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Mathematics, M.A.

  1. Graduates will be able to demonstrate the ability to learn high-level mathematical concepts and techniques.
  2. Graduates will be able to demonstrate the ability to apply methods of direct and indirect proof to solve problems at the master’s level.
  3. Graduates will be able to demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate mathematics in both a written and oral setting.
  4. Graduates will be able to demonstrate master’s-level depth of understanding of mathematics at the foundation of contemporary applications.

Students must earn a grade of B or better in their Required Courses.

Required Courses
Select two of the following core courses:6
MATH 5110
Algebraic Structures I
MATH 5210
Measure Theory
MATH 5310
Point Set Topology
STAT 5850
Statistical Inference
Two additional courses in the same subject area as the chosen core courses6
Elective Courses
Six additional MATH or STAT courses, at least four at the 5000-level or above.18
Thesis Option: Students completing a thesis take 6 credits of MATH 5990 as part of their elective courses.
Total Credits30

Coursework for the Master’s Degree

The Master of Arts in Mathematics requires ten courses in mathematics. At least eight of the courses must be at the 5000-level or higher; no more than 6 credits can count from the 4000-level. All master’s students must complete at least two 5000-level or higher courses in two of the subject areas from algebra (MATH 5100-5199 or MATH 6100-6199), analysis (MATH 5200-5299 or MATH 6200-6299), statistics (STAT 5000+), and topology (MATH 5300-5399 or MATH 6300-6399). At least two of these four required courses must be from MATH 5110 Algebraic Structures IMATH 5210 Measure TheoryMATH 5310 Point Set Topology, and STAT 5850 Statistical Inference. The department offers the four core courses on a rotating basis as well as a variety of electives and advanced topics each year. Full time students typically take three courses each semester and complete the degree in two years. If a student has not had courses in algebra, analysis, or statistics at the undergraduate level, then the student usually takes (Introduction to Abstract Algebra (MATH 5011)), Introduction to Analysis (MATH 5021), or introductory statistics courses first.

Non-Course Requirements

In addition to the 10 courses in mathematics or statistics, master’s students must take a comprehensive oral exam in the final semester of their program or complete a thesis.

Non-Thesis: Oral Exams

The comprehensive oral exam is administered by three faculty members. The exam consists of three parts, one for each of three assessment areas. Assessment areas are chosen by the Graduation Program Coordinator in consultation with the student. In each part, the student gives a ten minute talk on a mathematical topic in that area. Each talk will be followed by a question and answer period. The duration of each of the three parts is about thirty minutes.

MA Thesis

Master’s students have the option of writing a master’s thesis. In that case, two of the courses in the second year would be devoted to research for the thesis, and the master’s oral exam is replaced by an oral defense of the thesis.

The student must prepare a written thesis and oral defense that presents the results of an independent mathematical project that the student has carried out, with the guidance of a faculty member. The student must also complete 6 credits hours of MATH 5990 Thesis Research.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
Participation in first-year mentoring program  
MATH 5130 Computational Algebra 3
MATH 5021 Introduction to Analysis 3
MATH 5310 Point Set Topology 3
 Credits9
Spring
MATH 5022 Metric Spaces 3
MATH 5110 Algebraic Structures I 3
MATH 6310 Algebraic Topology 3
 Credits9
Year Two
Fall
MATH 5350 Differential Topology 3
MATH 5990 Thesis Research 3
 Credits6
Spring
MATH 5990 Thesis Research 3
MATH 5140 Algebraic Combinatorics 3
 Credits6
 Total Credits30

Program Notes

The above roadmap is intended for a student with a reasonably strong undergraduate mathematics degree who intends to study pure mathematics. See the requirements for more details. 

For more information about our program, please contact mathstat@slu.edu or call 314-977-2444.