2007-2009 Bulletin 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2007-2009 Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Mathematics, M.A.


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Traditionally, graduate programs in mathematics and mathematical sciences have emphasized doctoral programs, and most young mathematicians have gone into university or college teaching. However, career opportunities for people with applied training have expanded greatly. For this reason, in addition to the usual M.A. in Mathematics that may be regarded as a portion of the Ph.D. degree, the Mathematics Department has designed a career-oriented master’s program that emphasizes training for jobs at the M.A. level in the areas of physical applied mathematics, scientific computing, systems and control theory, and operations research and statistics.

Students may be admitted to an M.A. or an M.S. degree with approval of the faculty. This program provides students with actual working experience in applied mathematics, so that graduates are well prepared for positions in industry or government. Students who later become interested in pursuing the Ph.D. Program at Claremont Graduate University or elsewhere have a sound foundation upon which to build.

Course Requirements. A minimum of 32 units of graduate credit is required for an M.A./M.S. Degree. More than the minimum of 32 units may be required of a student whose undergraduate major lacks fundamental courses particularly suited to his or her intended program. The student must achieve a B average or better in the 32 units to qualify for the M.A./M.S. degree. Students whose averages fall below B at any time during their studies may be placed on academic probation and become subject to dismissal from the program after review by the faculty. See “Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy ” in this Bulletin. For residence and other requirements, see the “Degree Regulations ” section in this Bulletin.

Concentration


The master’s program course requirement is five advanced courses and three intermediate-level courses in a program approved by the school. Advanced courses are essentially those numbered 300 and above, and intermediate courses are those numbered 200 and above. Details are available from the school. Most students will base their program of study on one of the following areas of concentration supported by the school.

  • Physical applied mathematics
  • Scientific computing, computational mathematics, and numerical analysis
  • Systems and control theory
  • Operations research and statistics
  • Pure mathematics

Physical Applied Mathematics


This program is designed to train students either for careers in industry or government, or for further graduate work in applied mathematics. The program includes courses in applicable mathematics, applied analysis, computer science, differential equations, mathematical modeling and simulation, probability, and statistics. Work in the Mathematics Clinic provides an opportunity to apply, in a substantial and creative way, some of the analytical and modeling techniques acquired in the program.

Scientific Computing, Computational Mathematics, and Numerical Analysis


This program is designed to prepare students with a special interest in the theoretical or practical aspects of computation for immediate employment or further graduate training. The program includes courses in applicable mathematics, modeling, algorithms, advanced programming, mathematical modeling and simulation, numerical analysis, probability and statistics, and Mathematics Clinic.

Systems and Control Theory


This program is designed especially for engineering-oriented students with a special interest in systems analysis, control theory, and signal processing. It includes courses in applicable mathematics, mathematical modeling, numerical analysis, differential equations, integral transforms, statistics, and Mathematics Clinic.

Operations Research and Statistics


This program trains students for careers in industry, business, or government, in which emphasis is placed on decision making in a scientific context. The program includes courses in applicable mathematics, deterministic and stochastic operations research, mathematical modeling and simulation, probability and statistics, game theory, and Mathematics Clinic.

Pure Mathematics


This program is designed for students interested in continuing to a doctoral degree in pure mathematics and a career either in research or in education at the college or graduate level. The program includes courses in algebra, real and complex analysis, and topology.

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