Mathematics, MSc

The Master of Sciences (MSc) with Mathematics Emphasis Program is a unique cross-disciplinary program designed to provide an opportunity for students to expand and enhance their knowledge in natural sciences, physical sciences, and mathematics. 

Specific areas of study currently available include probability and statistics, differential equations, applied analysis, algebra, and coding theory.

The admission criteria for the Graduate Program in Mathematics are not limited to the following requirements. The Graduate Committee makes a decision on admission for each applicant based on their application materials and supporting documents.

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a bachelor's degree in mathematics, or another field with substantial mathematics coursework, which includes a course in analysis equivalent to the UCCS course MATH 3410.
• Have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, as well as a minimum GPA of 3.0 in mathematics courses.
• Submit GRE General Test scores, taken within the last 2 years, with a recommended percentile of 80 or higher on the Quantitative Reasoning section.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide additional documentation, as stated on the Application page.

In certain situations, students with lower GPAs or without a course in the analysis may be admitted as provisional degree students under special circumstances.

Application Deadline: Fall & Spring: Rolling Admission*

*Applications are due one week prior to the term start date

PhD Preparation Track
The PhD Preparation track prepares individuals for a future PhD in mathematics by providing solid exposure to algebra, analysis, and probability in a master's program.

Applied and Computational Mathematics Track
The Applied and Computational Mathematics Track is for those pursuing math or computation-heavy careers in science or engineering. This role requires knowledge of other disciplines and modern computational skills to construct mathematical models based on relevant science concepts and data and communicate solutions in the discipline's language.

Education Track
The Education Track prepares individuals to teach math at the K-14 level with an MS degree. The track focuses on integrating technology and meaningful applications of math, which are in high demand by secondary schools and community colleges. Upon completion, students will have a strong foundation in algebra and analysis, extensive exposure to math applications for the K-14 classroom, and training in using technology in the classroom.

Business and Management Track
The Business Track focuses on actuarial, financial, and business careers, covering core math concepts such as linear algebra, optimization, probability, statistics, and stochastic processes, often using modern computational techniques.

For program coursework, please visit the Academic Catalog.

Requirements for Master of Sciences Degree

General regulations of the Graduate School governing the award of a Master’s degree apply, except as modified below.

• 30-36 semester hours of science or mathematics courses are required.
• All courses must be taken from approved Graduate School faculty members.
• 24 or more hours in science or mathematics must be from courses numbered 5000 or above.
• Because not all courses will be appropriate for all programs, students should first consult with their advisor before enrolling. An academic plan should be completed during the student's first semester.
• Courses at the 3000 and 4000 levels will be accepted toward the degree only with grades of A or B. Courses at the 5000 and 6000 levels will be accepted toward the degree with grades of A, B, or C. Students must have a B average in all courses taken subsequent to admission to the program, including courses not actually required for the degree.
• Students must select either the Thesis or the Non-Thesis option.
• Thesis Option: 30 semester hours, including a minimum of 6 hours of thesis credit. At least 15 semester hours must be at the graduate level in the primary department. A minimum of three credit hours must be taken from a secondary department. Student must write a thesis on their research, give a presentation, and defend their thesis before a thesis defense committee. Please consult the Graduate Chair and the Graduate School for the Thesis and Dissertation Guidelines and Manual.
• Non-Thesis Option: 30 semester hours. At least 15 semester hours must be at the graduate level in the primary department. A minimum of three credit hours must be taken from a secondary department. Student must complete a paper describing a project on a mathematical topic, approved by the Graduate Committee. The final paper must be approved by the Graduate Committee.
• Independent study may not exceed 25% of the minimum number of hours required for the degree.

Mathematics Program Requirements

• Students must complete a minimum of 24 semester hours of 5000 level (or above) courses, 15 of which must be courses offered by the Mathematics Department.
• Students must complete (with a grade of B or better) the following courses (or equivalent ones): MATH 4140 - Modern Algebra I and MATH 4310 - Modern Analysis I.
• Students who took MATH 4140 and MATH 4310 (or equivalent courses) for their undergraduate degrees, and passed them with a grade of B or better, must take two other mathematics courses at the 4000 level or above, which have not been previously applied toward another degree. The minimum GPA requirements for the MSc degree apply to these courses.
• Students must complete a minimum of 3 credit hours at the 3000-level (or above) from a secondary department.
• Students must arrange for faculty advisor during the first or second semester after admission. The student, together with the advisor, will decide on the details for the paper or thesis. For the thesis option, the student should form a thesis committee that should be approved by the Graduate Committee. For the non-thesis option, the faculty advisor will oversee the student's progress on the paper and approve the final version, which will have to be approved by the Graduate Committee. To formally arrange for the advisor, the student should contact the Graduate Chair of the Mathematics Department.
• The paper should be submitted to the Graduate Committee for final approval by: (I) the week before Thanksgiving break during Fall semesters, or (II) the week before Spring break during Spring semesters.