Candidates must complete an approved 45-credit program which includes at least 30 credits in mathematics or statistics. These 30 credits must include courses distributed as follows: two 9-credit sequences at the 600 level and the 3-credit Mth 501 Mathematical Literature and Problems. In addition, the student must pass two written Master's examinations. Students interested in pursuing the MA degree must also show proficiency in a second language.

COURSES APPROVED FOR MA/MS MATH DEGREES:

For course descriptions see Mathematics and Statistics course listings.

Check with the program adviser for additional courses, including omnibus-numbered courses, which also may be approved for MA/MS programs. "Approved" means that it is approved toward fulfilling the 30 mathematics/statistics credit hours for the MA/MS Math program.

COURSES APPROVED AS ELECTIVES FOR MA/MS MATH DEGREES:
Mth 581 Probability for Mathematics Teachers
Mth 582 Statistics for Mathematics Teachers
Mth 583 Topics in Geometry for Mathematics Teachers
Mth 584 Topics in Algebra for Mathematics Teachers
Mth 585 Topics in Analysis for Mathematics Teachers
Mth 586 Topics in the History of Mathematics
Mth 587  Discrete Mathematics for Teachers (formerly Introduction to Combinatorial Mathematics)
Mth 588 Computing Technology for Mathematics Teachers

"Approved as elective" means that it is approved inside the 45 total credit hours but not inside the 30 mathematics/statistics credit hours. Check with the program adviser for additional approved electives.

MA/MS EXAMINATIONS:

Students must pass two written examinations, one of which must be in either Algebra or Analysis. Other subject areas include: Discrete Math, Geometry, Mathematical Statistics, Numerical Methods, Ordinary Differential Equations, and Set Theory/Toplogy. Exams are offered twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring. Starting in September 2010, the fall examination will be offered during the week prior to the start of fall term, and the spring examination will continue to be offered during the first week of spring term. Students may take a given area examination at most two times. The MA/MS Examination Policy as well as syllabi for the exams are available in the department office. Students may also request copies of previous Masters examinations in the office. Please note that you must be registered for and complete at least one graduate credit during the term(s) in which you take your exams.

MTH 501 MATHEMATICAL LITERATURE AND PROBLEMS:

In this required course, a student works under the supervision of a faculty member in an area of mathematics in which the student has acquired the background needed to read current mathematical literature, prepare a research paper, and present this research in a colloquium. Requirements for the course are contained in Guidelines and Deadlines for Literature and Problems Seminar which is also available in the department office. Please note that you must be registered for at least one graduate credit during the term in which you plan to present your 501research.

PLANNING AN MA/MS DEGREE PROGRAM:

The department offers courses in pure and applied mathematics and in statistics. Students may choose an emphasis in one or more of these areas. The department tries to project its future 600-level offerings. These projections enable students to plan programs that include any necessary 500-level prerequisites. Students also need to plan programs that will prepare them to pass two MA/MS examinations, at least one of which is in Algebra or Analysis. New students are urged to meet with the MA/MS Coordinator regarding degree requirements and for help with program planning.

Admission and Application Information

Admission:  Transcript(s) must show satisfactory completion of at least the following undergraduate courses: Linear Algebra, Abstract Algebra/Group Theory, Introductory Analysis/Advanced Calculus, and Differential Equations (these are equivalent to the following PSU courses: MTH 261, MTH 344, MTH 311 and MTH 256).

For questions on how to apply to the program, please contact: Dr. Joyce O'Halloran, Program Adviser, 503-725-3652, joyce@pdx.edu .

Note that potential students must provide application materials to both the PSU Office of Admissions and the Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics & Statistics. Please follow the above Admission and Application Information link for departmental application information and requirements.  Further information on how to apply for graduate admission can be found at the following website: http://www.pdx.edu/admissions/how-apply-graduate