Mathematics with a Concentration in Statistics (MS)
Overview
The Department of Mathematics offers a 36-hour master’s degree program, which can be completed in one of three ways:
- A 36-hour non-thesis program completed with coursework and passing written and oral Comprehensive Exam leading to a Master of Science in mathematics.
- A 36-hour coursework-research project program completed by taking MATH 6391 (three hours for project).
- A 36-hour coursework-thesis program completed by taking Thesis, MATH 7300 and MATH 7301 (six hours for thesis).
All students applying for admission to this program must meet all University requirements for entrance into graduate studies and hold a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or a related field.
Objectives of the Program
The Master of Science in mathematics program is designed to provide a graduate level education for students who intend to teach at various levels, students who will continue or seek employment within the industrial sector, and students who intend to continue their education beyond the master’s level at other institutions.
The Master of Science in Mathematics consists of four concentrations: Mathematics, Mathematics Teaching, Industrial and Applied Mathematics, and Statistics. None of these options will prepare students for any license or certification.
Educational Objectives
Mathematical Concept: Demonstrate sound conceptual understanding of mathematics through the construction of mathematically rigorous and logically correct proof.
Communication: Communicate mathematics differently to mathematical and non-mathematical audiences in oral, written, and multi-media form.
Research: Demonstrate the ability to conduct research in mathematics, statistics or mathematics education
Real World Problems: Identify, formulate, and analyze real world problems with statistical or mathematical techniques
Technology: Utilize technology as an effective tool in investigating, understanding, and applying mathematics
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the graduate program in mathematics, prospective candidates must first meet all requirements for graduate admission to UT Rio Grande Valley, as well as the other requirements listed below:
- Bachelor’s degree in mathematics or related field with a minimum of 12 hours of upper- division mathematics or statistics course work and a grade of “B” or better on all upper- division mathematics and/or statistics course work.
- Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 in upper-level Mathematics courses.
- GRE General Test. GRE test scores are valid for 5 years. A waiver of the GRE requirement will be granted to applicants who show proof of completing a graduate degree (master’s or doctoral).
- Two letters of recommendation
- Letter of intent detailing professional goals and reasons for pursuing the graduate degree.
Application for admission must be submitted prior to the published deadline. The application is available at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply.
Early Admission Requirements
Students are eligible to apply for admission to the 5 year program during the semester they complete 60 hours (45 General Education core (including 3 for Calculus)+ 15 math) of undergraduate coursework with at least a 3.2 GPA and minimum 3.5 GPA from at least 15 hours in mathematics courses.
To be considered for admission to the 5 year program, students must submit a 5 year application during the semester they complete 60 hours. Only 5 year program candidates demonstrating superior undergraduate academic performance in mathematics and strong recommendation will be considered for admission. By the end of their third year, students in the program must complete minimum 90 hours; complete courses in Modem Algebra and Real Analysis; and maintain at least a 3.2 GPA and 3.5 GPA in mathematics courses.
Before the start of the second semester of the fourth year, students should submit the General GRE scores with a minimum Quantitative score of 150.
Program Requirements
Leveling Coursework
Students who do not have a background in math may need to take leveling coursework.
Required Courses - 18 Hours
Prescribed Electives - 6 Hours
Choose two from the following:
Free Electives - 6 Hours
| | Chosen from any 6000-level mathematics-related courses approved by the concentration and or thesis advisor | |
Thesis Option – 6 Hours
Thesis
Non-thesis Option – 6 Hours
Project
| MATH 6391 | Master's Project | 3 |
| | Additional 3 hours of prescribed electives | 3 |
Or
| | Additional 6 hours of prescribed electives | |
| | And | |
| | Written Comprehensive Exam | |
| | Or | |
| | Oral Comprehensive Exam | |
Total Credit Hours: 36