Mathematics, MA

The Master’s program in mathematics is career-oriented and designed to emphasize training in the areas of physical applied mathematics, computational science, systems and control theory, and operations research and statistics. The program provides students with applied, working experience as preparation for positions in industry or government. It also offers a solid foundation for those who later pursue a doctoral degree in mathematics.

Admission requirements are detailed in the Admission section of the Bulletin.

Degree Requirements

Students may elect to work toward a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) degree.

Course Requirements. A minimum of 32 units of graduate coursework is required for either the MA or MS. Students whose undergraduate coursework lacks fundamental mathematics courses may be required to complete more than 32 units.

At least 20 units of coursework must be gamma courses–that is, 300-level and above. A grade of B- or above must be earned in gamma courses.

Satisfactory Academic Progress. The University’s policy on satisfactory academic progress applies. Students who do not maintain a minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 in Mathematics courses are placed on academic probation. Students who remain on academic probation after taking an additional 8 units of Mathematics courses may be excluded from the program.

University Policies. University policies detailed in the Academic Policies section of the Bulletin apply.

Professional experience policy

In lieu of one formal course, students may take Math 398 Independent Study with a research advisor leading to a publication quality technical report in an area of the mathematical sciences. Subject to approval by their academic advisor, students working outside campus on mathematical/statistical projects may also use this professional experience as the basis of a Math 398 Independent Study. At most 2 units per semester can be acquired in this practical type of independent study, which will not be counted as a gamma course.

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

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.

Academic Bulletin