PSU Mathematics Department Graduate Program
Eberly College of Science Mathematics Department

Master's Degree Programs

The M.A. Degree: Candidates for the M.A. degree must choose between the thesis and the non-thesis options. The options are similar. Both require that the student write a paper on an approved mathematical topic under the direction of a member of the mathematics faculty. Under the thesis option, the paper must contain original work. The student must register for 6 thesis credits and use this time for composition. The resulting thesis must be submitted to the Graduate School which checks it for form, punctuation, etc. Students must also take an oral examination on their work. In the non-thesis option, the paper may be expository in nature. No credit is given for writing the paper and so the student must take 2-3 additional courses. Under this option, the master's paper need not be approved by the Graduate School and no oral examination is required. Upon completion of the Master's program, a bound copy of the student's thesis or paper is shelved in the Mathematics Graduate Studies Program Office.

Requirements for Degree Programs

The following requirements apply to all degree options.

  • No credit will be given for any course in which a grade of less than B is received.
  • A minimum grade point average of 3.0 is required for graduation for all advanced degrees.

The M.A. Degree Requirements

The following requirement applies to both the thesis and non-thesis options:

  1. MATH 405, 441, 470, and 471 are not approved for the Master of Arts degree. MATH 401 and 435 cannot both be counted towards the degree.

M.A. Degree, Thesis Option: (30 course and thesis credits).

  1. Above.
  2. 12 credits of 500-series mathematics courses.
  3. 6 thesis credits (600-series).
  4. Remainder of course credits in approved 400- and 500-series courses.
  5. Final (oral) examination based on thesis and general course work.
  6. Time limitation is six years or a period spanning seven consecutive summers.

M.A. degree, Non-thesis Option: (30 course credits).

  1. Above.
  2. 18 credits of 500-series mathematics courses in an approved program.
  3. Remainder of courses in approved 400- or 500-series courses. With the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies, between 6 and 9 credits of the requirement may be taken in one of the following related areas:
  4. A paper on an approved topic in mathematics (no credit).
  5. Time limitation is six years or a period spanning seven consecutive summers.

The M.Ed. Degree

  1. 18 credits of mathematics courses (including at least four courses at the 500 level). (6 credits may be taken in a related area if approved by the Graduate Studies Committee).
  2. 6 credits of science or additional mathematics courses.
  3. 6 credits of education courses approved by the College of Education.
  4. A paper on an approved topic in mathematics (no credit).
  5. Time limitation is six years or a period spanning seven consecutive summers.
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