2012-2015 Academic Catalog

Nov 15, 2024

2012-2015 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Mathematics, MS

Program Description:

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers the Master of Science degree in mathematics. The graduate program is designed to provide a solid foundation for further professional training or careers in teaching, industry, or government. Degree requirements are flexible, allowing considerable latitude in tailoring the course of study to individual preferences. Two concentrations are available: mathematics and applied mathematics. The mathematics concentration is designed for students with an undergraduate degree in mathematics or the equivalent. The applied mathematics concentration is designed not only for persons with undergraduate training in mathematics, but also for those with degrees in related disciplines, such as engineering and science, who want a solid foundation in mathematics. All required courses are offered in the late afternoon or evening.

Admissions Requirements:

Applicants for admission are expected to meet the general requirements for admission to graduate study as established by the Graduate School. In addition, applicants must present post-calculus courses in mathematics, as well as related course requirements appropriate for
the intended program of study. The specific undergraduate preparation required for each of the department’s two degree options forms
part of the description of each option.

Faculty:

Professors

K. T. Arasu, combinatorics

Joanne M. Dombrowski, functional analysis, operator theory

Anthony B. Evans, finite geometry, graph theory

Weifu Fang (Chair), applied mathematics, partial differential equations, inverse problems

Ann M. Farrell, mathematics education

Chaocheng Huang, partial differential equations

Qingbo Huang, partial differential equations, harmonic analysis

Susann Mathews, mathematics education

David F. Miller, optimization

Steen Pedersen, operator theory

Thomas P. Svobodny, applied mathematics

Larry Turyn, differential equations, applied analysis

Associate Professors

Yuqing Chen, discrete mathematics

Lop-Fat Ho, optimal control, duality theory

Alexander J. Kaplan, functional analysis

Xiaoyu Liu, combinatorics

Phan Loi, operator theory

Richard Mercer, operator algebras, mathematical physics

Michelle Reed, mathematics education

Dan Slilaty, graph theory, matroid theory, topology

Emily Tian, applied mathematics

James T. Vance Jr., Fourier analysis

Assistant Professors

Aina Appova, mathematics education

Timothy Boester, mathematics education

Qun Li, geometric analysis, partial differential equations

Xiangqian Zhou, discrete mathematics

Mathematics Concentration

The Master of Science degree program in Mathematics offers advanced mathematical training in the traditional areas of mathematics, yet is flexible enough to allow students to pursue related interests in mathematics. Students may select courses in algebra, analysis, combinatorics, and geometry, as well as differential equations, graph theory, numerical analysis, probability, and statistical theory. Individual interests and future goals determine the actual course of study, within the guidelines given below.

The Mathematics Concentration is designed for students with an undergraduate degree in mathematics or the equivalent. Applicants for this program should have completed a minimum of 14 semester hours of mathematics beyond calculus. Courses in analysis (advanced calculus), linear algebra and modern algebra are particularly important. However, courses in other areas of mathematics may also provide the foundation needed for graduate work in mathematics. Applicants with insufficient preparation may be admitted on the condition that they complete certain prerequisite work to be specified by the department at the time of admission.

The M.S. degree in Mathematics requires 30 semester credits of course work, which must include 16 credits, and at least one 3 course sequence, of mathematics classes numbered 7000 and above. The remaining credits may be taken from 6000 or 7000-level mathematics courses, chosen in conjunction with an advisor.

Students graduating from this program typically assume positions in teaching or business, or pursue further graduate training leading to the Ph.D. degree.

Program Requirements:

The Master of Science degree may be earned by satisfying the requirements of the mathematics or the applied mathematics option. The mathematics option is a flexible program emphasizing advanced mathematical concepts in the core areas of mathematics. Students may either complete a traditional curriculum in mathematics or develop, with a graduate advisor, a plan of study that is tailored to their individual needs. Either option can provide a solid foundation for doctoral study in mathematics or for a career in teaching, industry, or government.

All master’s degree candidates are required to pass comprehensive written examinations. The department makes provision for part-time degree candidates by offering courses in the late afternoon or evening.

I. Required 7000-Level Courses: 16 Hours

Students typically choose required 7000-level courses from:

MTH 7310 - Real Analysis I Credit Hour(s): 4
MTH 7320 - Real Analysis II Credit Hour(s): 4
MTH 7510 - Algebra I Credit Hour(s): 4
MTH 7520 - Algebra II Credit Hour(s): 4
MTH 7160 - Numerical Analysis I Credit Hour(s): 4
MTH 7170 - Numerical Analysis II Credit Hour(s): 4

II. Elective Courses: 14 Hours

Students typically choose elective courses from the 7000-level courses above and:

MTH 6190 - Cryptography and Data Security
MTH 6550 - Advanced Linear Algebra Credit Hour(s): 3
MTH 6560 - Coding Theory
MTH 6570 - Combinatorics and Graph Theory Credit Hour(s): 4
MTH 6710 - Geometry Credit Hour(s): 3
MTH 6310 - Real Variables I Credit Hour(s): 3
MTH 6320 - Real Variables II Credit Hour(s): 3
MTH 6510 - Modern Algebra I Credit Hour(s): 3
MTH 6520 - Modern Algebra II Credit Hour(s): 3
STT 6610 - Theory of Statistics I
STT 6620 - Theory of Statistics II

Note(s):

Students may also choose to write a thesis under the direction of a thesis advisor. A thesis will count for at most 6 credit hours in the program.

Students completing a thesis must pass two (2) 90-minute comprehensive examinations over selected coursework. Students not completing a thesis must pass three (3) 90-minute comprehensive examinations over selected coursework.