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Carbondale, IL 62901
618-453-7482
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Master's Degree Programs
In our Master's in Mathematics program, you'll embark on a journey to expand your understanding and application of advanced mathematical concepts. Tailored for individuals with aspirations in academia, research, or the industry, this program offers a comprehensive curriculum that champions critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to undertake independent research.
With options for both thesis and non-thesis tracks, you'll have the flexibility to focus on areas that align with your career goals, all while being supported by a community of expert faculty and like-minded peers. This program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle complex mathematical problems and to thrive in your future professional endeavors.
Master of Science Degree Requirement
To enroll in the M.S. in Mathematics program, a strong foundation in mathematics through an undergraduate major or a significant minor combined with a closely related major is required. Once admitted, you'll need to complete at least 30 credit hours of graduate courses, including specific course requirements and demonstrating competency in computer programming. You have the option to focus on a research paper/thesis or choose a non-research path, with guidance from a faculty committee. Success in the program also hinges on passing a final oral examination on your graduate coursework and thesis or research paper.
Tracks
Students can get a general M.S. in Mathematics or they can choose one of the four tracks listed below. Students should make their choice when they apply or during their first year in the M.S. in Mathematics program.
- Applied Mathematics
- Statistics
- Computational Mathematics
- Pure Mathematics
Master of Art Degree Requirement
To be considered for the M.A. in Mathematics program, you must have excelled in a robust undergraduate mathematics major. Once admitted, you'll need to complete 30 graduate-level mathematics credit hours, with at least 15 at the 500 level, and achieve a B or better in specified courses. Proficiency in reading mathematical literature in French, German, or Russian is required. You'll also undertake a thesis under a three-member faculty committee's supervision and pass a final oral examination on your coursework and thesis to graduate.
Accelerated Master’s Program
It is also possible for Undergraduate mathematics majors at SIUC to enter an accelerated master's program in which 9 hours of mathematics courses will satisfy requirements in both the bachelor's degree and the master's degree, allowing for completion of both degrees after 5 (4+1) years.
In certain circumstances we also offer a double major in mathematics and closely a related STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) field. Students interested in this option should consult with their departmental advisor.
Graduate Certificate
This post-baccalaureate certificate allows an Illinois high school mathematics teacher with a master’s degree (in any field) to teach certain courses for college credit to high school students. An undergraduate degree in Mathematics, Mathematics Education, or a related field is required for admission. The program requires 18 credit hours of graduate level Mathematics courses. Many courses are available online.
Scholarships
John M.H. Olmstead Memorial Fund for Graduate Students in Mathematics
The John M. H. Olmsted Memorial Fund for Graduate Students in Mathematics is given each year to graduate students for excellence in teaching. Normally one student is chosen from each of M.S. and Ph.D. programs. The amount of the award varies.
Careers
You’ll find our alumni excelling in roles at institutions like the New England Research Institute and the Los Alamos National Laboratory, or teaching and in leadership roles at Colleges and Universities in the United States and abroad.
Other top career roles as ranked by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics are Data Scientist, Statistician, Mathematician, Operations Research Analyst and Actuary.
Student Organizations
The AMS Student Chapter is a special interest group within the Math Club at SIU. The Chapter was founded in 2017 with over a dozen founding members. The Chapter supports all activities of the Math Club and sponsors social functions for the mathematical community. Devoted to the furtherance of the interests of mathematical scholarship and research, the club provides opportunities to share ideas with fellow students and faculty and helps to discover career and funding opportunities for projects and for AMS meetings costs. The Math Club sponsors invited speakers on topics of interest to graduate students in mathematics and related fields.
Contact Information
Mingqing Xiao
Director of Graduate Studies
Neckers 463
1245 Lincoln Dr
Carbondale, IL 62901
618.453.6587
mathgradinfo@siu.edu
Dubravka Ban
Director
Neckers 365
1245 Lincoln Dr
Carbondale, IL 62901
618-453-6589
dban@siu.edu