The department of mathematics at Polytechnic University offers unique
a unique graduate curriculum in mathematics that provides not only a
solid foundation in mathematics but also extensive exposure to how
mathematics is used in other fields of science and engineering. As many
as half of a graduate student's courses are taken in other departments.
The Department of Mathematics offers
graduate level mathematics courses in
analysis, geometry, topology, algebra,
applied mathematics, probability and
statistics. These courses form a major
portion of the work for advanced
degrees in mathematics. They may also
be taken by students in other departments
to satisfy minor and elective
requirements and by qualified pre-degree
students who desire further study
in graduate-level mathematics.
The department offers master's and
doctoral degrees in mathematics.
Departmental requirements for these
degrees are supplemented by general
requirements for advanced degrees set
forth elsewhere in this catalog.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MASTER OF SCIENCE
Bachelor's degrees in mathematics are
required for admission to this program.
Students with degrees in other fields
may be admitted, possibly with undergraduate
deficiencies, at the discretion
of departmental advisers.
Before beginning graduate studies,
students are expected to have completed
a one-year course in advanced calculus.
Thirty credits are required. Six
credits may be devoted to a thesis.
Required (core) courses, 12 credits, 3 credits each:
Linear Algebra I, MA7033
Linear Algebra II, MA7043
Element of Real Analysis I, MA6213
Element of Real Analysis II, MA6223
All options: Minimum of 15 credits (total) in mathematics courses.
There are three options for incoming MS students of Mathematics.
Thesis Option:
Electives: 12 credits,
Master's Thesis: 6 credits
Requires an examination of the thesis material by faculty advisors and certification that the work is satisfactory.
Total: 30 credits
By Examination Option:
Electives 18 credits, possibly with up to 9 from approved sub-specialties in other departments.
Includes a comprehensive oral examination before the degree is awarded. Examinations cover the student's program of study and are scheduled towards the end of the semester in which the work is completed.
Total: 30 credits
By Examination Option + Designated Sub-speciality Option.
Elective: 18 credits. At least 9 credits in courses approved for specialization by Department.
Includes a comprehensive oral examination before the degree is awarded. Examinations cover the student's program of study
and are scheduled towards the end of the semester in which the work is completed.
Total: 30 credits.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
Requirements for the doctoral degree are primarily qualitative rather then quantitative. All student's programs must have the approval of the guidance committee.
Number of graduate units usually associated to the PhD is 60 credits. (course = 3 credits)
The courses are to be selected from a well-balanced program in one major and two minor fields. The minor fields are encouraged to be chosen outside the Department of Mathematics, selected from such fields as applied mechanics, financial engineering, control theory, computer science, traffic engineering, and electrical engineering.
Thirty-nine credits of course work and at least 21 credits of thesis is required.
Required (core) courses, 12 credits, 3 credits each:
Linear Algebra I, MA7033
Linear Algebra II, MA7043
Element of Real Analysis I, MA6213
Element of Real Analysis II, MA6223
A grade of A is necessary in these required courses for PhD credit (they may be repeated).
Only courses with grades of B or better can be used to satisfy the Ph.D. requirements. A PhD candidate must maintain at least a 3.0 average.
Students are required to pass a Part 0 written examination covering fundamental topics; a Part 1 written examination covering real and complex analysis and linear and abstract algebra, and a Part 2 oral examination on topics chosen by the student and thesis advisor.
After passing the Part 2 examination, the student writes a dissertation under the supervision of a faculty advisor.
The final requirement for the PhD degree is a public oral exam on the student's dissertation.
Students must demonstrate the ability to read mathematical text written in French, German, or Russian
If you are interested in learning more about our unique program,
send e-mail to dept@math.poly.edu.
