The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers a Master of Science in Mathematics with two flexible tracks:

Theory track:  Designed for students interested in mathematics as an abstract discipline, particularly those considering a Ph.D.  Core coursework emphasizes advanced theoretical foundations.  Students may take up to two approved courses in related fields such as business and finance, computer science, engineering, physics, or the social sciences.

Industry track:  Intended for students who plan to apply mathematics in fields such as engineering, computer science, business, medicine, industry, or the social sciences.  Core coursework includes at least two approved graduate courses in a related field to demonstrate practical applications of advanced mathematics.  Students may take up to two additional approved courses in those areas.  

Each track includes a thesis option. See Program Requirements below for more details. 

Eligibility: The MS program is open to students with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, and also to applicants who have developed a substantial mathematical background with a degree in engineering, computer science, physics, statistics, or finance. The requisite mathematical proficiency is ordinarily demonstrated through the completion of the following courses: Calculus I, II, and III, a course on proofs techniques, linear algebra, abstract algebra, and analysis.
Students who are eligible for Master’s program should note that standard university guidelines for eligibility will apply, in addition to the following:
  1. GPA of at least 3.00 in math courses in their undergraduate degree or permission of the Graduate Committee.
  2. At least one letter of recommendation from a math faculty at their undergraduate institution.
  3. A statement of purpose.
Application Procedure: Application to the graduate program should be submitted via: www.catholic.edu/admission/graduate/index.html.
 

Program Requirements

Coursework: The MS degree requires 30 credit hours.  Students choosing the thesis option (6 credits) complete 24 credit hours of coursework.  Incoming students—whether transferring from another graduate program or continuing from an undergraduate degree—may transfer up to two graduate-level courses toward their master’s degree, subject to graduate committee approval.  Students can select courses from a range of options to fulfill the requirements of their chosen track.  

Of the ten required courses, most must be mathematics (designated MATH).  Theory Track students may take up to two courses from related fields, such as computer science, engineering, business and finance, physics, or social sciences.  Industry Track must choose two courses from related areas and may take up to two additional courses from these fields.. Industry Track students may opt for up to two additional courses from related areas.  All non-math courses require graduate committee approval.

Thesis Option:  Students in either track may choose the thesis option, completing the degree with either 10 courses or 8 courses plus two semesters of thesis research under the guidance of a mathematics faculty member. Thesis work typically begins in the second semester, though exceptional students may start in the first semester.

Comprehensive Exam:  The MS comprehensive exam consists of a presentation on selected topics, followed by faculty questions.  For thesis students, the thesis defense fulfills the comprehensive exam requirement.

Program Requirements
MATH-MS Program Course(s) Credits (30 Total)
Theory Track
Select 1 algebra course MATH 501,505, or 506 3
Select 1 topology/analysis course MATH 520, 521, or 522 3

Select 8 MATH elective courses

  OR

Select 6 MATH elective courses w/optional master's thesis (equal to six-credits)

Possible electives: MATH 501, 503, 505, 506, 507, 508, 515, 520, 521, 522, 524, 531, 532, 534, 536, 541, 580, 612, 618 

 Also possible:

Approved courses in related fields (maximum two courses)

24

OR

18

 
Industry Track
Select 1 statistics course  MATH 531, 532, 534 3
Select 2 related-field courses* Possible fields: computer science (CSC), engineering (ENGR), finance (FIN), physics (PHYS) 6

Select 7 MATH elective courses

OR

Select 5 Math elective courses w/optional master's thesis (equal to 6-credits)

Possible electives: MATH 501, 503, 505, 506, 507, 508, 515, 520, 521, 522, 524, 531, 532, 534, 536, 542, 580, 612, 618 

Also possible:

Approved courses in related fields (maximum two courses)

21

OR

15

See the Course Catalog for a list of graduate mathematics courses (numbered 500 or above).