Mathematics, M.A.
Saint Louis University
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Saint Louis University's oldest academic unit offers degrees in more than 30 academic areas.
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Saint Louis University offers graduate programs of advanced study and research leading to Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in mathematics. Due to the low student-faculty ratio, graduate students receive extensive individualized instruction.
SLU’s M.A. in mathematics requires 30 credits of coursework. The graduate-level courses are centered around four yearlong sequences in algebra, analysis, differential geometry and topology. Two of these sequences must be completed for the M.A.
Courses at the advanced graduate level allow students to proceed beyond the standard graduate curriculum into areas of research represented by the faculty. To graduate, students must either write and defend a master’s thesis or pass an oral exam covering three areas of graduate-level mathematics.
Saint Louis University’s M.A. in Mathematics prepares students for further study toward the Ph.D. or for a career in teaching or industry.
Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or have taken the equivalent coursework.
All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:
Students who want to be considered for an assistantship must submit their application by Jan. 1.
U.S. students who want to be considered for the fall semester should apply by July 1 and for the spring semester by Nov. 1. International students should apply for the fall semester by May 1 and for the spring semester by Oct. 1.
All applications are reviewed by committee with about a six-week wait for decision-notification to applicants. All applicants have until April 15 to decide to accept.
For priority consideration for a graduate assistantship, applicants should complete their applications by the program admission deadlines listed. Fellowships and assistantships provide a stipend and may include health insurance and a tuition scholarship for the duration of the award.
For more information, visit the student financial services office online at http://www.slu.edu/financial-aid.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| Select two of the following sequences: | 12 | |
| Algebra Sequence | ||
| Algebra I | ||
| Algebra II | ||
| Analysis Sequence | ||
| Real Analysis | ||
Select one of the following: | ||
| Complex Analysis | ||
| Functional Analysis | ||
| Harmonic Analysis | ||
| Topology Sequence | ||
| General Topology I | ||
| General Topology II | ||
| Elective Courses | ||
| Six additional MATH courses at the 5000-level or above. | 18 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
In addition to the 10 courses in mathematics, master’s students must take a comprehensive oral exam in the final semester of their program. This exam is administered by three faculty members. The exam consists of three parts, one for each of three assessment areas. Assessment areas are chosen by the graduate studies coordinator in consultation with the student. In each part, the student gives a 10-minute talk on a mathematical topic in that area. Each talk will be followed by a question and answer period. The duration of each of the three parts is about thirty minutes. Master’s students have the option of writing a master’s thesis. In that case, two of the courses in the second year would be devoted to research for the thesis, and the master’s oral exam is replaced by an oral defense of the thesis.
Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.
Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.
This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| Participation in first-year mentoring program | ||
| Critical course: MATH 5110 | Algebra I | 3 |
| Critical course: MATH 5310 | General Topology I | 3 |
| MATH 5021 | Introduction to Analysis | 3 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| Critical course: MATH 5120 | Algebra II | 3 |
| Critical course: MATH 5320 | General Topology II | 3 |
| MATH 5022 | Metric Spaces | 3 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| Critical course: MATH 5210 | Real Analysis | 3 |
| MATH 5990 | Thesis Research | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| MATH 5220 | Complex Analysis | 3 |
| MATH 5990 | Thesis Research | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
The above roadmap is intended for a student with a reasonably strong undergraduate mathematics degree who intends on studying pure mathematics. Below are the details on the specific program requirements. They can be met in a variety of ways, see the coursebook for options.
The master’s degree requires 10 courses in mathematics at the 4000-level or higher. At least seven of the courses must be at the 5000-level or higher. All master’s students must complete at least two 5000-level sequences chosen from algebra, analysis and topology. The department typically offers yearlong sequences in algebra, analysis, complex variables and probability and statistics at the 4000-level; algebra, analysis, and topology at the 5000-level; and differential geometry at the 6000-level. The department also routinely offers elective courses determined by student and faculty interest. Full-time students typically take three courses a semester and complete the degree in two years.
The first-year master’s student usually takes two or three year-long sequences. If a student has not had courses in algebra or analysis at the undergraduate level, then the student usually takes the 4000-level algebra and analysis sequences. This prepares the master’s students to take the 5000-level sequences in algebra, analysis and topology their second year. For students who have had substantial coursework in algebra or analysis at the undergraduate level, some of the 5000-level sequences could be completed in the first year.
In addition to the 10 courses in mathematics, master’s students must take a comprehensive oral exam in the final semester of their program. This exam is administered by three faculty members. The exam consists of three parts, one for each of three assessment areas. Assessment areas are chosen by the Director of Graduate Studies in consultation with the student. In each part, the student gives a 10-minute talk on a mathematical topic in that area. Each talk will be followed by a question and answer period. The duration of each of the three parts is about thirty minutes. Master’s students have the option of writing a master’s thesis. In that case, two of the courses in the second year would be devoted to research for the thesis, and the master’s oral exam is replaced by an oral defense of the thesis. A master’s student must obtain at least a 3.0 GPA overall. If after the first year the GPA is lower than a 3.0 the teaching assistantship cannot be renewed for the second year. Furthermore a B (or better) must be obtained in each course comprising the two required 5000-level sequences. (A master’s student who plans to pursue a Ph.D. in mathematics should maintain a GPA above a 3.0 and should include some A’s.)