Mathematics, 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.

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.

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. 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, with at least a B average, and with no grades below C- among these credits. Of these credits, students must complete courses from at least three of the five major areas in the department:

Algebra
Analysis
Combinatorics
Geometry and topology
Probability and Statistics

The distribution of courses must include

at least 2 introductory courses from one area
at least 2 introductory courses from a second area
at least 2 introductory courses from a third area, or at least one introductory course each from a third and a fourth area

Additionally, students must choose one area in which to take a total of at least three courses. Students must achieve at least a B- in each course used to fulfill these distribution requirements.

These requirements 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.

Comprehensive Examination and Master’s Thesis Requirements

Successful completion of an MA in Mathematics requires that students complete comprehensive examinations, as well as the required coursework. Part of the comprehensive examination requirement may be replaced with a master’s thesis.

Additional Information About the Program

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