Master's Degrees in Mathematics

The University of Utah Department of Mathematics offers a general Masters of Science degree, as well as some specialized master's degrees. The following is a list of master's programs:

Master of Arts and Master of Science Degrees

Degree Requirements

The Graduate School at the University of Utah has a list of requirements for M.S. and M.A. candidates; see the University of Utah General Catalog. The M.A. and M.S. degree requirements are identical except that the M.A. degree requires an additional language proficiency. The following is a list of departmental requirements for candidates seeking a M.S. or M.A. degree in mathematics.

  • at least 30 credit hours numbered 5000 or above
  • two written qualifying examinations, or an oral comprehensive exam with additional requirements (see below)

Coursework

For the Master's degree in pure mathematics:

  • Math 5210 (real analysis) and 5310–5320 (algebra)
  • one 6000-level sequence consisting of two one-semester courses
  • four additional one-semester courses at the 5000 or 6000 level

For the Master's degree in applied mathematics:

  • either Math 5210 (real analysis) and one 6000-level course, or two 6000-level courses
  • one 6000-level sequence consisting of two one-semester courses
  • five additional one-semester courses at the 5000 or 6000 level

Written Qualifying Examinations

The written qualifying examinations are given twice a year, in January and August, just before the spring or the fall semester starts. A candidate can fulfil the graduation requirements by passing two written qualifying examinations chosen from the following set of subjects (corresponding course numbers included in parenthesis):

  • algebra (6310–6320)
  • applied mathematics (6710–6720)
  • differential equations (6410–6420)
  • numerical analysis (6610–6620)
  • probability (6040)
  • real and complex analysis (6210–6220)
  • statistics (6070)
  • topology and geometry (6510–6520)

Each exam lasts three hours and is written at a first year graduate level. Entering students are required to take the 6000-level course corresponding to a particular exam and use the course materials to prepare for the exams. Copies of past exams from the last ten years can be obtained by contacting the graduate coordinator.

Oral Comprehensive Examination and Additional Requirements

An oral comprehensive exam can be chosen as an option to fulfill the Master's degree requirements. This exam is conducted by the student's supervisory committee. In case a candidate chooses the option of oral comprehensive exam, the student must complete a Masters Project, which can be one of the following: a Master's thesis, a curriculum project, or a minimum of nine credits of additional courses at 6000 or 7000 levels.

Master of Statistics (Mathematics)

The M. Stat program is administered by the University Statistics Committee and applications should be made through the Graduate School. Upon admission by the University Statistics Committee, the student is also admitted to the Mathematics Department Master's program. The degree of Master of Statistics (Mathematics) is awarded by the Mathematics Department.

Prerequisites

  • either a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics, or an equivalent
  • Math 3070, 3080, 3090, or equivalent

Coursework

  • Math 5010, 5080, and 5090
  • Math 6010, 6020 sequence
  • Math 6070
  • electives approved by the supervisory committee, 15 credits
  • Math 6960 (Master's project), 3–6 hours
  • written competency examination in applied statistics
  • oral examination on project (Math 6960)