The M.A. in Mathematics at Boston College is a blend of structure and flexibility. With almost all first-year students taking the algebra and analysis courses together, a friendly and cohesive group is formed and students proceed with a common core of knowledge.
The five elective courses in the program allow each student to aim his or her program towards a particular goal, whether it be teaching, a career in the private sector, or further study in mathematics or some other area. Two of these electives may be taken outside of the Mathematics Department. At the end of the program, the graduate seminar provides a common capstone experience with your friends.
There are ample opportunities for independent work. Students who wish to study a topic which is not offered in a regular course may do a Readings and Research course ("independent study"); a bigger commitment is the Thesis Option in which two semesters of independent work replace two electives (a thesis is not required for our M.A. program).
One advantage of Boston College for Master's students is that, without a Ph.D. program in Mathematics, students have access to, and the attention of, all faculty in the department for these sorts of projects. Moreover, a cross-registration program allows you to take courses at a number of nearby graduate mathematics programs, so the small size of our program does not limit the subjects you may choose to learn.
The Experience
Our M.A. students enjoy their experience at Boston College. They make great friendships, and many keep in touch with the department for years after graduation.
Our current graduate students are our best salespeople, and we invite you to visit our Department and meet with them. Alternatively, please feel free to send an e-mail to our Graduate Vice Chair, Robert Meyerhoff, and he'll be happy to forward e-mail addresses of current students and you can chat with them electronically.
