Departmental Requirements for M.S. in Mathematics:
Mathematics Education
The Master of Science degree with specialization in mathematics education requires that the student demonstrate knowledge in certain core areas.
Core course requirements: All candidates for the M.S. degree wirh specialization in mathematics education must earn a grade of A or B in a prescribed 18 hours from the following list of core courses.
Basic areas:
Nine hours total from the following courses, with three hours from courses listed in each of the following areas:
- Analysis: Advanced Calculus I (MATH 5043)
- Algebra/Number Theory: Three hours from any of Modern Algebra I (MATH 5003), Modern Algebra II (MATH 5013), Advanced Linear Algebra (MATH 5023), Number Theory (MATH 5713*)
- Mathematics Education: Introduction to Research in Mathematics Education (MATH 5913)
Topical areas:
Nine hours total from the following courses, with six hours in one of these areas and three hours in another:
- Discrete Mathematics/Computer Science: Linear and Nonlinear Programming (MATH 4553), Combinatorial Mathematics (MATH 4663), Numerical Analysis (MATH 5513*), Numerical Analysis for Differential Equations (MATH 5543), Numerical Analysis for Linear Algebra (MATH 5553), Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis I (CS 4343), Artificial Intelligence I (CS 5723*), Computer Science Migration (CS 4154)
- Geometry: Groups and Representations (MATH 5803*), Differential Geometry (MATH 5413), Computer Graphics (CS 5143*)
- Statistics: Probability Theory (STAT 5123), Statistical Inference (STAT 5223), Statistics for Experimenters I (STAT 5013), Statistics for Experimenters II (STAT 5023), Sample Survey Designs (STAT 5043), Multivariate Methods (STAT 5063), Experimental Design (STAT 5303), Applied Regression Analysis (STAT 5543*)
Note on prerequisites: It is assumed that students will have already completed the equivalent of Introduction to Modern Algebra (MATH 3613), Introduction to Modern Analysis (MATH 4023), Geometry (MATH 4403), and Statistical Methods I (STAT 4013), thereby providing a sound foundation for graduate study. Courses taken as an undergraduate can be used to satisfy the above requirements, as long as they are consistent with the Graduate College requirements.
Courses outside the Mathematics Department other than those listed above must be approved by the student's advisory committee.
Course numbers labeled * are cross-listed with an undergraduate section.
Courses taken in graduate school: The courses taken in graduate school must total at least 32 hours, which may include two hours for a Master's report. If a student elects to write a thesis, the minimum number of hours is reduced to 30. The courses taken on the M.S. degree program must include at least 21 hours of non-cross-listed courses, of which 20 hours must be from the mathematical sciences (mathematics, statistics, or computer science). No more than six hours outside the mathematical sciences will count towards the M.S. degree. All the courses on the M.S. degree program must constitute a coherent whole and must be approved by the student's advisory committee.
Creative component, report, or thesis: Each student must complete a creative component, a report, or a thesis. Under any of these three options, a written document and a public presentation based on this individually directed project is required.
Teaching experience: Any student in this program who is also a Teaching Assistant in the Department of Mathematics is encouraged to work with the Associate Head in designing a broad spectrum of teaching assignments.
Other requirements: The university catalog contains detailed procedures and requirements applicable to all Master's degrees.