Applied Mathematics, MS

The Department of Mathematics offers a strong graduate program leading to the Master of Science in Applied Mathematics. Specific areas of study currently available include statistics, probability, differential equations, applied analysis, algebra, and coding theory.

Applied Mathematics, MS-Tracks

To respond to the needs of both students and employers, the Department has organized this degree program into a system of four tracks, which are intended to help students develop their programs of study:

K-14 education
PhD preparation
Applied and computational mathematics
Business and management

Detailed information about the tracks may be found on our website. Customized programs of study are also available.

Student Learning Outcomes, Applied Mathematics, MS

Students will understand core graduate mathematics material and students must demonstrate substantial comprehension of Linear Algebra and Real Analysis, the common core subjects required of all students in the program.
Competence in written and oral communication is essential for most mathematical careers. Such communication skills are also important in many other aspects of life, therefore students will be able to deliver written and oral presentations demonstrating comprehension of complex mathematical content and the ability to communicate that content to a broad audience (general department faculty and graduate students).
The program prepares students for a variety of mathematical careers. The current program has four identified tracks: computational and applied mathematics, education, business and management, and PhD preparation. Students should be prepared for employment requiring mathematical skill and sophistication at the Master’s level.
Students shall develop a more sophisticated view of mathematics than is achieved in the undergraduate program. The opportunity for sophisticated learning comes both in and outside the classroom. Student exposure to mathematical research and advanced applications is an important aspect of this goal.
Students successfully completing the PhD preparation track should be able to enter quality doctoral programs.
Students have the opportunity to hear research talks in seminars and colloquia, and participate in research projects (this might come through on-campus employment, independent study, or thesis work). Students are strongly encouraged to attend our biweekly colloquium.

Admission Requirements

Bachelor degree in mathematics (or a Bachelor degree in some other field, with extensive course work in mathematics), including a course in Real Analysis comparable to the UCCS course Math 4310
A minimum grade point average of 3.0. Under special circumstances students may be admitted with a lower grade point average (or without a course in Real Analysis) as provisional degree students.

Please refer to the Graduate School admissions requirements.

Graduate Teaching Fellowships

A limited number of teaching assistantships are available. For information contact the Department of Mathematics. Typically, students requesting assistantships should indicate this three months prior to the application deadline for the intended semester.

Degree Requirements

A 3.0 grade point average in course work applied towards the degree.
All degree courses must be part of an approved plan of study, developed by the student and approved by the advisor within the first semester after being admitted to the program. This plan may be revised at any time with the approval of the advisor. The plan will require students to demonstrate some cohesiveness in the courses chosen, or to demonstrate a clear subject area of concentration.
Courses will have graduate rank only if members of the graduate school faculty teach them and are at the 5000 level or above.
At least 30 semester hours of approved graduate work, including Linear Algebra (Math 5130) and Modern Analysis II (Math 5320). All students must pass the comprehensive examination in Analysis. Students completing one of the four tracks of study will automatically fulfill the requirements for the MS Applied Math degree.
A student may complete up to 12 hours of appropriate graduate course work in departments other than the department of mathematics, as part of the “tracks” program. Such courses MUST be PRE-approved by the advisor.
Students may select a thesis or non-thesis option. Students in the thesis option will replace up to 6 hours of courses with a Master’s thesis.
All students make an oral presentation regarding some aspect of advanced mathematics. For students pursuing the thesis option, the thesis defense will qualify as such a presentation.
Students must demonstrate basic competency in computing.

The department graduate committee must approve exceptions to these requirements.