Mar 29, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Applied Mathematics, MS


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The MS program in Applied Mathematics is designed to produce graduates who are marketable in industry, government, and education. The program is also appropriate for professionals who wish to add to their skills and for secondary mathematics and science teachers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of how mathematics and statistics can be used to solve applied problems. It also provides a solid background for those planning to enter a PhD program.

The program is also appropriate for professionals who wish to add to their skills and for secondary mathematics and science teachers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of how mathematics and statistics can be used to solve applied problems. It also provides a solid background for those planning to enter a PhD program.

Faculty members offer courses in the areas of traditional applied mathematics, operations research, computer science and statistics. The department houses its own computer facilities with which faculty and students engage in activities such as simulation and statistical analysis. Students utilize quantitative modeling techniques, including probability, statistics, optimization, and simulation, to the solution of data-driven, real-world problems. Most classes are offered at times convenient for nontraditional students who wish to advance their careers in applied mathematics, secondary education, or statistics. Students have the option of writing a thesis or participating in an internship.

The Data Science Specialization provides the opportunity to gain skills on designing, analyzing, and utilizing complex databases to provide real world, real-time solutions that incorporate predictive analytics and forecasting to improve decision making.

The Community College Instruction Specialization combines the practical focus of the Applied Mathematics program with an emphasis on teaching the techniques necessary to succeed as a faculty member in two-year higher education institutions. Instructors at Pennsylvania community colleges must have a master’s degree with at least 18 graduate credits in the discipline they teach. Students in this specialization will receive a master’s degree in Applied Mathematics while also learning valuable teaching techniques, setting them on a path to success.

Admission Criteria

Applicants should have taken a calculus sequence, linear algebra, differential equations, and an introductory course in probability and statistics and should have computer programming experience.

 

Program Requirements


I. Core Courses* (15 cr.)


*Required unless comparable courses have been taken at the undergraduate level. (No more than 3 cr. may be waived from the total of 30 cr. of coursework.)

III. Additional Electives‡


Other graduate-level mathematics courses may be selected with the approval of the student’s advisor. Also, with the advisor’s approval, up to six credit hours of graduate work may be taken in disciplines such as chemistry, computer science, economics, finance, management information systems, and physics.

‡ The MS in Applied Mathematics requires a minimum of 27 cr. of course work in addition to the research requirement listed below.

IV. Research Requirement (3-6 cr.)


Option I


Option II


Total 33-36 cr.


Specialization for Data Science


I. Core Courses* (21 cr.)


*Required unless comparable courses have been taken at the undergraduate level. (No more than 3 cr. may be waived from the total of 30 cr. of coursework.)

II. Controlled Electives (9 cr.)


† At least 9 cr. must be at the 600 level.

**Data Science focused students should consider selecting MATH 665  and MATH 667 , and one of MATH 645 , and/or MATH 647 

III. Additional Electives‡


Other graduate-level mathematics courses may be selected with the approval of the student’s advisor. Also, with the advisor’s approval, up to six credit hours of graduate work may be taken in disciplines such as chemistry, computer science, economics, finance, management information systems, and physics.

‡ The MS in Applied Mathematics requires a minimum of 27 cr. of course work in addition to the research requirement listed below.

IV. Research Requirements (3-6 cr.)


Option I


Option II


Total 33-36 cr.


Specialization for Community College Instruction


I. Core Courses (15 cr.)


(Same as the MS in Applied Mathematics)

*Required unless comparable courses have been taken at the undergraduate level. (No more than 3 cr. may be waived from the total of 30 cr. of coursework.)

II. Controlled Electives (15 credits)


III. Research Requirements (3-6cr.)


Option I


Option II


Total 33-36 cr.


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