Master of Science in Mathematics

This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.shsu.edu.

In the MS in Mathematics program students take courses in the fundamental areas of advanced pure and applied mathematics. Small class sizes and close mentoring by faculty create a positive environment designed to help students succeed in their academic and life goals. Graduates of this program have a more comprehensive and deeper view of mathematics, leading to diverse career opportunities in teaching, industry, or doctoral studies in mathematics. Past graduates are employed at community colleges and universities, in actuarial science, computer science, accounting/finance, and the oil and gas industry. A thesis option is available for students interested in doing mathematical research in the areas of combinatorics, commutative algebra, algebraic statistics, functional analysis, algebraic geometry, topology, knot theory, differential geometry, applied mathematics, numerical analysis, mathematical biology, and differential equations.

Applicants seeking admission to the graduate program in Mathematics must submit the following directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

  1. Graduate Application
  2. Application fee
  3. Official transcript(s) of all previous college work
  4. Three letters of recommendation from the Mathematics or Statistics faculty at the student’s undergraduate degree-granting institution

An overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred for admission into the Mathematics program. Based on a review of an applicant's undergraduate transcript, the Department of Mathematics and Statistics may require completion of undergraduate stem courses as a condition for admission.

The degree requires a minimum of thirty-six hours of graduate credit. A comprehensive examination over the algebra and analysis sequences is administered by the Mathematics Graduate Committee at the beginning of the second year of the program. Requirements specified in the degree plans are subject to minor modification by the department. To ensure a balanced program, all electives must be approved by the graduate advisor.

Master of Science (M.S.) in Mathematics (Thesis) 

Master of Science in Mathematics (Thesis)
Courses
MATH 6333Foundations Of Analysis I3
MATH 6334Foundations Of Analysis II3
MATH 6335Algebra I3
MATH 6336Algebra II3
MATH 5397Discrete Mathematics3
MATH 6332Introduction To Topology3
MATH 6368Numerical Linear Algebra3
MATH 6379Functions Of Complex Variable3
Electives
Select two graduate courses in MATH in consultation with the Graduate Advisor6
Additional Coursework
MATH 6099Research and Thesis3
MATH 6398Research And Thesis3
Total Hours36

 Master of Science (M.S.) in Mathematics (Non-Thesis)

Master of Science in Mathematics (Non-Thesis)
Courses
MATH 6333Foundations Of Analysis I3
MATH 6334Foundations Of Analysis II3
MATH 6335Algebra I3
MATH 6336Algebra II3
MATH 5397Discrete Mathematics3
MATH 6332Introduction To Topology3
MATH 6368Numerical Linear Algebra3
MATH 6379Functions Of Complex Variable3
MATH 6380Research Methods in Mathematics3
Electives
Select three graduate courses in MATH selected in consultation with the Graduate Advisor9
Total Hours36

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers.  Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.

The MS in Mathematics is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:

  • Expertise in mathematical analysis and problem solving that is applicable in a wide variety of industry-related positions.
  • Expertise in mathematical writing.
  • Experience in multiple phases of course preparation and teaching of mathematics at the freshman level.
  • Preparation for further study at the doctoral level in mathematics and other closely related areas.