Program Guidelines
This document supplements the Montana State University Graduate Catalog.
The Master of Science degree in mathematics at Montana State University is designed to prepare students for further graduate work or for employment in academic, industrial, business, or government forums. Upon entrance, each student meets with the department's Graduate Program Committee to discuss career objectives and first year course work. During the second semester in the program each student forms a Graduate Committee and together, they outline the student's degree program. The prerequisites for the master's degree program in mathematics consist of the following courses or their equivalent: Linear Algebra (MATH 333) and Advanced Calculus (MATH 381-82). Students who have not completed these courses or their equivalent may still enter the master's program but it is suggested that these courses then be taken.
Both non-thesis and thesis plans are offered for the M.S. degree:
Non-thesis Plan
- MATH 503 Advanced Linear Algebra (every Spring)
- MATH 504 Abstract Algebra (every Spring)
- MATH 505 Mathematical Analysis (every Fall)
- MATH 511 General Topology (every Fall)
- MATH 441 Numerical Linear Algebra & Optimization (every Fall)
- MATH 450 Applied Math I (Fall odd numbered years)
- MATH 454 Dynamical Systems I (Fall even numbered years)
- STAT 421 Probability (every Fall)
- STAT 422 Mathematical Statistics (every Spring)
Either or both of these two required courses may be replaced by the corresponding semester of the appropriate 500 level course: MATH 581 (numerical analysis), MATH 560 (applied mathematics), MATH 595 (dynamical systems), STAT 501 (probability) or STAT 502 (mathematical statistics), respectively. Any other exceptions to the course requirements must be approved by the student's graduate committee and adhere to the minimum policy requirements set forth in the Graduate Catalog (Plan B). Requirements for the written comprehensive exam are listed separately below.
Thesis Plan
Requires course work, passing the written comprehensive exam, writing a thesis and an oral defense of the thesis. At least 30 credits must be completed of which 10 must be thesis credits. Students must also complete both the core and breadth course requirements described in the Non-Thesis Plan above. Any exceptions to the course requirements must be approved by the student's graduate committee and adhere to the minimum policy requirements set forth in the Graduate Catalog (Plan A). Thesis and oral defense requirements must be arranged with and approved by the student's graduate committee. Requirements for the written comprehensive exam are listed separately below.
M.S. Comprehensive Exam
The M.S. comprehensive exam is a written exam administered in disjoint 3 hour components. Though you have 3 hours to do each exam the exams are written in such a way that if you know the material well you only need two hours. This is done so you are under no time pressure to complete the topic and demonstrate what you know rather than what you do not know.
Each component is graded as pass or fail. To pass the comprehensive exam a student must pass four different components within two examination periods. At least two of these components must be from the following list:
- Linear Algebra (MATH 503)
- Abstract Algebra (MATH 504)
- Real Analysis (MATH 505)
- Topology (MATH 511)
- Numerical Analysis (MATH 441-442)
- Applied Mathematics (MATH 450-451)
- Dynamical Systems (MATH 454-455)
- Probability and Statistics (STAT 421-422)
The first examination period occurs in January with the specific dates and times for each component determined by the department.
Students must attempt at least four components the first examination period after 3 semesters of study.
Typically, these four 3 hour components will be administered in a morning and afternoon of two different days. If the student fails one or more components in the first examination period, a failure will be reported to the Division of Graduate Education. The student must then pass the remaining required components in a second examination period administered either during spring semester (at least two months after the first examination) or the following January. No more than four components may be taken in the second examination period. If the student has not passed the remaining required components after the second examination period a second failure of the comprehensive exam will be reported to the Division of Graduate Education.
M.S. Comprehensive Exam Outlines and Online Library
- Abstract Algebra
- Applied Math
- Linear Algebra
- Dynamical Systems
- Numerical Analysis
- Probability and Mathematical Statistics
- Real Analysis
- Topology
| Online library of old: EXAMS |
Updated: 02/07/2012 |
