Why study mathematics?
Because mathematics is a framework upon which humanity builds an understanding of the world.
Mission of the Graduate Program:
The mission of the Graduate Program of the Department of Mathematics is to prepare students for leadership roles in meeting the mathematical needs of our society and to produce professional mathematicians for positions in universities, colleges, industry, governmental agencies, and research centers.
Master of Arts in Mathematics:
The Mathematics Department offers the degree of Master of Arts (M.A.) in Mathematics. The M.A. entails study of advanced mathematics, typically culminating in a substantial thesis or final project demonstrating expertise in a particular area of mathematics. It is intended for students who plan to pursue a Ph.D. subsequently, as well as those who intend to work outside academia. A broad range of specialties is possible; research interests of department faculty include algebra, analysis, combinatorics, control theory, dynamical systems, geometry, numerical analysis, partial differential equations, probability, and statistics. The program offers three options for the M.A. degree, as detailed in the section Degree Requirements. College-wide requirements for graduate students may be found in the Graduate School Catalog.
Admission to Graduate Studies
An applicant seeking to pursue graduate study in the College may be admitted as either a degree-seeking or non-degree seeking student. Policies and procedures of Graduate Studies govern the process of Graduate admission. These may be found in the Graduate Studies section of the online catalog.
Please consult the Departments & Programs section of the online catalog for information regarding program-specific admissions criteria and requirements. Special admissions requirements pertain to Interdisciplinary Studies degrees, which may be found in the Graduate Studies section of the online catalog.
Admission to the M.A. in Mathematics
The minimum prerequisites for admission are:
- an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with a program of study in mathematics;
- a record of achievement that shows strong promise of success in graduate school, including a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average in undergraduate studies and a 3.0 grade-point average in mathematics (department requirement);
- course work in abstract algebra, linear algebra, and advanced calculus or introduction to analysis (comparable to KU courses MATH 500, MATH 558, and MATH 590).
It is beneficial to have preparation in probability/statistics (comparable to MATH 627/MATH 628) and/or numerical analysis (comparable to MATH 581). Although not required, it is also helpful to have taken introductory courses in complex analysis (comparable to MATH 646), partial differential equations (comparable to MATH 647), geometry (comparable to MATH 660/MATH 661), and/or topology.
The Mathematics Department currently does not require the general or subject Graduate Record Examination (GRE), although applicants may submit scores if they wish. International students whose native language is not English must fulfill English language requirements specified by university policies.
Applicants must submit a graduate application online, including the following required materials:
- Transcript from each college or university the applicant has attended (an official transcript must be sent upon acceptance and completion of degree).
- Applicant’s résumé/curriculum vitae.
- A list of the textbooks used in mathematics courses beyond calculus.
- A statement of purpose indicating the applicant’s mathematical preferences and interests.
- 3 letters of reference.
- International applicants must fulfill the University's requirements for English proficiency.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission. The Department of Mathematics evaluates candidates and makes recommendations to the Office of Graduate Studies regarding admission. The number of students admitted to the program changes from year to year, and admissions are competitive based on all application materials. The Department does not guarantee GTA or other financial support for students accepted to the M.A. program. Further information about applications and admissions is available from the Department of Mathematics.
Contact the department:
Michelle Morrison
Graduate Program Coordinator
Department of Mathematics
433 Snow Hall
michmor@ku.edu
The M.A. program is flexible and accommodates the different interests and backgrounds of students. Some of the courses required for the M.A. are common to the Ph.D. tracks, and we encourage students interested in an M.A. to take advanced Ph.D. classes among their selective course work. Many Ph.D. students earn an M.A. on the way to the doctoral degree. They have the option to do so after completing the qualifying examinations.A candidate for the M.A. must fulfill general requirements. At least 30 hours of appropriate graduate credit must be earned with at least a B average, and a research component must be included in the candidate’s program. Usually the research component is fulfilled by writing a thesis or by completing appropriate seminars, independent research, or advanced graduate courses. In addition, a candidate must complete one of these options:
Option 1
Pass the departmental Ph.D. written qualifying examinations and complete 30 hours of courses at the 700 level or higher, of which 12 hours are at the 800 level or higher.
Option 2
Complete the following 30 hours of courses and pass an oral examination:
The additional 9 hours may include the credit (a minimum of 2 hours and a maximum of 6 hours) used to fulfill a research component (e.g., enrollment in MATH 896, MATH 899, MATH 990, MATH 993, or advanced courses). An M.A. candidate must demonstrate an ability to communicate mathematics both orally and in written form. An M.A. candidate not selecting the thesis option (MATH 899) is expected to write a technical report as part of his or her research component. A candidate must give a short (30 to 60 minutes) presentation of her or his research in the first part of the oral examination.
Option 3
Complete 36 credit hours of courses numbered 600 or above including:
Complete a research component and pass an oral examination. At least 24 of the 36 hours must be in courses numbered 700 or above. Course equivalents to MATH 727, MATH 765, MATH 781, MATH 790, or MATH 791 may be substituted if approved by the graduate studies committee. An M.A. candidate may, with prior approval of the chair of the graduate studies committee, substitute up to 9 hours of courses taught in other departments (e.g., computer science, economics, physics or similar department in the natural sciences). Also, the 36 hours may include the credit (a minimum of 2 hours and a maximum of 6 hours) used to fulfill a research component (e.g., enrollment in MATH 896, MATH 899, MATH 990, MATH 993, or advanced courses). An M.A. candidate must demonstrate an ability to communicate mathematics both orally and in written form. In particular, an M.A. candidate not selecting the thesis option (MATH 899) is expected to write a technical report as part of his or her research component. Also, a candidate must give a short (30 to 60 minutes) presentation of her or his research in the first part of the oral examination. A proposed program of study must be submitted to the chair of the graduate studies committee at the earliest feasible time, preferably during the second semester of enrollment. The degree is awarded only on the basis of an approved program, which can, however, be revised.
