Mathematics M.S. Degree

The master of science is designed to prepare students for positions in business and industry. It also provides preparation for further graduate study leading to a doctoral degree.

• Admission and Entry
• Information for Degree
• Requirements for Degree--Thesis
• Requirements for Degree--Nonthesis

Admission and Entry

1. Application requirements
   • Deadlines: March 1 (Fall, Summer), February 15 (Spring) September 15 (Winter). Apply online.
   • Entrance examinations: GRE (General and Math Subject tests). Every applicant whose native language is not English is required to submit TOEFL scores.
   • Three letters of recommendation.
2. Prerequisites:
   • Credit at least equivalent to BYU requirements for a baccalaureate degree in mathematics.
   • A year's sequence in abstract algebra.
   • A year's sequence in advanced calculus.

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Thesis and Nonthesis Program Information

1. Graduate mathematics courses: Approved graduate mathematics courses include all classes numbered 500 and above with the exceptions of 501, 502, and 590.
2. Faculty sponsor: The graduate coordinator will assign each student a faculty sponsor on admission to the graduate program. Students should communicate with the sponsor as soon as they arrive on campus.

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Reqirements for Degree--Thesis Program

1. Credit hours (30): Minimum 24 course work hours in approved graduate mathematics including 12 hours in courses numbered 600 or above and 6 thesis hours (Math 699R). Graduate courses must be passed with a grade of C+ or better in each. No credit is given for prerequisite courses such as Math 316 or Math 372.
2. Examination: Pass a written master's examination. The examination should be passed no later than end of the student's first semester of the second year, after which two more attempts are allowed.
3. Thesis.
4. Oral defense of thesis.

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Requirements for Degree -- Nonthesis Program

1. Credit hours:
   • Traditional Mathematics Option (32): Minimum 30 course work hours in approved graduate mathematics including 18 hours in courses numbered 600 or above and 2 project hours (Math 698R). Graduate courses must be passed with a grade of C+ or better in each. No credit is given for prerequisite courses such as Math 316 or Math 372.
   • Minor option (35): Minimum 24 course work hours in approved graduate mathematics including 6 hours in courses numbered 600 or above, 9 hours in an approved minor, and 2 project hours (Math 698R). No credit is given for prerequisite courses such asMath 316 or Math 372.
   • Applied option (38): Minimum 24 course work hours in approved graduate mathematics including 6 hours in courses numbered 600 or above, 12 hours in areas related to applications of mathematics, and 2 project hours (Math 698R). The 12 hours of application must be approved by the graduate coordinator. No credit is given for prerequisite courses such as Math 316 or Math 372.
2. Examination: Pass a written master's examination. The examination should be passed no later than the end of the first semester of the second year, after which two more attempts are allowed. Students are encouraged to take the exam as early in their program as possible and early attempts count only if the exam is passed.
3. Project and presentation: Write a paper about the project (Math 698R) which should focus on an area of advanced mathematics and present a 45-minute talk based on the paper.

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