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Department of Mathematics

Graduate Program

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GMU MS Math FAQ

 

What are the prerequisites for admission to the MS program?

The minimum mathematical background required for admission into the Mathematics MS program is completion of the following GMU Mathematics courses or their equivalent. Descriptions of these courses and their prerequisites can be found in the Graduate Catalog.

  • MATH 113 (Calculus and Analytic Geometry I)
  • MATH 114 (Calculus and Analytic Geometry II)
  • MATH 213 (Calculus and Analytic Geometry III)
  • MATH 214 (Ordinary Differential Equations)
  • MATH 290 (Foundations of Mathematics)
  • MATH 315 (Advanced Calculus)
  • MATH 322 (Linear Algebra)

Usually, but not always, a student with a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics will have had all of these courses. Note that no course should be taken without the proper prerequisites.

 

If you are not sure whether or not courses you have taken as an undergraduate are sufficient, contact the graduate coordinator.

What if I don't meet all of the prerequisites?

Many of our applicants either do not have an undergraduate degree in mathematics or have not taken a mathematics course for some years. In this case, we recommend that you take the appropriate undergraduate courses under the Extended Studies Program. To determine exactly which courses you should take, contact the graduate coordinator.

Can I take some courses without being admitted to the program?

The Extended Studies Program allows students to take a course for which they have the necessary prerequisites without being admitted to a degree program. If a student subsequently is admitted to a degree program, any course taken under the Extended Studies Program is treated as transfer credit, and is subject to all applicable restrictions (indicated here in the CAS Policies for Graduate Students webpage).  However, if a student registers for a course under the Extended Studies Program and then at some point during that semester is admitted to a degree program, the course automatically counts toward the degree and is not treated as transfer credit.

How do I apply for admission to the MS program?

The online application process can be started here. Paper application forms and other information is available here. A completed application packet consists of: (1) the application form, (2) your undergraduate transcripts, (3) three letters of recommendation, and (4) a goals statement. International students are no longer required to get an international transcript evaluation.  These are now done by CAS.  Completed applications are forwarded to the Mathematics Department and are acted on by the Graduate Committee within a short time.

What if I am already in another degree program at GMU?

If you are currently enrolled in a Ph.D. or Doctoral degree program, you can apply to the MS program using a Secondary Degree Application form. In some cases, credits earned toward your Ph.D. or Doctoral degree can also be applied to the MS degree. If you are currently enrolled in a Masters degree program at GMU, you will need to apply to the MS program as a new student.  Please note that you cannot count the same courses for two different Masters degrees.

What is the application deadline?

Applications are processed in the Mathematics Department on a rolling basis, which means that applications are acted on shortly after they are complete and after the application materials have been forwarded to the department by the CAS Graduate Admissions office.  However, in order to ensure that your application materials are forwarded in a timely fashion, the following deadlines are recommended:  For admission for the Fall semester, March 15; for admission for the Spring semester, October 1; and for admission for the Summer semester, Febraury 1. An application deadline is imposed by the College of Arts and Sciences on international students. See this document for further information.

Is it possible to waive the application fee?

No. It is the policy of the College of Arts and Sciences not to waive the application fee under any circumstances.

Is the GRE required?

The GRE is not required for admission to the MS program in Mathematics.

Is there any financial aid available?

The only financial aid offered by the Mathematics Department is in the form of a limited number of teaching assistantships. Priority is given to students in the Mathematics PhD Program, the Mathematics MS Program, or in the PhD program in Computational Sciences (Mathematics Track). Eligibility requirements and pay scales for Graduate Teaching Assistants can be found here. Other part-time job opportunities not originating with the Mathematics Department are brought to our attention from time to time. Information on such positions will be posted under News for Graduate Students.

I am an international student. Is there anything special I should know?

International students who wish to apply to the graduate program are subject to certain policies. For example, they are subject to application deadlines imposed by the College of Arts and Sciences, they must take the TOEFL exam. Students no longer need to supply their own International Transcript Evaluation.  This is now done by CAS.  Information on deadlines and required TOEFL scores can be found on this form. Students may obtain more information from the Office of International Programs and Services (OIPS).

Are graduate courses offered at night?

All graduate courses are held at night, starting at 4:30pm or later.

Are graduate courses offered in the summer?

The only graduate courses that regularly run in the summer are some of the 500-level actuarial courses. Typically no 600-level or higher graduate courses run in the summer. Such courses have been held during one of the summer sessions in the past when there is student demand and when a professor is available to teach it. It is also possible to arrange with an individual faculty member to take a reading course (MATH 697) in the summer.

How can I find out when a particular graduate course will be offered?

The graduate course frequency chart indicates when courses are typically offered. Also on this page is a listing of the graduate course offerings for the past several years. The student should understand that this is a planning document and not a guarantee that these courses will be offered in the semester indicated.

Is an undergraduate allowed to take graduate courses?

Qualified undergraduates may take graduate courses. Details and links to the necessary forms can be found at the CAS Policies for Graduate Students webpage.

I intend to graduate this semester. What do I do?

Everything you need to know and do, together with all relevant deadlines, can be found here.

How can I get more information?

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) maintains a very informative website.  Click here for the CAS Policies for Graduate Students webpage.

 

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Last Modified: Thu, 10 Jul 2003 14:26:57 GMT