Mathematics (MS)

Location(s): Manhattan Campus

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The goal of the master’s program in mathematics at Kansas State University is to expose each student to the foundations of advanced mathematics. There are three distinct master’s degree options recognized by both the Mathematics Department and the Graduate School: master’s thesis; master’s report; and the qualifying exam option. In all cases, the graduate student must include at least 30 credit hours of mathematics at the 700 level or above on the program of study, which is composed in consultation with the student’s supervisory committee.

Supervisory Committee and the Program of Study

By the end of the second semester of graduate study, the student is expected to choose a major professor and a Supervisory Committee and file a Program of Study with the Graduate School. This Supervisory Committee will advise the student throughout the remaining period of study, as well as administer the Final Examination.

The Program of Study must be approved by the student’s Supervisory Committee, the Department Head, and the Dean of the Graduate School. The student must earn a minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate credit (courses numbered at the 700 level or above). The student must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA in the courses listed on the Program of Study. Furthermore, the student must earn a grade of A or B in three-fourths of these courses, with nothing worse than a C grade in the remaining courses.

Course Requirements

Required Courses

9 credit hours. Grade of B or better in these courses

MATH 715 - Applied Mathematics I Credits: 3
MATH 716 - Applied Mathematics II Credits: 3
MATH 721 - Introduction to Real Analysis Credits: 3
MATH 723 - Complex Functions Credits: 3
MATH 730 - Abstract Algebra I Credits: 3
MATH 731 - Abstract Algebra II Credits: 3
MATH 770 - Introduction to Topology/Geometry I Credits: 3
MATH 771 - Introduction to Topology/ Geometry II Credits: 3

Thesis Option Courses

Meet all course work requirements (30-32 credit hours) to include nine credit hours of core QE I courses (715, 716, 721, 723, 730, 731, 770, 771 with a grade of B or better in these courses) and write a thesis involving original mathematical research. The thesis must be defended before the Department of Mathematics faculty.

MATH 899 - Thesis Topics Credits: 1-18 (6-8 credit hours)

Report Option Courses

Meet all course work requirements (30-32 credit hours) to include nine credit hours of core QE I courses (715, 716, 721, 723, 730, 731, 770, 771 with a grade of B or better in these courses) and write a report on existing mathematical results. The report must be defended before the Department of Mathematics faculty.

MATH 898 - Master’s Research Credits: 1-18 (2 credit hours)

Qualifying Exam Option

Pass two QE I subject exams and all course work requirements (30-32 credit hours) to include at least nine credit hours of core QE I courses (715, 716, 721, 723, 730, 731, 770, 771 with a grade of B or better in these courses).

Kansas State University

Course Catalog