Mathematics, M.S.

Dr. John Graef, Head
(423) 425-4545 or email at John-Graef@utc.edu
Dr. Ronald Smith, Graduate Program Coordinator
(423) 425-4569 or email at Ronald-Smith@utc.edu

The Department of Mathematics at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga offers a Master of Science degree in mathematics with concentrations in applied mathematics, applied statistics, pre-professional mathematics, and education. This program is designed to provide individuals with an in-depth understanding in their chosen area, further preparing them for work in industry, government, and education, or for further graduate studies. Completion of the program requires thirty-six (36) semester credit hours, which includes an area of application or an internship. There is also an option of composing a final thesis. Students must maintain a minimum institutional cumulative GPA of 3.0, and are subject to all regulations of the UTC Graduate School.

Faculty and the Department

The Department of Mathematics has 20 full time faculty members holding professorial rank, all of whom hold the Ph.D. degree. The graduate faculty has 11 members and their research interests span a wide variety of mathematical interests. These include linear algebra and matrix theory, modern algebra, graph theory, numerical analysis, functional analysis, ordinary and partial differential equations and difference equations, operations research, statistics and mathematics education. The Department is highly active in research as demonstrated by publications in national and international refereed journals, invited and contributed presentations at national and international conferences, service on editorial boards, and refereeing and reviewing activities. In 2005-06, more than twenty papers appeared in print, several more were accepted for publication, and more than 25 papers were presented at national and international conferences. In 2008, 28 journal articles appeared in refereed journals.

The department currently has 51 declared majors, an active Pi Mu Epilson fraternity, and a weekly colloquium series. Even though final approval for the MS degree was awarded just two weeks before the start of the fall 2009 term, there are two full time graduate students employed as teaching assistants along with a number of students taking graduate level math courses on a part time basis. With an endowment of over $1 million, the Department is able to offer very competitive assistantships and fellowships for graduate study.

Admission

Individuals must meet the admission requirements of the UTC Graduate School as stated in the Graduate Catalog Admissions Requirements. In addition, students must have a strong mathematical background at the undergraduate level, as evidenced by successful completion of critical coursework or by a baccalaureate degree in mathematics from a regionally accredited institution. Requirements may be higher for a graduate of an unaccredited institution.

Admission is a two-step process involving application to the Graduate School and application to the Department of Mathematics.

Application to the Graduate School can be done online http://www.utc.edu/apply/
Application to the Department requires submission of:

a. A letter of application explaining reasons why the candidate wishes to pursue graduate study in Mathematics,

b. Two letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with the applicant’s scholastic ability and/or professional experience,

and, if the applicant is applying for assistantships or fellowships

c. Submission of the scores on the verbal and quantitative part of the GRE exam

Application materials to the department should be sent to the Mathematics Graduate Program Coordinator Ronald-Smith@utc.edu E-mail submission of application letters and letters of recommendation is acceptable.

Critical Undergraduate Coursework Required For Admission

Differential and Integral Calculus with Laboratory (8 hours); Multivariable Calculus (3 hours); Differential Equations (3 hours); Elementary Linear Algebra (3 hours); Analysis (3 hours); Probability and Statistics (3 hours); Modern Algebra (3 hours); a course in Computer Science (3 hours); and two additional upper-level mathematics courses (6 hours). In addition, at least one course should emphasize mathematical proofs. Students whose academic background is considered inadequate may be asked to complete additional coursework. In addition, a GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is required on all upper-level mathematics courses.

General Requirements for the Degree

1. Credit hours:

A minimum of thirty six (36) semester hours is required. At least twenty four (24) must be in mathematics at the 5000 level.

2. Core Courses:

Zero (0) to nine (9) hours depending on whether these courses were taken at the undergraduate level:

Introduction to Analysis II (MATH 4500 at UTC or equivalent)
Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory (MATH 4200 at UTC or equivalent)
Complex Analysis Math (MATH 4570 at UTC or equivalent)

3. Concentration requirements:

Twelve (12) hours chosen from one of four areas, including at least one two-semester sequence as defined under that concentration.

4. Area of Application or Internship:

A minimum of six (6) hours.

5. Electives:

As needed to complete thirty six (36) hours. This may include three (3) hours for a special project, or as many as six (6) hours for a thesis.

Program Requirements

Students must choose one of the following four programs:

Area of Application or Internship

Students must complete a minimum of six (6) credit hours in an area of application or an internship. The student and his or her graduate program committee will jointly decide upon the area of application or internship, and must be approved by the Graduate Coordinating Committee. It should be consonant with the chosen concentration. An oral presentation and a written report on the internship or area of application are required. Typically, students choosing an area of application will complete coursework in another department or college such as Business, Economics, Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or Biology. In keeping with the interdisciplinary nature of this program, if a student chooses an area of application, the Graduate Coordinating Committee will ask that a representative from the outside area be added as an additional member of the student’s graduate program committee. Students choosing the internship option will usually collaborate with a local business. Options include businesses in the health insurance field, industrial and manufacturing industries, engineering firms, etc.

Electives

Students must complete additional elective hours as needed to complete the degree. Any of the courses listed under the concentrations may serve as electives. In addition, a special project (3 hours) or a thesis (6 hours) may be chosen to fulfill part of these elective hours. Prior to enrolling in MATH 5910 (Special Project in Mathematics), MATH 5998 (Research), or MATH 5999 (Thesis), a student choosing to do a project or thesis must have the topic approved by his or her graduate program committee and the Graduate Coordinating Committee, and must submit the committee form to the Graduate School for final approval.

Course Scheduling

A full-time student can complete the degree requirements in four semesters. Courses will typically be offered at times to maximize their availability for employed students. Typical programs of study for each concentration are given; these are only samples.

Program of Study

Students must submit a Program of Study during the first semester of graduate coursework. The Program of Study consist of all core courses and any electives and establishes the courses the student must take for partial fulfillment of the degree requirements. The Program of Study form must include all core courses and electives, if known at the time, the student will take. The Program of Study form is located at www.utc.edu/GraduateSchool/CurrentStudentForms.

Admission to Candidacy

The application for admission to candidacy is typically filed in the semester prior to a student’s anticipated graduation semester and should list all courses not listed on the Program of Study and any changes in coursework. Please refer to Application for Admission to Candidacy section. The appropriate form may be obtained from the Graduate School Web site at www.utc.edu/graduateschool.