Master of Science in Mathematics

The Master's program serves a dual purpose. For some students it will be a terminal program of mathematics education; for others it will lead to study and research at the doctoral level. To earn the Master of Science degree, the student must satisfy course and residency requirements, and achieve two passes at the M.S. level among three Exams in Real Analysis, Complex Analysis and Algebra prior to the start of the second year.

To satisfy the exam requirements, students may take the Core Assessment Exams (offered in the Spring of every year), the Comprehensive Exams (offered in the Spring of every year and described below), or the Qualifying Exams (offered before the start of the fall quarter) in Real Analysis, Complex Analysis and Algebra. Students may not attempt to take an exam in a particular subject area more than 3 times.

Some students may require additional background prior to entering Math 210 and 230. This will be determined by assessment prior to the start of the students’ first year by the Vice Chair for Graduate Studies, upon consultation with the graduate studies committee. Such students will be directed into Math 205 and/or Math 206 during their first year. These students may pass one Comprehensive Exam in the areas of Algebra or Analysis in lieu of achieving a M.S. pass on one Qualifying Exam that must obtained prior to the start of the students’ second year. Comprehensive Exams in Analysis and Algebra will be offered once per year in the Spring quarter.

The total number of required courses for the M.S. degree is 12, completed with satisfactory performance. Students are required to complete at least one series of the following courses: Mathematics 210A-B-C, 220A-B-C, or 230A-B-C. At most one undergraduate course may count as an elective course, provided it is sponsored by rank faculty and approved by the Graduate Advisor. At most one elective course (at least three units) is allowed outside the Department.

Students who fail to pass the required examinations satisfactorily within the period specified will be recommended for academic disqualification by the Graduate Dean.

Mathematics 199, 297, 298, 299, and 399 may not be used to fulfill course requirements.

The residency requirement ordinarily is satisfied by full-time enrollment for three quarters immediately preceding the award of the M.S. degree. When appropriate, a leave of absence may be granted between matriculation and the final quarters of study.

If the candidate is not advanced before the beginning of the quarter in which all requirements are completed, the degree will not be conferred until the end of the following quarter. Deadlines for submission of the Application for Advancement to Candidacy are published on the Graduate Divisions WEBSITE, where filing fees and deadlines may also be found.

Master of Science in Mathematics with a teaching credential

In cooperation with the UCI Department of Education, the Department of Mathematics sponsors a coordinated program for the M.S. degree in Mathematics and the California Single Subject Teaching Credential. The requirements for this option are the same as the Master of Science in Mathematics listed above.

The student will complete the requirements for the Masters degree with the Mathematics Department, (generally a two year commitment), then petition with the UCI Department of Education to take the Department of Educations credential courses (generally a one year commitment). The student will be required to meet the requirements of the Department of Education, to include (CBEST, CSET, TB test, Certificate of Clearance). Prospective graduate students interested in this program should so indicate on their applications. A detailed description of the program can be requested from the Department of Education.

Advancement to Candidacy

All Master's students prior to the beginning of the final quarter of enrollment must be advanced to candidacy for the degree. An application for Advancement to Candidacy must be completed by the student and submitted for approval by the department. The approved application must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies at least 30 days before the opening of the quarter in which the degree is expected. If the candidate is not advanced before the beginning of the quarter in which all requirements are completed, the degree will not be conferred until the end of the following quarter. Deadlines for submission of the Application for Advancement to Candidacy are published on the Graduate Divisions WEBSITE, where filing fees and deadlines may also be found.