MA in Mathematics

 

A group of math students in a grad class at desks

 

The Master of Arts in Mathematics degree program builds students’ expertise in sophisticated mathematical concepts, including analysis, combinatorics, dynamical systems, knot theory, logic and topology. MA students can also take advantage of research opportunities (either for course credit or independently), internships at D.C. institutions and consortium classes. Graduates of the MA program go on to advanced degrees and competitive careers in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. 

Full-time students typically complete the program in two years; part-time students typically take three. MA students do not take qualifying exams.

Application Deadline: April 1 (February 1 for scholarship applicants). Fall admission only.

 

 

Course Requirements

The following requirements must be fulfilled:

The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs.

30 credits in approved coursework divided between mathematics and one of the following areas of application: computer science, economics, engineering (civil, electrical, mechanical, or systems), operations research, physics, or statistics. No more than 12 credits toward the degree can be outside mathematics. Students must petition and obtain the approval of the graduate committee in order to register for courses outside the department. MATH 6995 Reading and Research (independent study), can be taken only by petition to, and with the approval of, the graduate committee.

Up to 6 credits in courses taken at other institutions of the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area may count toward degree requirements. Students wishing to take such courses must petition and obtain the approval of the graduate committee.

Subject to the approval of the graduate committee (requested via petition) and the agreement of the instructor, mathematics graduate students may take up to 6 credits in the undergraduate courses listed below for graduate credit. Appropriate additional work must be assigned for students to receive graduate credit in an undergraduate course.
MATH 3613Introduction to Combinatorics
MATH 3632Introduction to Graph Theory
MATH 3710Introduction to Mathematical Logic
MATH 3720Axiomatic Set Theory
MATH 3730Computability Theory
MATH 3740Computational Complexity
MATH 3848Differential Geometry
MATH 4239Real Analysis I
MATH 4240Real Analysis II
MATH 4981Seminar: Topics in Mathematics

Math 6995, Reading and Research (independent study), can be taken only by petition to, and with the approval of, the graduate committee.

Subject to the approval of the graduate committee (requested via petition) and the agreement of the instructor, mathematics graduate students may take certain undergraduate courses for graduate credit: Math 3710, 3720, 3730, 3740, 3613, 3632, 4239, 4240, 3848 and 4981. Graduate students in such courses must be assigned appropriate additional work to bring the courses up to the graduate level. These courses may comprise up to six of the required credit hours.