Mathematics (MA)

Admission Requirements

Apply online via the Graduate School.

Complete applications require the following:

  1. Complete online application form along with paid application fee.
  2. Cover letter to math department including any information you believe will help process your application. Please indicate in this letter whether you are interested in a GTA position, for example.
  3. Transcripts (an official copy for each undergraduate institution attended. UofL transcripts are automatically submitted).
  4. Letters of recommendation (at least two, preferably three; electronic recommendations preferred).
  5. Recent (within three years) GRE scores (only the general exam is required).
  6. All applicants for whom English is a second language must also submit official TOEFL scores of 79 or higher on the internet-based test, 213 or higher on the computer-based test for verification of English proficiency.  English proficiency can also be met by submitting official IELTS scores of at least 6.5 overall band score from the academic module exam or Duolingo score of 105.

Degree Requirements

  1. Candidates must complete a program of study approved by the department. All courses (maximum of twelve (12) credit hours total) taken outside the Department of Mathematics must have prior departmental approval.
  2. All students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of non-thesis graduate credit, including at least 15 credit hours in Mathematics (MATH) courses numbered 601-689. Non-Thesis Option students must complete at least one full-year sequence in Mathematics (MATH) courses numbered 601–689; Thesis Option students are required to complete at least two full-year sequences in Mathematics (MATH) courses numbered 601–689.
  3. Students must satisfy one of the following three requirements:
    • Master's Level Examination Option: Pass written examination in three areas of mathematics chosen from a list prepared by the department. At most, two attempts are allowed. Examinations will be approved and administered by the departmental Graduate Studies Committee.
    • Thesis Option: Write a thesis on an advanced topic in the mathematical sciences. A total of two full-year sequences among courses numbered 601 through 689 must be completed.
    • PhD Qualifier Option: Pass two qualifier examinations for the departmental PhD Program. These examinations need not be taken together and each may be attempted at most twice.
  4. Students choosing the Thesis Option must pass a final oral examination described under Requirements for the Master's Degree

Thesis Option Coursework

Core Courses12
Choose two full-year sequences from the following:
Real Analysis I
Real Analysis II
Algebra I
Algebra II
Combinatorics and Graph Theory I
Combinatorics and Graph Theory II
Mathematical Modeling I
Mathematical Modeling II
Theory of Probability I
Therory of Probability II
Statistical Inference
Linear Statistical Modeling
Non-Thesis Elective Courses 1,218
Thesis Coursework (optional)0-6
Thesis Guidance
Minimum Total Hours30-36
1

All courses taken outside the Department of Mathematics must have prior departmental approval.

2

Must include at least three (3) credit hours of Mathematics (MATH) coursework numbered 601-689 (see list below). May include up to twelve (12) credit hours of approved coursework outside of the department.


Non-Thesis Option Coursework

Core Courses6
Choose one full-year sequences from the following:
Real Analysis I
Real Analysis II
Algebra I
Algebra II
Combinatorics and Graph Theory I
Combinatorics and Graph Theory II
Mathematical Modeling I
Mathematical Modeling II
Theory of Probability I
Therory of Probability II
Statistical Inference
Linear Statistical Modeling
Elective Courses 4,524
Minimum Total Hours30
4

All courses taken outside the Department of Mathematics must have prior departmental approval.

5

Must include at least nine (9) credit hours of Mathematics (MATH) coursework numbered 601–689 (see list below). May include up to twelve (12) credit hours of approved coursework outside of the department.


MATH 601–689 Courses

Graduate Course List
Real Analysis I
Real Analysis II
Functional Equations I
Functional Equations II
Seminar on Applied Analysis
Complex Variables I
Complex Variables II
Algebra I
Algebra II
Group Theory
Rings and Ideals
Mathematical Modeling I
Mathematical Modeling II
Topology I
Topology II
Theory of Probability I
Therory of Probability II
Statistical Inference
Linear Statistical Modeling
Introduction to the Stochastic Calculus
Actuarial Models I
Actuarial Models II
Actuarial Modeling I
Actuarial Modeling II
Combinatorics and Graph Theory I
Combinatorics and Graph Theory II
Advanced Combinatorics and Graph Theory I
Advanced Combinatorics and Graph Theory II
Seminar on Discrete Mathematics