Mathematical Sciences, MS

Program Description

Entering students are expected to have courses in linear algebra, differential equations, a computer language and statistics.

For the master’s program, both thesis and non-thesis options are available. The curriculum for both options includes foundation courses (often taken prior to entering the master’s program), a breadth requirement, and a concentration area. Additional information is available at https://www.clemson.edu/science/departments/math-stat/academics/graduate/index.html.

Graduate students in the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences have at least three opportunities to participate in international cooperative programs. The first is an exchange program with the Department of Mathematics at Kaiserslautern University in Germany. The second program is a two and one half month summer program in the Center for Industrial Mathematics at the University of Bremen in Germany. The third exchange program is with the Institute of Machine Sciences at the Russian Academy of Sciences (IMASH) in Moscow, Russia. More information about each of these programs is available at https://www.clemson.edu/science/departments/math-stat/academics/graduate/international-exchange-programs/index.html.

Summary of Degree Requirements

Thesis Option

The Mathematical Sciences MS thesis option degree program requires a minimum of 24 hours of graduate credit and a minimum of six hours of master’s thesis research ( MATH 8910 - Master’s Thesis Research ).

Non-Thesis Option

The Mathematical Sciences MS non-thesis option degree program requires a minimum of 30 hours of graduate credit, none of which may be master’s thesis research.

Coursework

The MS in Mathematical Sciences has two tracks: a thesis track and a project track. The thesis track requires 30 credits and the project track requires 31 credits in courses numbered 8000 or higher (including research credits) distributed as follows:

Breadth requirement

The MS breadth requirement consists of six graduate courses (18 credits). Any deviation from the breadth courses listed here should be pre-approved by the Associate Director for Graduate Studies and the student’s advisor.

• Algebra: MATH 8510 - Abstract Algebra I 3 Credits  or MATH 8530 - Matrix Analysis 3 Credits  
• Analysis: MATH 8210 - Linear Analysis 3 Credits  
• Computational Mathematics: MATH 8600 - Introduction to Scientific Computing 3 Credits  
• Operations Research: MATH 8100 - Mathematical Programming 3 Credits  
• Statistics: MATH 8000 - Probability 3 Credits  or MATH 8050 - Data Analysis 3 Credits  
• Operations Research or Statistics: MATH 8000 - Probability 3 Credits , MATH 8030 - Stochastic Processes 3 Credits , MATH 8040 - Statistical Inference 3 Credits , or MATH 8140 - Network Flow Programming 3 Credits      

Focus Area Requirement

In addition to the satisfying the breadth requirement, students select a focus area in consultation with their advisor and complete additional coursework in that area. Students in the thesis option select two courses (six credits), and students in the project option select four courses (12 credits). These courses must be non-research, non-professional development MATH courses at the 8000 level or above. Courses taken in order to fulfill another degree may not be counted, and MATH 9700  may not be counted. Exceptions to this policy may be granted in special circumstances by approval of the student’s advisor and the Associate Director for Graduate Studies.

Research requirement

• Thesis option: Six credits of  MATH 8910 - Master’s Thesis Research  
• Project option: One credit of MATH 8920 - Master’s Project Course  

Mathematical sciences courses at the 7000-level are applicable to master’s degree programs in the School of Education only.

Outcomes, Learning Objectives, and Graduation Requirements

The mission of the MS degree program in mathematical sciences is to prepare and train the next generation of mathematical scientists. MS students familiarize themselves with a broad base of mathematical techniques from many areas of the mathematical sciences. They are involved in a significant research project and are taught to effectively disseminate their findings through written publication and oral presentation. Upon receiving the MS degree, students are competent in a broad array of mathematical science techniques and are effective communicators and teachers of basic mathematical sciences.

The MS program is structured to introduce the student to many areas of the mathematical sciences and develop deep knowledge in the student’s chosen area of specialization. Students are required to take courses satisfying a breadth requirement and a concentration component. Students must also complete and present a project or thesis.