MTSU Department of Mathematical Sciences
MTSU BOX 34
Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132
Phone: (615) 898-2669
Fax: (615) 898-5422

Master of Science in Mathematics

The Master of Science in Mathematics requires a core of 9 hours plus 18 hours of specified courses in the department and a 9-hour cognate of supporting courses. Every candidate is required to declare a concentration selected from General Mathematics, Industrial Mathematics, or Research Preparation.

All candidates must:

  1. have completed an undergraduate prerequisite of at least 21 hours of college-level mathematics including calculus; any deficiency should be removed during the first year of study.
  2. complete 36 hours including the core (9 hours), a concentration (18 hours), and a cognate area (9 hours).
  3. complete at least 30 hours at the graduate level with at least 21 hours at the 6000 level.
  4. participate in the graduate seminar and give an oral presentation of an approved topic.
  5. file a Candidacy Form with the Graduate Office prior to the completion of 24 credit hours.
  6. successfully complete a written comprehensive examination (may be taken no more than twice).

M.S. Core
Each candidate for the Master of Science in Mathematics must complete the following core (9 hours):
MATH 6120 Advanced Linear Algebra
MATH 6170 Sets and Logic
MATH 6190 Analysis I

Concentration: General Mathematics
Students desiring a broad background in mathematics should pursue this concentration. In addition to the core, students must complete the concentration and a cognate as outlined below.

Concentration Courses
Eighteen (18) hours from approved courses in mathematical sciences, including at least one course from each of three different groups:
Actuarial and Finance Mathematics: ACSI/MATH 5200, ACSI 5330, 5340, 5630, 5640, 6010, MATH 6603, 6604
Algebra/Number Theory: MATH 5420, 5530, 6140, 6510
Analysis: MATH 6141, 6200, 6210, 6250
Combinatorics/Graph Theory: MATH 5700, 6700
Geometry/Topology: MATH 5270, 6400, 6142
Industrial Mathematics: MATH 5310, 5320, 6260, 6270, 6300, 6310
Statistics: STAT 5200, 5320, 5360, 5370, 5380, 6160, 6180, 6602, 6603, 6604

Cognate Courses
Nine (9) additional hours approved by advisor
The master’s thesis is an option in this concentration.

Concentration: Industrial Mathematics
Students interested in positions in industry or further graduate work in applied mathematics should pursue this concentration. In addition to the core, students must complete the concentration and a cognate as outlined below.

Concentration Courses
Eighteen (18) hours including MATH 5310, 5320, 6260, and 6270 plus two from MATH 6210, 6300, 6310, 6400, 6410, 6700, or STAT 6160, 6180.
Cognate
Nine (9) additional hours chosen from the above list; MATH 6640, and/or courses from relevant disciplines approved by advisor.
The master’s thesis is an option in this concentration.

Concentration: Research Preparation
Students wishing to pursue the Ph.D. in mathematics should choose this concentration. In addition to the core, students must complete the concentration and a cognate as outlined below

Concentration Courses
Eighteen (18) hours including MATH 5270, 5530, 5700, 6200, 6140, and 6210.
Cognate
Nine (9) hours including MATH 6640 and six (6) additional hours approved by advisor.