Mathematical Sciences, M.S.

General Program Information

Dr. Rodney Keaton, Graduate Coordinator
308F Gilbreath Hall
Box 70663
(423) 439-4676
e-mail: keatonr@etsu.edu

Dr. Robert M. Price, Jr., Chair
312 Gilbreath Hall
Box 70663
(423) 439-5359
e-mail: pricejr@etsu.edu

Faculty: Robert Beeler; Ariel Cintron-Arias; Robert B. Gardner; Anant Godbole; JeanMarie Hendrickson; Michele Joyner; Rodney Keaton; Jeff Knisley; Rick Norwood; Robert Price; Daryl Stephens; Mostafa Zahed

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers a flexible program of study leading to a master of science (M.S.) degree in mathematical sciences. The program requires a core of 9-12 credits. The remaining credits may be selected from a curriculum designed to emphasize pure mathematics, applied mathematics, or applied statistics

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.

Program Admission Requirements

The following requirements are in addition to the general admission requirements of ETSU’s Graduate School:

A bachelor’s degree in mathematics or related area from an accredited college or university.
Three (3) letters of recommendation

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.

Mathematical Sciences, M.S. Degree Requirements: 30 credits

Core Requirements	12 credits
Advisor Approved Electives	15 credits
Thesis	3 credits
TOTAL	30 credits

Mathematical Sciences Core Requirements: 12 credits

MATH 5210 - Real Analysis I (3 credits)
MATH 5410 - Modern Algebra I (3 credits)

One (1) Two-Course Sequence

The student’s program of study must contain at least one (1) two-course sequence. Examples of two-course sequences include:

MATH 5210 - Real Analysis I (3 credits) and
MATH 5220 - Real Analysis II (3 credits)
MATH 5257 - Numerical Analysis (3 credits) and
MATH 5267 - Numerical Linear Algebra (3 credits)
MATH 5340 - Graph Theory I (3 credits) and
MATH 5450 - Graph Theory II (3 credits)
MATH 5410 - Modern Algebra I (3 credits) and
MATH 5420 - Modern Algebra II (3 credits)
MATH 5510 - Complex Analysis I (3 credits) and
MATH 5520 - Complex Analysis II (3 credits)
MATH 5610 - Applied Mathematics I (3 credits) and
MATH 5620 - Applied Mathematics II (3 credits)
STAT 5710 - Statistical Methods I (3 credits) and
STAT 5720 - Statistical Methods II (3 credits)
MATH 5810 - Operations Research I (3 credits) and
MATH 5820 - Operations Research II (3 credits)
MATH 5850 - Numerical Analysis I (3 credits) and
MATH 5860 - Numerical Analysis II (3 credits)

Advisor Approved Electives: 15 credits

Thesis: 3 credits

MATH 5960 - Thesis (1-6 credits)

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.

Courses: 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) credits 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.