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Mathematics Graduate Degree Programs

Candidates must fulfill the requirements of the College of Graduate Studies and of the Department of Mathematics. See the College of Graduate Studies section for the general university requirements applicable to each degree.

Master of Science in Mathematics. General M.S. requirements apply. An undergraduate major in mathematics or its equivalent is a prerequisite. Of the minimum of 30 credits required for this degree, at least 18 credits must be in mathematics at the 500 level (excluding Math 500, Math 510-Math 519, Math 599,seminars, and directed study); the remaining 12 credits may include 400 and 500 level courses in mathematics, and 300 or 400 level courses in supporting areas. A thesis is not required, but a three-hour comprehensive written examination covering 6 mathematics courses chosen by the student (with at least 5 at the 500 level) is required.

Master of Arts in Teaching. General M.A.T. requirements apply. Under advisement of the major professor and committee, a broadly based study plan is designed taking into consideration the candidate's interests and teaching needs. The plan should include mathematics courses from several pure mathematics areas, for example, algebra, topology, analysis, geometry, and number theory. A three-hour written examination is given over the courses in the study plan. Students entering the M.A.T. program will be considered deficient if they have not completed a standard sequence in calculus (equivalent to Math 170-Math 175-Math 275).

The M.A.T. degree in mathematics may also be obtained via distance learning. This distance learning program is designed to meet the needs of in-service teachers. The requirements outlined above apply, but here the study plan is designed using courses that are available by video or in summer programs on-campus or at off-campus sites.

Doctor of Philosophy. In addition to the general university requirements for the Ph.D., the department requires that 36 credits of graduate-level mathematics (excluding Math 500, Math 510-Math 519, Math 599, Math 600, seminars, and directed study) be completed or transferred (with at least 18 credits completed at UI).

The preliminary examination must be passed no later than the end of the student's fourth year of graduate study and before the dissertation is started. The preliminary examination is composed of three parts covering the areas algebra, analysis, and one of topology, combinatorics, or differential equations. These are given all in a one-week period and are graded by a departmental committee that may recommend additional testing in one or more of the specific areas if satisfactory results are not obtained. The committee may also recommend an oral examination in certain areas by the supervisory committee.

The dissertation must be of an original research nature and be in an area spanned by the research interests of the major professor. A final examination that amounts to a defense of the dissertation is required. Acceptability of the dissertation is to be determined by the student's major professor and graduate committee.