MA PROGRAM IN MATHEMATICS – INFORMATION FOR PROSPECIVE APPLICANTS

 

 

 

Overview: The MA degree enables a serious study of Mathematics and/or Statistics at the graduate level. Alumni of this program are employed in the private and government sectors and as community college teachers. Others have gained admission to doctoral programs upon completion of their MA degree. Full time students generally finish the program within two years. All courses involve face-to-face meetings in small classes. Many courses are offered during the evening hours to accommodate the needs of part-time students.

 

Program Structure and Degree Requirements: The MA in Mathematics comprises three concentrations: Mathematics, Statistics and Mathematics in the Community College. Students complete 30-34 hours of coursework (10-12 courses) to satisfy the minimum requirements for this degree. Students in the Mathematics and Statistics concentrations either write a thesis (6 credit hours) or complete a research project under the direction of a faculty member. Students pursuing the Mathematics in the Community College concentration prepare a teaching portfolio and give a presentation to an undergraduate audience. The program also requires a comprehensive exam and satisfaction of the Graduate School’s research skill requirement (demonstration of reading competency in a foreign language or completion of certain courses specific to the concentration).

 

Course Offerings: Required courses for the Mathematics concentration cover Topology, Real and Complex Analysis, Modern and Linear Algebra. Required courses for the concentration in Mathematics in the Community College overlap these but also include Applied Statistics, Number Theory and Teaching Methodology. Required courses for the Statistics concentration cover Advanced Calculus, Matrix Algebra, Probability Theory, Applied Statistical Analysis, Statistical Design, Inference and Programming.

 

Advising: All students are advised by the Director of Graduate Studies, who helps with course selection to tailor individual curricula.

 

Admissions Requirements: Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree in Mathematics, or its near equivalent, from an accredited four-year institution. The undergraduate transcript should include courses in Single and Multi-variable Calculus, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Modern Algebra and Statistics/Probability. Applicants lacking certain of these courses may be required to complete them as part of their curriculum. To qualify for regular admission to the Graduate School, an applicant must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 or a senior year GPA of 3.0, and a satisfactory score on the GRE or MAT.

Application Procedure: Applications are submitted to ECU’s Graduate School, online or via paper forms.  A complete application includes

  • official transcripts from all schools where seven or more hours were earned,
  • a Statement of Purpose,
  • three letters of recommendation, and
  • an official score on the GRE General Test (or the MAT). The GRE Subject Area test in Mathematics is not required.

Financial Support, Graduate Teaching Assistantships: Some students are awarded Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA’s). In addition applicants who do not currently reside in North Carolina may receive a partial tuition remission which pays the difference between the in-state and out-of-state tuition rates. To apply for a GTA position, or for current information on the availability and level of financial support, please contact the Director of Graduate Studies.

 

Application Deadlines: Applications for admission during the fall semester should be made before June 1. Applicants seeking financial support should apply by April 1. Applications for admission during the spring semester should be made by October 15.

 

Further Information: You can learn more about our faculty and programs from the Mathematics Department web site. Information on tuition fees and financial aid can be found on the Graduate School’s web site. The Graduate School web site also contains a link to the Graduate Catalog, which includes a complete description and course list for the program. Information on the GRE can be found on the web site for the Educational Testing Service.