This program gives students a broad background in mathematics, placing an emphasis on areas with the highest demand in applications: numerical methods and scientific computation, mathematical modeling, discrete mathematics, mathematical materials science, optimization and operations research. In addition to these advanced areas of specialization, students are encouraged to acquire breadth by choosing elective courses in other fields that complement their studies in applied mathematics. Students have a choice of completing their master’s thesis or project in cooperation with one of the department’s established industrial partners. The program provides a suitable foundation for the pursuit of a Ph.D. degree in applied mathematics or a related field, or for a career in industry immediately after graduation.
Degree Requirements
The master’s program in Applied Mathematics requires a minimum of 30 credit-hours of coursework. Additional credit from coursework may be required by the department depending on the student’s background. The student’s program must include MA 502, MA 503, and MA 510 and at least four additional MA numbered graduate courses other than MA 500, MA 501, MA 511, and MA 517.
In addition, students are required to complete a Capstone Experience, which can be satisfied by one of the following options:
(a) A six credit master’s thesis.
(b) A three to six credit master’s project.
(c) A three credit master’s practicum.
(d) A three credit research review report or research proposal.
(e) A master’s exam.
The master’s thesis is an original piece of mathematical research work which focuses on advancing the state of the mathematical art. The master’s project consists of a creative application of mathematics to a real-world problem. It focuses on problem definition and solution using mathematical tools. The master’s practicum requires a student to demonstrate the integration of advanced mathematical concepts and methods into professional practice. This could be done through a summer internship in industry or an applied research laboratory. The remaining courses may be chosen from the graduate courses or independent studies of the Mathematical Sciences Department. Upper-level (i.e., 3000 or 4000 level) undergraduate mathematics courses or in another department may be taken for graduate credit up to six credits, subject to the approval of the program coordinator. Candidates are required to successfully complete the graduate seminar MA 557.