How to Apply
Applications to the M.A. program in Mathematics are made through the Graduate
School of Arts and Sciences. The forms may be obtained by mail or downloaded
and printed from the admissions page of the Graduate School. Your completed
application should then be mailed to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
along with the application fee of $70.00.
Applications can be completed online, and we highly encourage you to take advantage of this option.
When to Apply
Applications are accepted throughout the year. However, there are a limited
number of Teaching Fellowships available and offers for these positions (for
the following September) are made beginning soon after our January 15 deadline.
Applications received after January 15 may be at a disadvantage for consideration
of Teaching Fellowships, since the availability of positions may depend on existing
offers being turned down.
For full consideration, arrange for your entire application (including transcripts, GRE scores, and letters of recommendation) to reach the Graduate School by January 15.
What to Include in Your Application
The Mathematics M.A. application must include the GRE General scores, all undergraduate
transcripts, and at least two letters of recommendation. A third letter of recommendation
is suggested, if at all possible. Most applicants also include a short statement
of purpose, which, although not required, does serve to personalize your application.
Applying for Teaching Fellowships
All applicants are automatically considered for Teaching Fellowships. No separate
application is necessary to be considered.
Our Criteria for Acceptance
The most important criteria for admission and fellowships are the number and
strength of mathematics courses taken, grades achieved in those courses, and
letters of recommendation. GRE scores, grades outside of mathematics, and other
data are considered as well, but count less. Teaching, tutoring, or other professional
experiences are also helpful.
Course prerequisites include calculus and linear algebra, with a total of at least eight courses in undergraduate mathematics. We prefer applicants to have had at least two courses in abstract mathematics beyond linear algebra (e. g. modern algebra, introductory real analysis, complex variables), i.e., courses in which you composed proofs as an essential part of the coursework. We do not require specific mathematics electives, but we look for an overall strong program with success in the core areas of abstract mathematics, and some acquaintance with ideas and techniques of applied mathematics.
An undergraduate major in mathematics is not required to enter our program, but each applicant should have taken one or more "pure" mathematics courses before applying to the M.A. program.