Department of Mathematics of the Pennsylvania State University runs a yearly semester-long intensive program for undergraduate students seriously interested in pursuing a career in mathematical sciences. The Mathematics Advanced Study Semesters (MASS) program started in the Fall of 1996 and is held during the Fall semester of each year.

The principal part of the program consists of three core courses chosen from major areas in Algebra/Number Theory, Analysis, and Geometry/Topology respectively, specially designed and offered exclusively to MASS participants, and a weekly MASS seminar.

Additional features include colloquium-type lectures by visiting and resident mathematicians and mathematical research projects.

The following courses will be offered in the Fall of 2008:

Schedule

Calendar of Events

Arrival DayAugust 23-24
MASS Welcome Party & OrientationAugust 26
Classes BeginAugust 25
Labor Day — No ClassesSeptember 1
Midterm ExamsOctober 6 - 8
Thanksgiving Holiday — No ClassesNovember 24-28
Classes EndDecember 5
Final ExamsDecember 12, 15, 17
MASS Graduation CeremonyDecember 18

Enrollment

The participants are selected from applicants currently enrolled into US colleges or universities who will be juniors or seniors during this MASS session. Students who will be sophomores may be admitted in exceptional cases. All participants are expected to have demonstrated a sustained interest in mathematics and a high level of mathematical ability and to have mastered basic techniques of mathematical proof. The expected background includes a full calculus sequence, basic linear algebra, and advanced calculus or basic real analysis.

Candidates should submit:

Application materials may be requested by mail, fax, e-mail, or retrieved off the web.

MASS Program
111 McAllister Building
Department of Mathematics
Penn State University
University Park, PA 16802
(814) 865-8462 / Fax:(814) 865-3735
E-mail: mass@math.psu.edu

Applications may be submitted by mail, fax, or e-mail. The selection process is in progress, and applications will be accepted until all slots in the program are filled.

Financial Arrangements

Penn State provides fellowships for out-of-state students, reducing their tuition to the in-state level. MASS participants will receive further support, with the intention that their out-of-pocket expenses will not increase. In addition, MASS may award merit fellowships. See the Financial Information for more details.

Housing

All participants not enrolled at Penn State will be provided an opportunity to live in one of the residence halls on campus.

Credits

Students receive 16 honors credits for the courses and the seminar which should be transferable to their schools and a certificate from the MASS Program at Penn State. Additional recognition is provided through prizes and certificates for achievements in solving problems and for best papers.

Administration

The overall supervision of the MASS program is provided by the Scientific Advisory Board which includes senior members of Penn State's mathematics faculty, and several outstanding mathematicians from other institutions.

The MASS program is managed by the Director Sergei Tabachnikov.

Flossie Dunlop is the Administrative Assistant for the MASS program.

Participants are chosen by the Selection Committee headed by a member of the Scientific Advisory Board.