2023-24 Catalogs

125 Jesse Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
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MA in Mathematics

Degree Requirements

The degree requirements include the satisfactory completion of 30 hours of approved course work, of which at least 18 hours must be at the 8000 level.
Required
MATH 8420Theory of Functions of Real Variables I3
MATH 8410Algebra I3
MATH 8190Masters Project in Mathematics *3
or MATH 8090 Master's Thesis Research in Mathematics
Students are expected to make up any required deficiencies in their undergraduate training in advanced calculus and abstract algebra. Students may not list the courses:
MATH 7140Matrix Theory3
MATH 7110Advanced Calculus with Applications3
MATH 7510Higher Algebra3
*

The successful completion of a Master’s Project (MATH 8190) or Master’s Thesis (MATH 8090) must be certified by a Master’s Committee consisting of three members of the Mathematics regular faculty.

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Plan of Study

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 77003MATH 79003
7000 Class 7000 Class 
MATH 77203MATH 79203
 6 6
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 842038000 Class 
MATH 841038000 Class 
8000 Class Masters Project 
 6 0
Total Credits: 18

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Admission Criteria

Notes: Applicants for any graduate degree in mathematics should submit an application for graduate study. Admission to the graduate program does NOT guarantee admission to the Ph.D. program. International Applicants applying from outside North America who seek financial support from the Department will only be considered for the PhD program.

Fall deadline: January 15

  • While a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required, the undergraduate major need not be mathematics as long as applicants have had sufficient mathematics training to qualify for 8000-level courses during the first three semesters of graduate work.
  • Minimum TOEFL scores:
Internet-based test (iBT) Paper-based test (PBT)
61 500
Effective July 1, 2015 must have score of 80 Effective July 1, 2015 must have score of 550

Important Notes: International applicants seeking departmental support are required to have a minimum TOEFL score of 85 (Internet-based test) or equivalent. An ibtTOEFL Speaking subscore of 22 or higher is preferred.

  • Minimum total academic IELTS score is 5.5

Required Application Materials

  • 3 or more letters of recommendation from your professors or persons who assess in detail your academic performance and potential.
  • Transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • TOEFL or IELTS (International students only)

Note: The application is submitted through the Graduate School ApplyYourself system.

Completing the ApplyYourself Application:

 This section consists of four subsections. 

  • Personal Information: Complete all information as requested.
  • Application Information: Applications are considered only starting Fall Semester, and only for Full-time study. Select a degree from the Graduate Degrees offered by the MU Mathematics Department.
  • Indicate your selection for the Mathematics Master of Arts (MA)
    • Admissions Category: Graduate Degree Sought at MU: Master's
    • Graduate Program to which you are seeking admissions: Mathematics Master of Arts (MA)
  • Educational History: Complete all information as requested.
  • Test Information:
    • MU's Institutional Code for the TOEFL is: 6875.

Supplemental Information:

  • (required) Upload your Personal Statement, Statement of Goals or Statement of Purpose.
  • Please indicate the specific degree for which you are applying, any additional degrees for which you may later apply, and explain your reasons for choosing to pursue these degrees at the University of Missouri. Note that admissions criteria for the PhD are more stringent than for the Master's. MU PhD students can later add a Master's degree to their program of study without requiring departmental approval. MU Master's students who wish to later add the PhD to their program of study require departmental evaluation and approval.
  • (optional) Upload your résumé or curriculum vita.
  • (optional) Upload your writing sample.
  • You may submit samples of your mathematical writings, publications, or pre-prints. Please limit to 10 pages.
  • (optional) Upload any other supporting documents.
  • Unofficial copies of transcripts uploaded by applicant can be used for initial evaluation- official transcripts sent directly to the Graduate Admissions Office will still be required to finalize admission.

RECOMMENDATIONS: The ApplyYourself system will let you request confidential online recommendation letters from your recommendation providers. You need to provide the names and email addresses of recommendation providers who have agreed in advance to write letters for you. The Mathematics Department application requires at least three recommendation letters from your professors (or persons who assess in detail your academic performance and potential).

International Applicants Only

  • Unofficial copies of TOEFL/IELTS reports uploaded by applicant can be used for initial evaluation - official reports sent directly to the Graduate Admissions Office will still be required to finalize admission.
  • Affidavit of Support for International Applicants: It is not necessary to complete this form. International applicants are required to complete the Affidavit of Support OR provide a letter of support from a University of Missouri graduate degree program before immigration documents can be issued. All international admissions to the Mathematics graduate program come with financial support which suffices to meet this requirement.

The following (paper) application materials must be on file at the Graduate Admissions office before an admission offer can be finalized:

  • Official transcripts/mark sheets from each college or university you have attended (sent directly from the college or university). Applicants with degrees from outside the United States must provide academic credentials in both the native language and in English.
  • Official TOEFL or IELTS scores (sent directly from the testing service). Please review the Graduate School's policy regarding proof of English Language proficiency.

Please arrange to have these materials mailed to the following address:

University of Missouri-Columbia
Graduate Admissions
210 Jesse Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
800-877-6312
573-884-8488

Admission Contact Information

Calin Chindris, Director of Graduate Studies
305 Mathematical Sciences Building
Columbia, MO 65211
(573)-882-4125

email: muasmathdgs@missouri.edu

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