basis, not S/N). The GPA minimum for the M.S. course requirements is 2.8.
The Degree Program Form for the Master's degree should be
approved by the advisor and DGS, and filed with the Graduate School
after 10 credits have been completed and at least one semester before
the Final Examination.
Students must complete at least 14 credits in Mathematics at the 8-xxx or 5-xxx level (with graduate credit in Mathematics), at least 6 credits in related field(s) (either within Mathematics or in another department, 8-xxx or 5-xxx graduate level), and 10 thesis credits. This constitutes a minimum of 30 credits required for the degree. The 14 credits in Mathematics should include one 8-xxx sequence from the general area in which the thesis is to be written.
The student must find a thesis advisor. The DGS may assist with this, but the ultimate responsibility lies with the student.
An outside minor is permitted (6 credits to be completed in that department, and any other requirements for that department). Consult the DGS in that department. The Final Oral Examination is a defense of the thesis. The examining committee consists of three members. If there is an outside minor, one examiner must be from that department.
The Graduate School's Master's guidelines, outlines information about thesis formatting for both the electronic and paper submission process. For specific questions, contact by e-mail: the Director of Graduate
Studies.
This program emphasizes breadth; it does not require a thesis.
There is a minimum of 30 credits, half of which may be in a related
area outside of Mathematics. The requirements are outlined below.
Three sequences per year, for two years, can easily satisfy all course
requirements. No course may be used to satisfy more than one
requirement, nor may any course taken as an undergraduate be used to
satisfy any requirement.
Other 5xxx-level courses may be accepted with prior approval of the DGS.
2. The student should make one of the following choices:
3. Three 3- or 4-credit graduate courses (not necessarily in
Mathematics) for graduate credit.
The program must include at least eight 8-xxx or 5-xxx level graduate
courses in Mathematics carrying graduate credit.
The Final Oral Examination is mostly in the area of concentration
(selected in part 1 above). The examiners may also question the
student on two other sequences in the program; the student should
arrange this with the committee.
If the course work is complete, the Ph.D. preliminary oral
examination may be substituted for the Master's final
examination.
The School of Mathematics offers a M.S. (Plan A) degree with emphasis in Industrial and Applied Mathematics. The general requirements include 14 credit in Mathematics at the 8-xxx or 5-xxx level (with at least one year-long sequence at the 8-xxx level), 6 credit of related courses outside the department at the 5-xxx or 8-xxx level, and 10 thesis credits. Each student will spend one semester (most likely summer) working in an industrial laboratory. Applications and information can be obtained from the Director of Graduate Studies, Vincent Hall 127, by email: gradprog@math.umn.edu. Specific questions about the program should be addressed to Professor Fadil Santosa at email: mcim@math.umn.edu or by viewing the website: http://www.math.umn.edu/mcim.
The School of Mathematics is offering a Master's degree (Plan B) with emphasis in Mathematics Education. Two years of study lead to the degree and licensure from the College of Education to teach high school mathematics in Minnesota. Please contact the Director of Graduate Studies, Vincent Hall 127, by email: gradprog@math.umn.edu or by paper mail at: Mathematics Graduate Program, 127 Vincent Hall, 206 Church Street SE, Mpls, MN 55455.
This program has great flexibility. Coursework must represent 30 credits, with roughly half of the course work in 5xxx-level or 8xxx-level mathematics, and with the balance (including at least one 8xxx level course) in related fields such as business and economics. If the student has not already taken either the Theory of Interest or Actuarial Mathematics, these courses would be appropriate and can earn graduate credit. Apart from these, the courses are not oriented to specific Society of Actuaries examinations, although the student may include in his/her program up to nine credits of independent study which could be devoted to preparation for such examinations. More details are to be found in the Actuarial Program Bulletin, available in the Undergraduate Office, Vincent Hall 115, or by calling 612/625-4848.