Masters Degrees in Pure Mathematics, USA

• A minimum GPA of 3.0 in all undergraduate coursework in mathematics.
• A letter of intent written by the applicant expressing professional goals as applied to the program.
• Submission of three letters of recommendation, using the required recommendation form. Two letters must be from mathematics faculty with whom the applicant has taken courses.
• Resume or curriculum vitae.

E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 315-267-2165

Visit http://www.potsdam.edu/graduate to view the full application checklist and online application

The Master of Arts program in Mathematics is designed to develop the student’s ability to work independently and to obtain basic knowledge in algebra, real and complex variables, and topology so that mathematics literature can be read with understanding and enjoyment. The successful completion of this program should prepare a student to enter a second-year doctoral program in mathematics, to begin a career as an industrial mathematician or as a faculty member at a junior or community college. Program start dates: Fall or Spring (in certain cases).

Required Program Courses
Minimum of 30 credit hours
MATH 661, Topology I ...................................................3 credits
MATH 671, Abstract Algebra I ..........................................3 credits
MATH 672, Abstract Algebra II .........................................3 credits
MATH 681, Complex Variables I .......................................3 credits
MATH 691, Real Variables I .............................................3 credits
MATH 698, Seminar .....................................................3 credits

One of the following:

MATH 662, Topology II ...............................................3 credits
MATH 682, Complex Variables II ...................................3 credits
MATH 692, Real Variables II ........................................3 credits
Mathematics Electives ..................................................9 credits

Success Stories

SUNY Potsdam Mathematics graduates are employed by com-panies such as Aetna, AT&T, IBM, General Electric, Kodak, the National Security Agency and Hewlett Packard. Others have received assistantships and fellowships at reputable universities, and many have earned Ph.D. degrees in mathematics or statistics.

Uniqueness of the Program

The MA Mathematics program develops rigorous mathematical thinking and offers a spectrum of well-taught courses in pure and theoretical mathematics.

Testimonials

"I was accepted to all but three Ph.D. programs I applied to. I feel very fortunate to be in this position, [with] so many great offers from excellent schools. I would recommend a stats program to any BA/MA student interested in furthering their education through a degree that’s not math as they’ll be highly qualified and prepared. That stance has only been further confirmed as I talk to faculty in different statistics departments." — Justin J. Raimondi, Class of 2014

"As a somewhat sheltered student through high school, I found that the mathematics faculty at SUNY Potsdam nurtured me carefully, providing the support I needed to develop confidence in the content area, and to deepen my love of mathematics. After graduating from the BA/MA program, I have taught successfully at the high school and college levels for nearly 30 years." —Donald C. Straight, Class of 1988

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Degree Plans

A total of 30 hours of graduate work is required to obtain a master’s degree in mathematics. Candidates for the master’s degree may choose one of two plans:

Plan I requires successful completion of 24 semester hours of course work, plus a thesis supervised by a graduate faculty in mathematics. Students completing this plan will enroll in 6 hours of MATH 599: Thesis Research. A copy of your thesis or project must be available to each committee member at least two weeks prior to the presentation.

Plan II requires no thesis, but 27 semester hours of courses plus 3 hours of research (MATH 598: Non-Thesis Project) devoted to a project supervised by a member of the graduate faculty in mathematics. A copy of the master’s degree approved project or thesis must be provided to mathematics department.

There is also a one-year or three-semester master’s degree program. The graduate program director can provide further information.

Concentrations

Candidates for the master’s degree in mathematics can specialize in pure or applied mathematics, mathematics education, or mathematics finance.

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