2014-2015 Undergraduate/Graduate Catalog

Mathematics M.A. with Specialization in Computer Science

Program Rationale:

The Master of Arts in Mathematics with Specialization in Computer Science provides an abstract introduction to mathematics at an advanced level, combined with an introduction to some advanced topics in computer science. This program is suitable for students wishing to improve their mathematics backgrounds before applying to doctoral programs and for professionals in the informational sciences.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Students in this program will be expected to:

  • deeply understand analytic arguments, using such common notions as epsilon/delta, infinite sums, and limits, and expand this to include such considerations for more general spaces than the real numbers, such as spaces of functions;
  • develop a basic understanding of measure theory and use it to study the Lebesgue integral;
  • deeply understand basic algebraic and discrete notions, such as facts about vector spaces and counting arguments, and expand this to include ideas about rings and fields; and
  • develop an understanding of the fundamentals of computer science and the application of mathematics to computer programming and/or software engineering.

Course and Capstone Requirements

The student will choose a specialization in computer programming techniques and numerical methods or computer systems and software engineering. The student and faculty advisor will work out an appropriate plan of study within the framework of the following requirements.

Basic Mathematics Courses

Total Credit Hours:12

Three (3) of the following courses:

MATH 515Abstract Algebra I

3

MATH 516Abstract Algebra II

3

MATH 519Principles of Real Analysis I

3

MATH 520Principles of Real Analysis II

3

and one (1) of the following:

MATH 523General Topology

3

MATH 526Complex Variables

3

STAT 551Applied Stochastic Processes

3

Electives appropriate to the area of specialization as approved by the faculty advisor: no more than nine of these credits may be earned in 400-level courses.

Comprehensive Examination

Total Credit Hours:18

Total Credit Hours: 30