Mathematics and Statistics, MA

Location(s): Main Campus

The department is committed to the idea that pure and applied mathematics are two faces of the same subject. The department offers a lively research atmosphere and students are encouraged to take a broad range of courses. Our faculty’s research expertise includes algebra, analysis, combinatorics, dynamical systems, geometry/topology, graph theory, number theory, probability and statistics. Our department strives to develop intellectual independence in its graduate students both through individual attention and in small classes.Teaching assistants are given varied assignments intended to increase both their experience and employability.

Within the MA program there is a choice of two areas of emphasis:

The MA in mathematics program is intended to give the student a solid professional basis either for proceeding to the PhD program or for work in government, industry or teaching at the community college level. The mathematics component provides students both with breadth and depth of higher-level pure mathematics. In pure mathematics, the department has special emphasis in algebra, analysis, combinatorics - geometry/topology, graph theory, number theory and probability. In addition, students are encouraged to be acquainted with some applications and to take some courses in statistics and/or computer science.

The MA in Statistics program provides students with a solid foundation of practical knowledge to work with applied statistics in depth, preparing them for future careers in the public and private sectors as data scientists, consultants and engineers who manage and analyze data. The statistics component gives broad training. The master’s degree prepares students for jobs as statisticians and data analysts in government and industry. Students are given training in many diverse statistical methods used to analyze data, as well as the mathematical, statistical and probabilistic foundation.

A detailed explanation of the requirements for the master’s degrees can be found in the Graduate Handbook of the department.

Admission Requirements

For admission to regular standing, a student should have a bachelor’s degree and have completed (with an average of at least 3.0 gpa) a set of mathematics courses approximately equivalent to those required for a bachelor’s degree at Harpur College with a specialization in mathematics. The department requires submission of Graduate Record Examination scores for the general test and, if possible, the subject test in mathematics. Entering students having substantial graduate-level training may enter the PhD program, skipping the MA.

Program Requirements

MA in Mathematics Course Requirements

Students pursuing the MA in Mathematics must complete a minimum of 32 credits of coursework at the graduate level. The credit requirement may technically be satisfied in three semesters; however, the 32-credit requirement is regarded as minimal, and most students take four semesters to complete the master’s degree. Each student’s program is worked out in consultation with an advisor, under the general supervision of the graduate committee.

MA in Statistics Course Requirements

Students pursuing the MA in Statistics must complete a minimum of 42 credits of coursework at the graduate level. This includes 10 four-credit courses and two one-credit capstone seminars, to be finished in four semesters. Each student’s program is worked out in consultation with an advisor, under the general supervision of the graduate committee.

Oral Examination and Master’s Thesis Requirements

Successful completion of an MA in either Mathematics or Statistics requires that students complete either an oral examination or master’s thesis, as well as the required coursework.

Additional Information About the Program

For more information on the Mathematics and Statistics MA program, please refer to the Mathematics and Statistics website. To apply to the Mathematics and Statistics MA program, please visit the University Admissions website.