The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Mathematics with a Concentration in Mathematics (MS)

CIP Code

27.0101.00

Overview

The Department of Mathematics offers a 36-hour master’s degree program, which can be completed in one of three ways:

  1. A 36-hour non-thesis program completed with coursework and passing written and oral Comprehensive Exam leading to a Master of Science in mathematics.
  2. A 36-hour coursework-research project program completed by taking MATH 6391 (three hours for project).
  3. 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, 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 in upper-level Mathematics courses.
  3. Two letters of recommendation
  4. 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.

Program Requirements

Leveling Coursework

Students who do not have a background in math may need to take leveling coursework. 

MATH 5390Survey of Topics in Mathematics

3

Required Courses - 15 Hours

MATH 6330Linear Algebra

3

MATH 6331Algebra I

3

MATH 6332Algebra II

3

MATH 6352Analysis I

3

MATH 6353Analysis II

3

Prescribed Electives - 9 Hours

Choose three from the following:

MATH 6323Group Theory

3

MATH 6329Number Theory

3

MATH 6339Complex Analysis

3

MATH 6340Computing for Mathematical and Data Sciences

3

MATH 6360Ordinary Differential Equations

3

MATH 6365Probability and Statistics

3

MATH 6367Functional Analysis

3

MATH 6370Topology

3

MATH 6371Differential Geometry

3

MATH 6373Algebraic Geometry

3

MATH 6388Discrete Mathematics

3

Free Electives - 6 Hours

Any two 6000-level course in the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences not fulfilling other program requirements.

Non-thesis Option

Project – 6 Hours

MATH 6391Master'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

 

Thesis Option

Thesis – 6 Hours

MATH 7300Thesis I

3

MATH 7301Thesis II

3

Total Credit Hours: 36