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Master of Science in Mathematics - Pure Track

General Information

The pure track is intended primarily for those students who plan to continue their study of mathematics at the Ph.D. level. A student pursuing this track is expected to have taken undergraduate courses in advanced calculus, and linear and abstract algebra. Students are required to complete two or more of the sequences offered in subjects such as algebra, analysis, differential equations and topology. 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 411)
    • Advanced Calculus (MATH 460ABC)
    • Introduction to Modern Algebra (MATH 413A,B)

Students who have taken classes with similar content under different names should indicate so in their application. Students with a weaker background in advanced calculus or linear and abstract algebra will be required to include Math 560ABC or Math 511, 513AB in their study plans. Students who lack 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 in Mathematics and related fields.
    • At the discretion of the graduate committee, a student can receive transfer credit for up to 3 courses (13 credits from other institutions; 15 credits from other Ohio University programs).
    • A student wishing to write a Master's Thesis may use up to 10 hours of thesis credit.
    • Neither MATH 500 nor 510 may be used toward the 55 hour requirement.

  2. Mathematics course requirements:
    • At least 10 courses in mathematics.
    • At least 3 mathematics courses at the 600 level.
    • Concentration requirements:
      At least 3 courses each from two of the following areas:
      • Algebra: Math 507, 511, 513AB, 613, 614, 615
      • Analysis: Math 540, 560ABC, 570, 660ABC, 670ABC
      • Differential Equations: Math 541, 549, 645ABC
      • Topology: Math 580AB, 600AB, 680ABC

  3. Professional Development Requirement. A choice of:
    • Curricular Practical Training (CPT, internship; counts as 1 credit toward the program requirements)
    • Master's Thesis (MATH 695; maximum 10 credits)
    • One graduate course in a related area other than Mathematics (counts as 1 credit toward the program requirements).
    • A fourth Mathematics course at the 600 level.

  4. 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. 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 2006 may choose to use the requirements that were in effect when they were admitted.