Our graduate experience is broken up into "Phases". For the Master of Science degree, there are two Phases, each one is expected to take 1 to 1.5 years. The official degree requirements for the Master of Science degree are detailed here. The phases described should be thought of as a guide through the graduate experience.

PHASE I: Comprehensive Courses and Examination
During this phase, students takes comprehensive courses from among the 5 core comprehensive courses offered, and select graduate advisors. It is strongly Recommended that students take the core Scientific Computation courses, Math 191 and 192, and the core Methods of Applied Mathematics courses, Math 198 and 199.

Students are assigned an advisor upon admission to the Mathematics Department Graduate Program, but it is expected that during the first year, students may change advisors, once their research interests are determined. Separate from the core requirements, there is also an emphasis on breadth outside of Mathematics during Phase I. Students will take classes each semester in another discipline (or disciplines) of science, hopefully related to their eventual Master's thesis topic.

--- Completion of Phase I: passing Comprehensive Examination
1 exam with a Master's level pass (any one of the 5 Comprehensive exams)


PHASE II: Courses and Master's thesis or Master's project
During this phase, students select an area of specialization, as well as a Master's advisor (or advisors), and a Thesis committee. The advisor is responsible for supervising the student's research and advising the student regarding courses. The main goal of this Phase is research and preparation of a Master's thesis or Master's project.

--- Completion of Phase II
Requirements for completion of Phase II, and the requirements for the Master of Science degree in Mathematics with emphasis in Applied Mathematics include:

• 36 Credit Hours
• Approval of Master's Thesis or Master's Project
• Successful completion of oral defense