Mathematics, MS

The goal of this program is to provide students with a sound understanding of important mathematical concepts and the tools needed to understand and apply mathematics in the world. With the broad and rigorous background in math that this program will afford, students will have the necessary abilities and knowledge to be successful in highly-skilled positions in government, engineering, medicine, finance, insurance and so forth. Graduates will also be well-trained to work in education, including both K-12 schools and two-year colleges, or to enter a doctoral program in pure or applied math.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Mathematics MS program, graduates will be able to:

Demonstrate a facility with foundational math concepts and abstract thinking in core areas of mathematics, including algebra and analysis, by identifying and examining central ideas, solving problems and proving foundational theorems.
Display the ability to analyze and synthesize key mathematical ideas by apply quantitative reasoning and/or analytical methods to a variety of mathematical topics and applications, respectively.
Engage in the process of mathematical problem solving, including posing questions, forming hypotheses, making generalizations, critiquing arguments and proving assertions.
Communicate arguments and proofs effectively, in both oral and written form, to a wide range of audiences.

Application Deadlines

Rolling admission for Fall, Spring and Summer enrollment.

Applications that are not completed prior to the start of the semester will need to be moved to the next applicable semester.

Admission Requirements

A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
At least one semester each of undergraduate real analysis and abstract algebra
Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work
Three appropriate letters of recommendation
Personal Statement addressing the reasons you want to pursue graduate work in mathematics, your specific interests and experiences in this field, and your career goals

Applicants not meeting all of the above requirements may still be admitted to the program in some circumstances. For additional information, please contact the program coordinator.

Admission Requirements to the Mathematics Master of Science Program via Early Acceptance

Bridgewater State University offers students enrolled in the BS in Mathematics program the opportunity for early acceptance into the MS program.

A mathematics major may apply to the MS program as early as the junior year of their BS program provided that they have completed MATH 301 - Abstract Algebra I and MATH 401 - Introduction to Real Analysis I with a minimum grade of “C-“. Once accepted, students may begin taking graduate courses, which may also be counted as free electives toward the 120 required undergraduate credits. Students may take at most four courses at the 600-level counting toward the Mathematics MS degree while still enrolled in the undergraduate program. Although students may be accepted into the graduate program at this point, they will be classified as undergraduate students until the BS degree has been awarded. They will be classified as graduate students in the following semester.

The Department of Mathematics waives the application fee for the Master’s Degree Early Acceptance applicants. All other admission requirements are the same.

Program of Study

Students must complete 30 credits with a minimum grade of “B-“ and an overall GPA of 3.0.

Required courses (6 credits)

MATH 611 - Algebra I
MATH 621 - Real Analysis I *
*NOTE: The prerequisite for MATH 621 is MATH 521 - Introduction to Analysis II or consent of the instructor. Students may count MATH 521 toward the 30 required credits for the program.

Electives (24 credits)

Select 24 elective credits from the following with at most six credits from the 500-level courses listed below:

Exit Requirement

Students must satisfy one of the following exit requirements:

Pass two comprehensive exams in the topics of Algebra I (MATH 611) and Real Analysis I (MATH 621).
- Comprehensive exams are offered once per semester, and need not be taken concurrently. A student may retake each exam once.
Write and defend a thesis in mathematics, with at most six credits of MATH 691 - Master’s Thesis in Mathematics counting toward the 30 required credits.
- Students pursuing this exit option should familiarize themselves with the Master’s Thesis Handbook and Writer’s Guidelines, available on the BSU internet.
Complete a graduate-level internship and capstone project, with at most six credits of MATH 690 - Graduate Internship in Mathematics counting toward the 30 required credits.
- Capstone project must be approved by a faculty member supervising the internship. Please refer to the College of Graduate Studies handbook for appropriate paperwork.

Required paperwork for exit requirements can be found on the College of Graduate Studies website. Per the Graduate Academic Catalog, students who do not successfully pass their first choice of their program’s exit requirement should meet immediately with their faculty advisor or designated personnel to review the outcomes of their experience. Prescribed programs of study may be designed to help students prepare for their second defense, evaluation or examination. After students have made substantial progress in the additional work prescribed by the department, students will be allowed a second and final opportunity to successfully pass their program’s exit requirement. Students who do not successfully pass a second exit requirement option are subject to academic dismissal.