Mathematics – Applied Mathematics

[1] Introduction

The Master of Science (MS) program in applied mathematics features mathematics courses developed to prepare candidates for working in business or government agencies, or pursuing further graduate studies. By applying techniques taught in these courses to business, engineering, planning and other areas, significant problems can be studied using analytic, statistical, and numerical methods. To graduate, candidates must pass two comprehensive exams in their last semester. For those candidates considering more advanced graduate studies, a thesis option is available in lieu of comprehensive exams to expose candidates to research methods in applied mathematics.

[2] Program Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the MS degree program in applied mathematics one must have

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution;
2. Adequate preparation in mathematics;
3. At least a 2.70 GPA; and
4. Achieve satisfactory scores on the General Test of the Graduate Record Exam.

[3] Degree Requirements

All MS Graduate Students: Courses must include a minimum of 18 hours at the 6000-level and these Core Courses:

The remaining hours may include other courses at the 5000-level with the approval of student’s advisory committee. A candidate can choose one of the two options: Thesis option or Non-Thesis option. The candidate will select the option when the Petition for Candidacy is submitted. A candidate can change his or her option, but will be allowed no more than one change of option.

Thesis option: For the thesis option, a candidate must earn 30 hours. The thesis option requires a minimum of 24 hours of course work and a minimum of 6 thesis hours. The candidate will select a thesis advisor at the time the Petition for Candidacy is submitted. If a candidate who has selected the thesis option wishes to change to the non-thesis option, no credit will be granted for thesis courses.

Non-Thesis option: For the non-thesis option, a candidate must earn 33 hours. All non-thesis option candidates for the MS degree are required to pass two comprehensive examinations in courses selected from their program of study. A non-thesis option candidate will be allowed at most two attempts at passing the comprehensive examination. If unsuccessful on the first attempt, the candidate will have to wait four months before taking it again.

Elective Courses for MS Graduate Students

[4] Financial Aid

Graduate Teaching Assistantships are available for fall/spring. Each assistantship includes a full-tuition scholarship for nine credit hours per semester during the academic year. In addition, there is a stipend of $10,800 for nine months. Summer support for teaching or research is available. Graduate Assistants are expected to enroll in nine credit hours and work 20 hours per week in the department. Applications for the graduate program and assistantships are available at the UCA’s Graduate School website: https://uca.edu/graduateschool/.

[5] Graduate Courses in Mathematics (MATH)

Follow this link for MATH course descriptions: course link.