Master of Science in Mathematics
The TCU Master of Science (MS) degree in Mathematics features both a pure and an applied track. The pure track primarily prepares students for doctoral work in mathematics, whereas the applied track equips students with mathematical tools applicable in industry. The program provides a broad knowledge of mathematics and its history, teaches problem solving skills, and exposes students to the general philosophy of mathematics. The pure track includes 36 hours of graduate mathematics courses; the applied track allows up to six hours of approved graduate science courses to count toward the 36 hour total. Class sizes are small and the courses are scheduled in a flexible manner to accommodate part-time students. Award-winning teachers, faculty expertise in a wide range of research areas, and abundant opportunities for one-to-one student and faculty interaction characterize our program.
Degree Requirements
Prerequisites: BA or BS degree with a mathematics major or 24 semester hours of mathematics, including courses in elementary calculus of one and several variables, linear algebra and at least eight hours of departmentally approved advanced undergraduate courses in mathematics. Students deficient in any area of preparation may be required to take the necessary coursework during the first year of graduate study. Scores on the GRE are used as an aid in the overall evaluation of the applicant's graduate potential.
Application Deadlines: Generally, the application deadline for the fall semester of a given academic year is March 1st. The application deadline for the spring semester of a given academic year is October 15th. After these deadlines, we continue to consider applications until the available positions are filled. Click here to see the grad program flyer.
Application Process: It is strongly recommended that the student contact the
at the time of application. An application package consists of:
- a complete application form (available online at www.csegrad.tcu.edu/),
- Graduate Student Financial Aid form, if any support is desired,
- one set of official transcripts from all college work including summer classes (in English),
- three or more recommendation letters,
- a non-refundable $60 application fee in the form of a personal check (drawn on U.S. bank), money order, or cashier's check made payable to TCU (this fee is waived for foreign nationals not residing in USA), and
- official GRE scores sent from ETS (General test is required, and the subject test is optional).
- International students only:
- official TOEFL scores sent from ETS,
- If you are seeking a student visa, please download, complete, and return the following forms:
-- International Student and Scholar Form (PDF)
-- Financial Statement for International Students (PDF)
(Both available at http://www.cse.tcu.edu/ at link above.)
See www.cse.tcu.edu for more information. Mail all materials to:
College of Science & Engineering
Attn: Graduate Studies
TCU Box 298960
Fort Worth, TX 76129
Basic Coursework: The MS program consists of 36 hours of graduate coursework from the three areas specified below. In accordance with university policy, a grade point average of at least 2.75 must be maintained with no more than two grades of C+ or lower being in satisfying the degree requirement. Also, only 5 courses may be taken at the 50000-level; other classes must be at the 60000-level or higher. Mathematics coursework must include:
MATH 50253: Abstract Algebra I
MATH 50403: Complex Analysis
MATH 50503: Real Analysis I
MATH 60513: Real Analysis II
MATH 60223: Applied Linear Algebra
An advanced student may be waived from any or all of these required courses by passing the corresponding Ph.D. preliminary exam(s) or otherwise showing proficiency in the material, as determined by the department.
Specialized Coursework: In addition to the five core courses, at least four courses are to be chosen from either the Pure Mathematics Option or the Applied Mathematics Option:
Pure Mathematics Track: This track of the Master's program prepares students for careers in academia. Each student selecting this track must take at least four of the pure mathematics courses listed below:
MATH 50323: Differential Geometry
MATH 50703 Number Theory
MATH 60263 Abstract Algebra II
MATH 60313 Topology
MATH 60323 Algebraic Topology I
MATH 60413 Advanced Complex Analysis
MATH 60523 Measure Theory
Any MATH 70000+ level 3-hour course
Applied Mathematics Track: This track of the Master's program prepares students for careers outside academia. Each student selecting this track must take at least four applied mathematics courses from the list below:
MATH 50613 Partial Differential Equations
MATH 50623 Applied Mathematics I
MATH 60103 Graph Theory
MATH 60543 Numerical Analysis
MATH 60553 Modern Fourier Analysis
MATH 60603 Game Theory
MATH 60613 Differential Equations of Mathematical Physics
MATH 60633 Applied Mathematics II
MATH 60643 Dynamical Systems and Applications
These courses feature applications to sciences outside of mathematics. Up to six hours of the applied mathematics courses may be substituted with graduate coursework taken in the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, Geology, or Physics and Astronomy, with approval from the student's graduate advisor in the Department of Mathematics.
Master's Thesis or Electives: The student may choose either to write a Master's thesis (3 hours of MATH 70980 and 3 hours of MATH 70990) and complete 3 hours of approved elective coursework, or to complete 9 hours of approved elective coursework. The thesis should be written over two semesters and approved by the department. The thesis need not contain original research, but must demonstrate a deep and thorough understanding of some area of mathematics.
For more information, contact
Ken Richardson
Director of Graduate Studies in Mathematics
TCU Box 298900
Fort Worth, TX 76129
817-257-6128