Master's Thesis Option and Report Option
This portion of the Master's degree program is designed to demonstrate that the student has reached a level of mathematical maturity beyond that of successfully taking courses and examinations. The student should exhibit such qualities as creativity and good judgment, as well as independence, clarity, depth, and breadth of thought.
Master's Thesis Option
A Master's thesis in the Department of Mathematics is a substantial written work in the mathematical sciences in which the student makes an original research contribution to the subject which they are investigating. The thesis topic is determined by the student in consultation with the student's advisor. A public oral defense of the thesis is required after its completion. The committee must submit the thesis defense form to the Graduate College and should give a copy to the Mathematics Department's graduate director along with the Assessment Questionnaire for Theses (.pdf).
Those electing to write a thesis must complete six hours of MATH 5000.
Work on the thesis should begin as soon as possible after the student has completed a substantial portion of their required course work. The student is encouraged (but not required) to present the thesis at a regional mathematics meeting.
The thesis must conform to the guidelines for thesis preparation established by the Graduate College. The student must submit the thesis, thesis abstract, and signed approval page to the Graduate College by the due date. One copy of the thesis must also be submitted to the Mathematics Department's graduate director. Copies of Master's theses are on display in the Mathematics Department lounge.
Master's Report Option
A Master's report in the Department of Mathematics is a substantial written expository work on a topic in the mathematical sciences determined by the student in consultation with the student's advisor. Those electing to write a report must complete three hours of MATH 5000.
A public oral presentation of the report is required. The student is encouraged (but not required) to present the report at a regional mathematics meeting.
The written portion of the report must be typed. However, the technical style and form specifications are determined by the director of the report. One copy of the written report must be submitted to the Mathematics Department's graduate director. Copies of reports are on display in the Mathematics Department lounge.
Upon approval of the written report by the committee, the Formal Report Approval form must be submitted to the Graduate College by the end of the graduating semester. A copy of this form along with the Assessment Questionnaire for Formal Reports (.pdf) should be given to the graduate director.