Mathematics Graduate Program Information
Program-Specific Degree Requirements
Master's Programs: M.A. and M.S. Plan A and Plan B
The math department maintains 4 tracks by which students may obtain a Master of Arts
(M.A.) or Master of Science (M.S.) degree in mathematics.
The following requirements are common to all four tracks:
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The student must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
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The student must complete 30 hours of formal mathematics coursework at the 5000 level.
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As part of the 30 hours of formal 5000-level mathematics courses, the student must
complete the following courses with a grade of B or better:
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o MATH 5200: Real Variables I,
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o MATH 5230: Complex Variables I,
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o MATH 5310: Computational Methods I
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o MATH 5400: Methods of Applied Mathematics I,
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o MATH 5500: Advanced Linear Algebra, and
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o MATH 5550: Abstract Algebra I.
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The student must pass the department’s Foundation Exam. This exam covers material
from advanced vector calculus and linear algebra at the upper-division undergraduate
level and is offered before the beginning of each semester.
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Take one hour of the seminar 4970: Professional Development in Mathematics and one
hour of the seminar 4970: Professional Development in Teaching.
In addition to the common elements above, students must select and complete one of
the capstone experiences described in the tracks below.
Track #1: Master's Thesis (Plan A)
Within the 30 hours of 5000-level courses, the Plan A student must complete 4 hours
of MATH 5960: Thesis Research. At least 26 hours of 5000-level coursework must be
math-content courses (not thesis research).
The student must prepare a master’s thesis (Plan A) and give an oral defense of the
thesis. In the mathematics program, a Plan A thesis reports on the result(s) of independent
and original research completed by the student under the direction of a faculty member.
The thesis should describe the research and its results and be written to the standards
of the appropriate area of mathematics.
Track #2: Master's Paper (Plan B)
The student must prepare a master’s paper (Plan B) and give an oral defense.
To write a Plan B paper, the student must present an expository paper on a designated
mathematical subject. Students are guided by their advisor in the subject matter and
in the preparation of the paper. A successful paper and defense demonstrates that
the student has mastered a substantial mathematical topic that is beyond those covered
in formal foundational coursework.
Track #3: Coursework/Project (Plan B)
A second M.A. or M.S. option exists for the Plan B student. In lieu of writing a paper,
the student takes a sequence of three 5000-level courses that all address a common
mathematical theme. The sequence must be approved by the student’s advisor and the
mathematics graduate committee. Two of the courses must be mathematics-department
offerings, and the third may be either a mathematics course (including reading/topics
courses) or a course from another department in a related field.
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The student must complete an additional 6 hours of courses at the 5000 level. Thus,
Track #3 requires the completion of 36 hours of graduate-level coursework.
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Within the 36 hours, the student must propose and complete with a grade of B or better
an appropriate 3-course sequence
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The student will write a short paper illustrating how the common mathematical theme
of the sequence manifests itself in the content of each course and give a presentation/defense
of the paper.
In approving the student’s proposal for this option, the graduate committee and the
advisor will consider how the writing and independent study spirit of the Plan B option
are fulfilled within the recommended plan.
Track #4: Qualifying Exam (Plan B)
A third M.A. or M.S. option exists for the Plan B student. In lieu of writing a paper
or taking additional coursework, the student must take and pass the department’s PhD
Qualifying Examination in one of the three areas: Analysis, Algebra, or Applied Mathematics.
These examinations focus on the material in the required courses.
These examinations are given twice a year at the beginning of the fall and spring
semesters.
**This option is intended for students who will continue for a PhD at UW.**
