Applied Mathematics, MS

The Department of Mathematics offers a strong graduate program leading to the Master of Science (MS) in Applied Mathematics. Specific areas of study currently available include probability and statistics, differential equations, applied analysis, algebra, and coding theory.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will understand core graduate mathematics material and students must demonstrate substantial comprehension of Linear Algebra and Analysis, the common core subjects required of all students in the program.
• Competence in written and oral communication is essential for most mathematical careers. Such communication skills are also important in many other aspects of life, therefore students will be able to deliver written and oral presentations demonstrating comprehension of complex mathematical content and the ability to communicate that complex mathematical content to a broad audience (general department faculty and graduate students).
• The program prepares students for a variety of mathematical careers. The current program has four identified tracks: computational and applied mathematics, education, business and management, and PhD preparation. Students should be prepared for employment requiring mathematical skill and sophistication at the Master’s level.
• Students shall develop a more sophisticated view of mathematics than is achieved in the undergraduate program. The opportunity for sophisticated learning comes both in and outside the classroom. Student exposure to mathematical research and advanced applications is an important aspect of this goal.
• Students successfully completing the PhD preparation track should be able to enter quality doctoral programs with a reasonable probability of success.
• Students should have the opportunity to hear research talks in seminars and colloquia, and participate in research projects (this might come through on campus employment, independent study, or thesis work). Students are strongly encouraged to attend our biweekly colloquium.

Admission Requirements

The admission criteria include but are NOT limited to the following requirements. Any decision regarding admission is made by the Graduate Committee on an individual basis, after taking into consideration the application material and supporting documents.

• Bachelor’s degree in mathematics (or a Bachelor’s degree in some other field, with extensive coursework in mathematics), including a course in Real Analysis comparable to the UCCS course MATH 4310 Modern Analysis I .
• A minimum grade point average of 3.0. Under special circumstances, students may be admitted with a lower grade point average (or without a course in analysis) as provisional degree students.

Please refer to the Graduate School admissions requirements.

Graduate Teaching Fellowships

A limited number of teaching assistantships are available. For information contact the graduate advisor of the Department of Mathematics. Typically, students requesting assistantships should indicate this three months prior to the application deadline for the intended semester.

Applied Mathematics, MS-Tracks

To respond to the needs of both students and employers, the Mathematics department has organized this degree program into a system of four tracks, which are intended to help students develop their programs of study.

• PhD preparation track
• Applied and computational mathematics track
• Education track
• Business and management track

Detailed information about the tracks may be found on our website. Customized programs of study are also available.

General Requirements

• A 3.0 grade point average in all coursework applied towards the degree.
• All degree courses must be part of an approved plan of study which is developed by the student and approved by the advisor (Chair of the Graduate Committee) within the first semester after being admitted to the program. This plan may be revised at any time with the approval of the advisor. The plan will require students to demonstrate some cohesiveness in the courses chosen, or to demonstrate a clear subject area of concentration.
• Students completing one of the four existing tracks of study will automatically fulfill the requirements for the MS Applied Math degree.
• At least 30 credit hours of approved graduate work, including MATH 5130 Linear Algebra I  and MATH 5320 Modern Analysis II . All students must pass the comprehensive examination in Modern Analysis.
• Courses will have graduate rank only they are at the 5000 level or higher and are taught by members of the graduate school faculty.
• A student may complete up to 12 credit hours of appropriate graduate coursework in departments other than the Department of Mathematics, as part of the tracks program. Such courses MUST be PRE-approved by the advisor.
• Students may select a thesis or non-thesis option. Students pursuing the thesis option will replace up to 6 credit hours of courses with a Master’s thesis.
• All students must make an oral presentation regarding some aspect of advanced mathematics. For students pursuing the thesis option, the thesis defense will qualify as such a presentation.

The department graduate committee must approve exceptions to these requirements.

Course Requirements