Applied Mathematics, MS

The Department of Mathematics offers a strong graduate program leading to the Master of Science (MS)  in Applied Mathematics.

Specific areas of study currently available include probability and statistics, differential equations, applied analysis, algebra, and coding theory.

• A 3.0-grade point average in all coursework applied towards the degree.
• All degree courses must be part of an approved plan of study which is developed by the student and approved by the advisor (Chair of the Graduate Committee) within the first semester after being admitted to the program. This plan may be revised at any time with the approval of the advisor. The plan will require students to demonstrate some cohesiveness in the courses chosen or to demonstrate a clear subject area of concentration.
• Students completing one of the four existing tracks of study will automatically fulfill the requirements for the MS Applied Math degree.
• Modern Analysis I (MATH 4310) plus at least 27 semester hours of approved graduate work, including Linear Algebra (MATH 5130) and Modern Analysis II (MATH 5320). All students must pass the comprehensive examination in Modern Analysis. All students must complete Linear Algebra (MATH 5130) and the Analysis sequence (MATH 4310 and MATH 5320) in their first year of admission, and attempt the Comprehensive exam in Analysis offered in the Summer. The MATH 4310 requirement may be waived on a case-by-case basis only for UCCS students who completed MATH 4310 with a grade of B or higher within one year before admission to the program and for students in the Accelerated Master’s Program. If a waiver is approved by the Mathematics Graduate Chair, then MATH 4310 shall be replaced by 3 semester hours of approved graduate work.
• Courses will have graduate rank only if they are at the 5000 level or higher and are taught by members of the graduate school faculty.
• Independent study may not exceed 25% of the minimum number of hours required for the degree.
• A student may complete up to 9 credit hours of appropriate graduate coursework in departments other than the Department of Mathematics, as part of the tracks program. Such courses MUST be pre-approved by the advisor.
• Students may select a thesis or non-thesis option. Students pursuing the thesis option will replace up to 6 credit hours of courses with a Master’s thesis.
• All students must make an oral presentation regarding some aspect of advanced mathematics. For students pursuing the thesis option, the thesis defense will qualify as such a presentation.
• The department graduate committee must approve exceptions to these requirements.

Additional information and exams from prior years can be found on the Comprehensive Exams page.

PhD Preparation Track
The PhD Preparation track prepares individuals for a future PhD in mathematics by providing solid exposure to algebra, analysis, and probability in a master's program.

Complete the following required courses:
MATH 5150, MATH 5330, and either MATH 5450 or 5610
Complete 4 courses from the following courses:
MATH 5170, 5210, 5270, 5430, 5620, 5850, or any 5000 level Math course chosen with your advisor.

Applied and Computational Mathematics Track
The Applied and Computational Mathematics Track is for those pursuing math or computation-heavy careers in science or engineering. This role requires knowledge of other disciplines and modern computational skills to construct mathematical models based on relevant science concepts and data and communicate solutions in the discipline's language.

Complete the following 5 required courses:
MATH 5430, MATH 5470, MATH 5480, MATH 5650, MATH 5670
Complete 2 courses from the following courses:
MATH 5250, 5350, 5420, 5450 or 5610, 5820, 5850, or any 5000 level math, science, or engineering course approved by the Mathematics Graduate Chair

Education Track
The Education Track prepares individuals to teach math at the K-14 level with an MS degree. The track focuses on integrating technology and meaningful applications of math, which are in high demand by secondary schools and community colleges. Upon completion, students will have a strong foundation in algebra and analysis, extensive exposure to math applications for the K-14 classroom, and training in using technology in the classroom.

Complete the following required courses:
MATH 5810, MATH 5820
Complete 12-15 hours in at least two of the following areas: 
Algebra, Analysis, Applied Mathematics and Computing, Geometry, and Probability and Statistics.
Recommended, but not required:
CURR 5301 OR TED 5920

Business and Management Track
The Business Track focuses on actuarial, financial, and business careers, covering core math concepts such as linear algebra, optimization, probability, statistics, and stochastic processes, often using modern computational techniques.

Complete the following required courses:
MATH 5810, MATH 5820
Complete 3 of the following Math specialty courses:
MATH 5420, MATH 5480, MATH 5650, MATH 5850, MATH 5900
Complete 2 of the following economics/finance courses:
ECON 4010, ECON 4020, FNCE 4000

For details on program coursework, please visit the Academic Catalog.

The admission criteria for the Graduate Program in Mathematics are not limited to the following requirements. The Graduate Committee makes a decision on admission for each applicant based on their application materials and supporting documents.

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a bachelor's degree in mathematics, or another field with substantial mathematics coursework, which includes a course in analysis equivalent to the UCCS course MATH 3410.
• Have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, as well as a minimum GPA of 3.0 in mathematics courses.
• Submit GRE General Test scores, taken within the last 2 years, with a recommended percentile of 80 or higher on the Quantitative Reasoning section.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide additional documentation, as stated on the Applications page.

In certain situations, students with lower GPAs or without a course in the analysis may be admitted as provisional degree students under special circumstances.

Application Deadline: Fall & Spring: Rolling Admission*

*Applications are due one week prior to the term start date