Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog ARCHIVED CATALOG: CONTENT MAY NOT BE CURRENT. USE THE DROP DOWN ABOVE TO ACCESS THE CURRENT CATALOG.

Master of Science - Mathematical Sciences


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Plan Description


The degree is a well-established MS program with concentrations in Applied Math, Computational Math, and Pure Math to serve students in many different areas of Mathematical Sciences.

The concentrations in Pure Math, Computational Math, and Applied Math each include a core requirement corresponding to the given area. Additional credits are required so that students can develop knowledge in a field of interest. All three require the student to either defend a thesis or pass a written comprehensive exam corresponding to the core requirements.

The teaching mathematics concentration requires a variety of content courses, as well as, education courses. The degree options for the teaching math concentration include the opportunity to write a professional paper.

For more information about your program, including your graduate program handbook and learning outcomes please visit the Degree Directory.

Plan Admission Requirements


Application deadlines

Applications available on the UNLV Graduate College website.

All domestic and international applicants must review and follow the Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements.

Have a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75 for all undergraduate work or a minimum GPA of 3.00 for the last two years of undergraduate work, and completed at least 18 credits of upper-division mathematics or statistics courses beyond calculus.

Submit application materials to both the Graduate College and the Department of Mathematical Sciences.

  1. Firstly, applicants must submit to the Graduate College the following materials:
    • A completed online application Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
  2. Secondly, applicants must submit to the Department of Mathematical Sciences the following materials:
    • Copies of all transcripts sent to the Graduate College At least two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant’s academic record and potential for advanced study in mathematical sciences
    • A statement of purpose describing the aim in applying for graduate study, the particular area of specialization within the mathematical sciences (if known), and any additional information that may aid the selection committee in evaluating the applicant’s preparation and aptitude for graduate study.
    • A completed online Graduate Assistantship application, if interested.

Students are accepted into a degree program as described in the Graduate Catalog. The faculty and corresponding sub-disciplines and sub-plans within the described programs are subject to change at any time.

Subplan 1 Requirements: Pure Mathematics - Thesis


Total Credits Required: 33

Course Requirements


Area of Emphasis Courses – Credits: 6


Complete an additional 6 credits of 700-level MAT courses (excluding MAT 711 & 712) in a field of special interest.

Elective Courses – Credits: 12


Complete 12 credits of 600- or 700-level MAT or STA courses (excluding MAT 711 & 712), or other advisor-approved courses.

Thesis – Credits: 6


Degree Requirements


  • Students must complete a minimum of 33 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
  • Of the 33 required credits, 27 must be coursework.
  • Of those 27 coursework credits, at least 18 must be 700-level.
  • A student will be placed on academic probation if a minimum of 3.00 GPA is not maintained in all work taken in the degree program. A grade of C or less in one graduate-level course will cause a student to be placed on academic probation and will elicit a critical review of the student’s program by the Graduate Studies Committee.
  • Students who fail to meet the conditions of their probation will be separated.
  • In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize a thesis committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department’s discretion. Please see Graduate College policy for committee appointment guidelines.

Graduation Requirements


The student must submit and successfully defend their thesis by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public. After the thesis defense, the student must electronically submit a properly formatted pdf copy of their thesis to the Graduate College for format check. Once the thesis format has been approved by the Graduate College, the student will submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest. Deadlines for thesis defenses, format check submissions, and the final ProQuest submission can be found here

Students may apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. All required forms must be submitted to the graduate college via the Grad Rebel Gateway.

Subplan 2 Requirements: Pure Mathematics - Comprehensive Exam


Total Credits Required: 30

Course Requirements


Area of Emphasis Courses – Credits: 6


Complete an additional 6 credits of 700-level MAT courses (excluding MAT 711 & 712) in a field of special interest.

Elective Courses – Credits: 15


Complete 15 credits of 600- or 700-level MAT or STA courses (excluding MAT 711 & 712), or other advisor-approved courses.

Degree Requirements


  • Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
  • Of the 30 required credits, at least 18 must be 700-level.
  • A student will be placed on academic probation if a minimum of 3.00 GPA is not maintained in all work taken in the degree program. A grade of C or less in one graduate-level course will cause a student to be placed on academic probation and will elicit a critical review of the student’s program by the Graduate Studies Committee.
  • In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize an advisory committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department’s discretion. Please see Graduate College policy for committee appointment guidelines.

Graduation Requirements


The student must pass a final comprehensive examination.

Students may apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. All required forms must be submitted to the graduate college via the Grad Rebel Gateway.

Subplan 3 Requirements: Applied Mathematics - Thesis


Total Credits Required: 33

Course Requirements


Applied and Computational Courses – Credits: 6


Complete 6 credits of 700-level advisor-approved MAT coursework in applied and computational mathematics.

Elective Courses – Credits: 12


Complete 12 credits of 600- or 700-level MAT or STA courses (excluding MAT 711 & 712), or other advisor-approved courses.

Thesis – Credits: 6


Degree Requirements


  • Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
  • Of the 33 required credits, 27 must be coursework.
  • Of those 27 coursework credits, at least 18 must be 700-level.
  • A student will be placed on academic probation if a minimum of 3.00 GPA is not maintained in all work taken in the degree program. A grade of C or less in one graduate-level course will cause a student to be placed on academic probation and will elicit a critical review of the student’s program by the Graduate Studies Committee.
  • In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize a thesis committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department’s discretion. Please see Graduate College policy for committee appointment guidelines.

Graduation Requirements


The student must submit and successfully defend their thesis by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public. After the thesis defense, the student must electronically submit a properly formatted pdf copy of their thesis to the Graduate College for format check. Once the thesis format has been approved by the Graduate College, the student will submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest. Deadlines for thesis defenses, format check submissions, and the final ProQuest submission can be found here

Students may apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. All required forms must be submitted to the graduate college via the Grad Rebel Gateway.

Subplan 4 Requirements: Applied Mathematics - Comprehensive Exam


Total Credits Required: 30

Course Requirements


Applied and Computational Courses – Credits: 6


Complete 6 credits of 700-level advisor-approved MAT coursework in applied and computational mathematics.

Elective Courses – Credits: 15


Complete 15 credits of 600- or 700-level MAT or STA courses (excluding MAT 711 & 712), or other advisor-approved courses.

Degree Requirements


  • Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
  • Of the 30 required credits, at least 18 must be 700-level.
  • A student will be placed on academic probation if a minimum of 3.00 GPA is not maintained in all work taken in the degree program. A grade of C or less in one graduate-level course will cause a student to be placed on academic probation and will elicit a critical review of the student’s program by the Graduate Studies Committee.
  • In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize an advisory committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department’s discretion. Please see Graduate College policy for committee appointment guidelines.

Graduation Requirements


The student must successfully complete a final comprehensive examination.

Students may apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. All required forms must be submitted to the graduate college via the Grad Rebel Gateway.

Subplan 5 Requirements: Applied Statistics - Thesis


Total Credits Required: 33

Course Requirements


Required Courses – Credits: 6


Complete 6 credits by completing all of the following courses:

Core Courses – Credits: 12


Complete 12 credits by completing all of the following courses:

Statistics Courses – Credits: 6


Complete an additional 6 credits of 700-level STA coursework in a field of special interest to the student.

Elective Courses – Credits: 3


Complete 3 credits of 600- or 700-level MAT or STA courses (excluding MAT 711 & 712), or other advisor-approved courses.

Thesis – Credits: 6


Degree Requirements


  • Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
  • Of the 33 required credits, 27 must be coursework.
  • Of those 27 coursework credits, at least 18 must be 700-level.
  • A student will be placed on academic probation if a minimum of 3.00 GPA is not maintained in all work taken in the degree program. A grade of C or less in one graduate-level course will cause a student to be placed on academic probation and will elicit a critical review of the student’s program by the Graduate Studies Committee.
  • In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize a thesis committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department’s discretion. Please see Graduate College policy for committee appointment guidelines.

Graduation Requirements


The student must submit and successfully defend their thesis by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public. After the thesis defense, the student must electronically submit a properly formatted pdf copy of their thesis to the Graduate College for format check. Once the thesis format has been approved by the Graduate College, the student will submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest. Deadlines for thesis defenses, format check submissions, and the final ProQuest submission can be found here

Students may apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. All required forms must be submitted to the graduate college via the Grad Rebel Gateway.

Subplan 6 Requirements: Applied Statistics - Comprehensive Exam


Total Credits Required: 30

Course Requirements


Required Courses – Credits: 6


Complete 6 credits by completing all of the following courses:

Core Courses – Credits: 12


Complete 12 credits by completing all of the following courses:

Statistics Courses – Credits: 6


Complete an additional 6 credits of 700-level STA coursework in a field of special interest to the student.

Elective Courses – Credits: 6


Complete 6 credits of 600- or 700-level MAT or STA courses (excluding MAT 711 & 712), or other advisor-approved courses.

Degree Requirements


  • Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
  • Of the 30 required credits, 27 must be coursework.
  • Of those 27 coursework credits, at least 18 must be 700-level.
  • A student will be placed on academic probation if a minimum of 3.00 GPA is not maintained in all work taken in the degree program. A grade of C or less in one graduate-level course will cause a student to be placed on academic probation and will elicit a critical review of the student’s program by the Graduate Studies Committee.
  • In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize an advisory committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department’s discretion. Please see Graduate College policy for committee appointment guidelines.

Graduation Requirements


The student must pass a final comprehensive examination.

Students may apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. All required forms must be submitted to the graduate college via the Grad Rebel Gateway.

Subplan 7 Requirements: Teaching Mathematics - Professional Paper


Total Credits Required: 30

Course Requirements


Required Courses – Credits: 9


Complete 9 credits by completing all of the following courses:

Elective Courses – Credits: 3


Complete 3 credits of 600- or 700-level MAT or STA courses, or other advisor-approved courses.

Degree Requirements


  • Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
  • Of the 30 required credits, 27 must be coursework.
  • Of those 27 coursework credits, at least 15 must be 700-level.
  • A student will be placed on academic probation if a minimum of 3.00 GPA is not maintained in all work taken in the degree program. A grade of C or less in one graduate-level course will cause a student to be placed on academic probation and will elicit a critical review of the student’s program by the Graduate Studies Committee.
  • In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize an advisory committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department’s discretion. Please see Graduate College policy for committee appointment guidelines.

Graduation Requirements


The student must successfully complete and defend a professional paper.

Students may apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. All required forms must be submitted to the graduate college via the Grad Rebel Gateway.

Subplan 8 Requirements: Teaching Mathematics - Comprehensive Exam


Total Credits Required: 30

Course Requirements


Degree Requirements


  • Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
  • Of the 30 required credits, 27 must be coursework.
  • Of those 27 coursework credits, at least 15 must be 700-level. A
  • student will be placed on academic probation if a minimum of 3.00 GPA is not maintained in all work taken in the degree program. A grade of C or less in one graduate-level course will cause a student to be placed on academic probation and will elicit a critical review of the student’s program by the Graduate Studies Committee.
  • In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize an advisory committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department’s discretion. Please see Graduate College policy for committee appointment guidelines.

Graduation Requirements


The student must pass a final comprehensive examination.

Students may apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. All required forms must be submitted to the graduate college via the Grad Rebel Gateway.

Subplan 9 Requirements: Computational Mathematics - Thesis


Total Credits Required: 33

Course Requirements


Computational Mathematics Courses - Credits: 12


Complete 12 credits by completing all of the following courses:

Elective Courses - Credits: 9


Complete 9 credits of 600- or 700-level MAT or STA courses (excluding MAT 711 & 712), or other advisor-approved courses.

Thesis – Credits: 6


Degree Requirements


  • Students must complete a minimum of 33 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
  • Of the 33 required credits, 27 must be coursework.
  • Of those 27 coursework credits, at least 18 must be 700-level.
  • A student will be placed on academic probation if a minimum of 3.00 GPA is not maintained in all work taken in the degree program. A grade of C or less in one graduate-level course will cause a student to be placed on academic probation and will elicit a critical review of the student’s program by the Graduate Studies Committee.
  • In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize a thesis committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department’s discretion. Please see Graduate College policy for committee appointment guidelines.

Graduation Requirements


The student must submit and successfully defend their thesis by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public. After the thesis defense, the student must electronically submit a properly formatted pdf copy of their thesis to the Graduate College for format check. Once the thesis format has been approved by the Graduate College, the student will submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest. Deadlines for thesis defenses, format check submissions, and the final ProQuest submission can be found here.

Students may apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. All required forms must be submitted to the graduate college via the Grad Rebel Gateway.

Subplan 10 Requirements: Computational Mathematics - Comprehensive Exam


Total Credits Required: 30

Course Requirements


Computational Mathematics Courses - Credits: 12


Complete 12 credits by completing all of the following courses:

Elective Courses – Credits: 12


Complete 12 credits of 600- or 700-level MAT or STA courses (excluding MAT 711 & 712), or other advisor-approved courses.

Degree Requirements


  • Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
  • Of the 30 required credits, at least 18 must be 700-level.
  • A student will be placed on academic probation if a minimum of 3.00 GPA is not maintained in all work taken in the degree program. A grade of C or less in one graduate-level course will cause a student to be placed on academic probation and will elicit a critical review of the student’s program by the Graduate Studies Committee.
  • In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize an advisory committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department’s discretion. Please see Graduate College policy for committee appointment guidelines.

Graduation Requirements


The student must successfully complete a final comprehensive examination.

Students may apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. All required forms must be submitted to the graduate college via the Grad Rebel Gateway.

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