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Master of Science in Mathematics - Computational Track

Directors:  Vardges Melkonian (vardges@math.ohiou.edu); Martin J. Mohlenkamp (mjm@math.ohiou.edu); and Annie Shen (shen@math.ohiou.edu).

General Information

The computational track is aimed at students who are interested in both Mathematics and Computer Science. Our graduates often become software engineers, and are distinguished by mathematical skills that make them more valuable than typical programmers. These same skills are useful for graduates seeking careers in any field that requires computational or applied Mathematics. The curriculum provides a foundation in both computer science and mathematics, while allowing enough flexibility so that students can pursue their interests in these two fields. The track can normally be completed in two years or less.

Admission Requirements

The office of Graduate Studies provides University-wide information about graduate study, the graduate application, and useful information for international graduate students. The requirements listed here are in addition to the university's requirements.

  • A Bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 grade point average from an accredited undergraduate college.
  • Background in Mathematics including
    • Calculus (MATH 263A,B,C,D)
    • Differential Equations (MATH 340)
    • Linear Algebra (MATH 211)
    • Matrix Theory (MATH 410)
    • Theory of Statistics (MATH 450A)
  • Background in Computer Science including
    • Introduction to Computer Science (C++ based) (CS 240A,B)
    • Digital Circuits (EE 222) or Microprocessors (EE 367)
    • Discrete Structures (CS 300)
    • Organization of Programming Languages (CS 320)
    • Data Structures (CS 361)

Students who have taken classes with similar content under different names should indicate so in their application. Students who lack the statistics prerequisite will be required to take MATH 550A as part of their study plan. Students whose preparation in matrix theory is not deemed equivalent to our course MATH 410 must take MATH 510 in addition to the required course work. Students who lack other prerequisite courses may be admitted "conditionally". They must take the missing courses during the first year in the program and prior to enrolling in courses for which the missing courses are prerequisites.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required, but scores should be sent if they are available.

Degree Requirements

  1. 55 Graduate credit hours above/beyond the 5xxN level in Computer Science, or above/beyond 500 in Mathematics. Credit for Math 510 may not be used toward the 55 hour requirement.
    • At the discretion of the graduate committee, a student can transfer credit for up to 3 courses (13 credits from other institutions; 15 credits from other Ohio University programs.)
    • At least 3 courses must be at the 600 level.

  2. Mathematics course requirements:
    • At least 6 courses overall.
    • At least 1 course must be at the 600 level.
    • Two courses:
      • Linear Algebra (MATH 511)
      • Introduction to Numerical Analysis (MATH 544)
        or Numerical Linear Algebra (MATH 546)
      A more advanced course in the same subject area may be substituted.

  3. Computer Science course requirements:
    • At least 6 courses overall.
    • At least 1 course must be at the 600 level.
    • Three courses:
      • Design and Analysis of Algorithms (CS 504)
      • Computation Theory (CS 506)
      • Operating Systems and Computer Architecture I (CS 542)
      A more advanced course in the same subject area may be substituted.

  4. Professional Development Requirement. A choice of:
    • Curricular Practical Training (CPT, internship; counts as 1 credit toward the program requirements)
    • Master's Thesis or Project in Computational Mathematics (MATH 695/692; maximum 10 credits)
    • One graduate course in a related area other than Mathematics or Computer Science (counts as 1 credit toward the program requirements)
  5. Each student, with the assistance of a faculty adviser, must develop a study plan by the end of his or her first quarter, and have it approved by the graduate chair. The study plan must satisfy the specific course requirements above, and also show a coherent focus on some area of interest to the student. Any changes to this study plan must be approved by the faculty adviser and graduate chair at least one quarter before the student applies for graduation.

Conferral of a graduate degree requires at least a B (3.0) grade-point average (g.p.a) both in the courses taken towards satisfying the degree requirements as well as in all courses taken at Ohio University. Students whose overall g.p.a stays below 3.0 in three consecutive quarters will be dropped from the program.

During a non-summer quarter in which they receive financial support from the department, a Master's student who wishes to take a non-math
course that does not appear in their study plan must first obtain approval from their advisor and the graduate chair. Students who violate this policy may lose their financial support.

Master's students who choose to do a thesis must provide the title of the thesis and have it approved (signed) by the thesis advisor before the study plan is approved.

Remarks:

  • Typical courses are 4 credits and run one 10-week quarter. MATH 6xx courses are 5 credits.
  • See the Classes page for descriptions of the Mathematics courses.
  • Students who started the program before Fall quarter 2004 may choose to use the requirements that were in effect when they were admitted.

Computational Track - Recent Graduates

If you would like to know more about what our recent graduates are doing with their degree visit the Computational Track  section of the alumni  news.