Should I take Math 494 or Math 639?


The difference between an undergraduate and a graduate course largely lies in how deeply you will be expected to understand the material of the course. The lectures will be the same for the two groups. Undergraduates will be required to do less homework, and their final  and midterm exams will be slightly less challenging. Those enrolled as graduate students will have more challenging problem sets and final exam.


If you are a graduate student pursuing a Master's degree at George Mason University, you should definitely take Math 639 rather than Math 494. If you are an undergraduate, you are generally recommended to take Math 494 unless you have a special interest in working particularly hard and you have spoken with me. In this case, you will need special permission to take Math 639. Go to the main office and request a form to enroll in a graduate course, and bring the form to me to sign.