Masters degree

A student who passes all requirements for PhD candidacy is automatically eligible for a masters degree (M.S.). Students who wish to leave after passing the core course sequences are eligible for a masters degree provided that they satisfy the following requirements. Checklist for Regular Masters Degree: Courses: The student must pass 32 credit hours of graduate level mathematics courses. These must be chosen in conference with the director of pure math, or with an advisor chosen by the student with the agreement of the director and department chair. Normally the required courses consist of the four core course sequences. Masters Comprehensive Exam: During the semester before the masters degree is conferred, the student must be enrolled in MAT 8966, which officially makes them eligible for the Masters Comprehensive Exam (MCE). Passing the MCE depends on their performance in core course sequences and qualifier exams. For example, achieving a ``master's level pass" on 3 qualifier exams is normally sufficient for passing the MCE. The department also offers a Flexible Option Masters Degree which does not require the full four core course sequences. This degree option is targeted specifically to students interested in gaining higher credentials to teach at the community college level. More information about university guidelines for a masters degree (including how to get an M.A. instead of an M.S.) can be found in the Graduate Bulletin.

(latest update: 7/21/09)