Mathematical Sciences, M.S.

General Program Information

Graduate School Contact:

Gail Powers; powers@etsu.edu; 423-439-4703

Jeff Knisley, Ph.D., Program Coordinator

308K Gilbreath Hall
Box 70663
(423) 439-4716
e-mail: knisleyj@etsu.edu

Anant Godbole, Ph.D., Chair

312 Gilbreath Hall
Box 70663
(423) 439-5359
e-mail: godbolea@etsu.edu

Faculty:

Robert Beeler; Robert B. Gardner; Anant Godbole; Teresa Haynes; Michel Helfgott; Debra Knisley; Jeff Knisley; Yali Liu; Yared Nigussie; Rick Norwood; George D. Poole; Robert Price; Edith Seier.

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers a flexible program of study leading to the Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Mathematical Sciences. After completing a core program of twelve (12) credits, the student may select coursework from a curriculum designed to emphasize classical mathematics, applied mathematics/computational mathematics, actuarial mathematics, mathematical statistics, or mathematics education.

A student may pursue a program of study to include coursework in other mathematically oriented disciplines. For example, under the supervision of a graduate advisor, the student may design a program in which as much as half of the student’s coursework is taken at the graduate level in computer science, management science, physics, technology, or some other mathematically oriented area.

Depending on the design of the program, opportunities for the student who successfully completes the M.S. degree are numerous. These programs may lead to careers in business, industry, government, or advanced teaching positions in secondary or higher education. The department also offers a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Mathematical Sciences with a concentration in Precollegiate Mathematics.

Mathematical Sciences Program Admission Requirements

For admission to the program a student must have:

1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in mathematics or related area.
2. Submit general GRE scores.
3. Submit three (3) letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with applicant’s academic performance and likelihood of success in the School of Graduate Studies.
4. Complete all of the admission requirements of the School of Graduate Studies.

Incoming students lacking certain prerequisites may be required to make up these deficiencies. However, graduate credit will not be given for this coursework.

Each student is required to take a comprehensive examination in Calculus I-II and Linear Algebra. These exams are to be taken during the first semester of enrollment. In the event that a student does not achieve a grade of “B” or better on the examination, the student must make arrangements to do remedial work and retake the examination at the next scheduled time. The student may not register for MATH 5960   (Thesis) until both examinations have been passed by achieving a grade of “B” or better.

Minimum Degree Requirements

The student should meet with the graduate coordinator as soon as possible to determine career goals and a program of study. In consultation with the student, the graduate coordinator will assign a committee and chair. A minimum of 30 semester credits of acceptable work, including a thesis, is required for a degree. Of the 30 required credits no more than nine (9) credits can be from courses with numbers 5XX7.

Additional Information:

Courses—No later than the time when a student completes twelve (12) credits of approved coursework, a committee will be appointed for the student. The committee and student, together, will decide which courses the student will take to complete the Master of Science degree. In addition to mathematics courses, students who are interested in applications of mathematics are encouraged to elect courses in computer science, management science, physics, technology, and other mathematically oriented fields. The final approval of the student’s program rests with the graduate coordinator and the committee chair.

Thesis—The chair of the student’s committee will ordinarily direct the research and preparation of the thesis. After selecting a topic, the student, in consultation with the student’s committee, must prepare a tentative outline. This outline must be kept current during the preparation of the thesis and contained in the student’s graduate folder.

Cooperative Program—The Department of Mathematics and Statistics participates in the cooperative education program. All students are encouraged to participate in this program to gain practical experience in the applications of mathematics. A maximum of four (4) hours of graduate credit may be earned toward graduation through this program.

Teacher Certification—A student interested in teacher certification should contact the College of Education about the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) or the Master of Education program.