Mathematical Science (MS) (2024)

The Master of Science in Mathematical Science provides a broad base in applied, financial and industrial mathematics.

Students in the program can specialize in one of many aspects of mathematics, including Approximation Theory, Applied and Computational Harmonic Analysis, Big Data and Mathematical Statistics, Combinatorics and Graph Theory, Commutative Algebra and Algebraic Geometry, Control and Optimization, Differential and Symplectic Geometry, Fluid and Plasma Dynamics, Functional Analysis, Inverse and Ill-posed Problems, Machine Learning, Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Finance, Nonlinear Waves and Nonlinear Dynamics, Numerical Analysis, Orthogonal Polynomials, Partial Differential Equations, Probability and Stochastic Analysis, and Tomography and Medical Imaging.

The Mathematical Science MS program requires 30 credit hours minimum beyond the bachelor's degree. There are two options for the master's degree: thesis and nonthesis.

Total Credit Hours Required: 30 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor's Degree

Program Prerequisites

A working knowledge of undergraduate calculus, differential equations, linear algebra (or matrix theory), and maturity in the language of advanced calculus (at the level of MAA 4226).

Degree Requirements

Required Courses

12 Total Credits

• Complete the following:
  • MAA5210 - Topics in Advanced Calculus (3)
  • MAP6385 - Applied Numerical Mathematics (3)
  • MAS5145 - Advanced Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory (3)
  • MAT5712 - Scientific Computing (3)

Restricted Elective Sequences

6 Total Credits

• Complete 1 of the following
  • After the completion of the core courses, the program requires all students to complete one of the following two-semester sequences. The following shows examples of acceptable sequences using current courses. We expect that other sequences will be developed as our program grows. Note that some sequences consist of a core course plus one elective, while others consist of two electives. Thus, the credit hours in this requirement are variable (3 to 6 credit hours).
  • Complete the following:
    • MAA6405 - Complex Variables (3)
    • MAA6404 - Complex Analysis (3)
  • Complete the following:
    • MAD5205 - Graph Theory I (3)
    • MAD6309 - Graph Theory II (3)
  • Complete the following:
    • MAP5336 - Ordinary Differential Equations and Applications (3)
    • MAP6356 - Partial Differential Equations (3)
  • Complete the following:
    • MAA6306 - Real Analysis (3)
    • MAA6506 - Functional Analysis (3)
  • Complete the following:
    • MAA6238 - Measure and Probability I (3)
    • MAA6245 - Measure and Probability II (3)
  • Complete the following:
    • MAP6111 - Mathematical Statistics (3)
    • MAA7239 - Asymptotic Methods in Mathematical Statistics (3)
  • Complete the following:
    • MAS5311 - Algebra I (3)
    • MAS6312 - Algebra II (3)
  • Complete the following:
    • MTG5256 - Differential Geometry (3)
    • MTG6345 - Algebraic Topology (3)
  • Complete the following:
    • MAP6197 - Mathematical Introduction to Deep Learning (3)
    • MAP6195 - Mathematical Foundations for Massive Data Modeling and Analysis (3)

Unrestricted Electives

6 Total Credits

• Earn at least 6 credits from the following types of courses: Unrestricted electives should be chosen in consultation with the graduate program director or the student's thesis adviser and may be chosen from the suggested options: Approximation Theory, Applied and Computational Harmonic Analysis, Big Data and Mathematical Statistics, Combinatorics and Graph Theory, Commutative Algebra and Algebraic Geometry, Control and Optimization, Differential and Symplectic Geometry, Fluid and Plasma Dynamics, Functional Analysis, Inverse and Ill-posed Problems, Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Finance, Nonlinear Waves and Nonlinear Dynamics, Numerical Analysis, Orthogonal Polynomials, Partial Differential Equations, Probability and Stochastic Analysis, and Tomography and Medical Imaging. A list of courses for these elective options can be obtained from the graduate program director. Approved graduate courses outside the department may also be used.

Thesis/Nonthesis Option

6 Total Credits

• Complete 1 of the following
  Thesis Option
  • Earn at least 6 credits from the following types of courses: MAP 6971 - Thesis n this option, the MS degree requires a total of at least 30 credit hours comprised of at least 24 credit hours of course work and 6 credit hours of thesis. This includes the 15 credit hours of the core courses and 3-6 credit hours of a two-course sequence. No more than 6 credit hours of independent study or directed research may be credited toward the degree. It is strongly recommended that the student select a thesis adviser and establish a program of study by the completion of the core courses. With the help of a thesis adviser, the student will form a thesis committee of three members, of which at least two must be from the Department of Mathematics. It is recommended that the thesis topic have potential for industrial applications. An oral defense of the thesis will be required.
  Nonthesis Option
  • Earn at least 6 credits from the following types of courses: Nonthesis students will take an additional 6 credit hours of electives. The electives should be chosen in consultation with the graduate program director. Nonthesis students will receive independent learning experiences by taking one of the two-semester sequences, where they apply mathematical principles to independent projects. Other courses that also have substantial research projects include MAP 5117 - Mathematical Modeling, MAT 5712 - Scientific Computing and MAP 6111 - Mathematical Statistics, MAP 6195, MAP 6197, and may be taken as electives. No more than 3 credit hours of independent study may be credited toward the degree. It is strongly recommended that the student select an academic adviser and establish a program of study by the completion of the core courses. In addition, the nonthesis student must pass a comprehensive written examination (by passing the qualifying/comprehensive examination at or above the MS level) based on the core courses. Two attempts at the examination are permitted.

Independent Learning

0 Total Credits

• In the Mathematical Science MS program, the thesis option provides an independent learning experience through directed research, reading published research papers, and writing and defending the thesis. The nonthesis option requires students to take one of the two-semester sequences, where they apply mathematical principles to independent projects.

Grand Total Credits: 30

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines

Financial Information

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.

Fellowship Information

Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student's graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see UCF Graduate Fellowships, which includes descriptions of university fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.