Degree Requirements

Master of Arts

Most students take 30 semester hours of coursework and the report course. The 30 hours are divided into major and minor areas. The major consists of mathematics courses and the minor area consists of courses that are related to mathematics. Students should consult the graduate adviser about the courses that are allowable for the minor. Students must complete 18 to 24 hours in the major area and six to 12 hours in the minor area. Some students qualify for an option of completing 33 semester hours of coursework (11 courses) without thesis or report; consult the graduate adviser for details.

A special concentration in actuarial mathematics is available. Students in this concentration may select one of two options. The report option requires 30 semester hours of coursework (ten courses) and the report course. The option without thesis or report requires 33 semester hours of coursework (11 courses). The major and minor requirements are the same as those described in the preceding paragraph except that the option without thesis or report requires seven to nine courses in the major area and two to four courses in the minor area. For both options, no more than nine semester hours of upper-division coursework may be counted.

Doctor of Philosophy

A detailed description of the procedure for admission to candidacy is available from the graduate adviser. Each student is first required to pass preliminary examinations. A small advisory committee is then set up to approve the student’s choice of coursework. This committee administers an advanced examination in the chosen area of specialization. The preliminary examinations are given once each semester. The advanced examination may be given by mutual agreement of the student and the advisory committee at any time after the student has passed the preliminary examinations, but before the end of the student's third year; the student must pass the advanced examination before admission to candidacy will be approved.