The M.A. in Mathematics

The information provided below gives an overview of the requirements for the M.A. in Mathematics. More detailed information can be found on pp. 197-198 of the Graduate Course Catalog.

Talented USF undergraduates who are interested in earning both a B.A. and an M.A. in Mathematics at the University of South Florida are encouraged to apply to the 5-Year BA/MA Program.

Admission Requirements

Students seeking admission to the M.A. Program in Mathematics at the University of South Florida should satisfy the following requirements:

bachelor degree or equivalent in mathematical sciences or a related area
minimum score of 650 on the Quantitative portion of the GRE General Test
minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) in undergraduate Mathematics courses

Coursework Requirements

The general requirement to earn an M.A. in Mathematics is satisfactory completion of 30 hours of Mathematics graduate coursework at the 5000-level or higher. Up to 6 hours of 4000- or higher-level courses, from either our department or others, may be counted toward the 30-hour requirement with the prior approval of the Mathematics Graduate Program Director.

The Core course sequences are:

Algebra

MAS 5107 — Advanced Linear Algebra
MAS 5311 — Algebra I
MAS 5312 — Algebra II

Analysis

MAA 5306 — Introduction to Real Analysis
MAA 5307 — Real Analysis I
MAA 6616 — Real Analysis II

Mathematical Statistics

STA 5326 — Mathematical Statistics I
STA 6326 — Mathematical Statistics II

Topology

MTG 5316 — Topology I
MTG 5317 — Topology II

For a list of the Elective course sequences, please consult the Graduate Program Director or refer to pg. 197 of the Graduate Course Catalog.

Degree Options

Students seeking an M.A. in Mathematics have an option of either passing a Qualifying Exam on material covered in a Core sequence (see above) or writing a Master's Thesis.

Exam Option

The student must take 30 hours of coursework, as described above. The average GPA for these courses must be at least 3.0.
The student must take (at least) two sequences from among the Core and Elective sequences. The average GPA for each of the two sequences must be at least 3.0.
The student must pass, at the Master's level, a Qualifying Exam on material covered in one of the Core sequences. Material covered on the Core Qualifying Exams is outlined in Syllabi.

Thesis Option

The student must take 30 hours of coursework, as described above. The average GPA for these courses must be at least 3.0.
The student must take (at least) two sequences from among the Core and Elective sequences. At least one of the sequences taken must be a Core sequence. The average GPA for each of the two sequences must be at least 3.0.
The student must take at least 6 hours in MAT 6971 (Master's Thesis), only 6 hours of which can be counted toward the 30-hour requirement. The student must meet the requirements for the Final Oral Examination and the Final Submission of the Thesis.

Suggested M.A. Course Programs

The course programs shown below are only suggestions. Please consult the Graduate Program Director or your Advisor for other possibilities that may better fit your background and interests.

How to read the following list:
Core Sequence A-I means the first course listed in a core sequence. For example, for the Topology Core Sequence, Core Sequence A-I and A-II represent MTG 5316 and MTG 5317 (Topology I and II), respectively.
Exception: MAS 5107 (Advanced Linear Algebra) is listed separately from the Core Sequences, but it is part of the Algebra Core Sequence: MAS 5107 (Advanced Linear Algebra), MAS 5311 (Algebra I), and MAS 5312 (Algebra II).
Similarly, the Analysis Sequence consists of: MAA 5306 (Introduction to Real Analysis), MAA 5307 (Real Analysis I), and MAA 6616 (Real Analysis II).

Algebra I/II can be taken as part of Core Sequence A-I/II or as Core Sequence B-I/II.

Year 1 (both degree options)

Fall semester

Core Sequence A-I (3 cr. hrs.)
MAS 5107 (Advanced Linear Algebra) (3 cr. hrs.)
MAA 4211* (Intermediate Analysis) (4 cr. hrs.) or MAS 4301* (Elementary Abstract Algebra) (3 cr. hrs.)
International Students only: A course emphasizing spoken English

*These are undergraduate courses and are for students who have not taken either of them. It is strongly recommended that students take these courses (or their equivalent) prior to enrolling in the graduate program. If not, we encourage the student to take these courses in their first semester. Up to 6 hours of undergraduate courses can be counted toward the 30-hour requirement.

Spring semester

Core Sequence A-II (3 cr. hrs.)
Elective (3 cr. hrs.)
Elective (3 cr. hrs.)

Summer session

Elective (3 cr. hrs.) (if offered)

Year 2

Fall semester

Exam Option

Core Qualifying Exam A in September (Passing a Qualifying Exam at the M.A. level is required for students pursuing the M.A. via the Exam Option.)

Core Sequence B-I (3 cr. hrs.)
Core Sequence C-I (3 cr. hrs.)
Graduate Seminar* (3 (0) cr. hrs.)

Thesis Option

Core Sequence B-I (3 cr. hrs.)
MAT 6971 (Master's Thesis) (3 cr. hrs.)
Graduate Seminar* (3 (0) cr. hrs.)

*The courses MAT 6908 (Independent Study) and MAT 6939 (Graduate Seminar) can be taken with approval from the Graduate Program Director, and, for MAT 6939, the Seminar Organizer. However, credit hours from MAT 6908 and MAT 6939 that are earned prior to passing two Core Qualifying Exams at the Ph.D. level cannot count toward the M.A. or Ph.D. degree.

Spring semester

Apply for Graduation

Exam Option

Core Sequence B-II (3 cr. hrs.)

If you pass an Exam at the M.A. level, have taken two sequences, and have a GPA of at least 3.0 for the 30 hours of coursework, then this will satisfy the requirement for the M.A. in Mathematics.

Thesis Option

MAT 6971 (Master's Thesis) (3 cr. hrs.)
Defend thesis and submit for approval.

If the thesis is approved, and you have taken two sequences, and have a GPA of at least 3.0 for the 30 hours of coursework, then this will satisfy the requirement for the M.A. in Mathematics.