MS MathematicsCurriculum Information

Semester Course Offerings
Program Prerequisites
Extracurricular Events
Curriculum Information
Example Course Syllabi

Semester Course Offerings

 Fall 2024

MAT 535 Topology (Brazas)

MAT 545 Analysis I (McKibben)

MAT 548 Industrial Mathematics - Continuous Model (Li)

MAT 554 Scientific Computing (Li)

Spring 2025

MAT 503 History of Mathematics (Gallitano)

MAT 514 Number Theory (Parsell)

MAT 546 Analysis II (Johnston)

MAT 556 Industrial Practicum - Discrete Models (Li)

Summer 2025

Summer courses are usually offered upon student demand and can sometimes be taught as individualized instruction for special topics.

Fall 2025

MAT 515 Algebra I (TBA)

MAT 535 Topology (Brazas)

MAT 548 Industrial Mathematics - Continuous Model (Li)

MAT 554 Scientific Computing (Li)

Spring 2026

MAT 503 History of Mathematics (Gallitano)

MAT 516 Algebra II (TBA)

MAT 536 Algebraic Topology (Brazas)

MAT 552 Operations Research (Fisher)

MAT 556 Industrial Practicum - Discrete Models (Li)

Program Prerequisites

The MS in Mathematics Program provides students with the expertise needed to gain entry into PhD programs, jobs in industry, and college teaching. To succeed, incoming students must have proficiency in a variety of undergraduate mathematics topics. Students entering the program must have a Bachelors Degree (in Mathematics or a related field) and transcripts showing successful completion of courses in

  • Calculus (I, II, and III),
  • Linear Algebra,
  • Differential Equations,
  • and at least some proof-based mathematics courses (real or complex analysis and abstract algebra are preferable).

Prospective students who do not meet these prerequisite requirements may be admitted to the program conditionally with the condition being that they must successfully complete these required undergraduate courses (at WCU or elsewhere) prior to fully enrolling in the graduate program.

For some incoming students, it may have been a while since you have been a student in an advanced mathematics class. If this is the case and you would like some advice on what to review before starting the program, please reach out to the program coordinator Jeremy Brazas (jbrazas@wcupa.edu).

Application Requirements

We are able to evaluate applications on a rolling basis so interested students may apply at any time of the year. We do recommend that new students begin their program during a Fall semester. This is because many of our courses run as 2-course sequences in the Fall and Spring. Students who plan to begin in the Fall who are interested in a GA position should apply to the program by May 1st. Once admitted to the program, students can apply to for a GA position (by emailing the program coordinator).

To Apply to the MS in Mathematics Program, complete the online application form at The Graduate School webpage. You will need to select one the three concentrations:

  1. Mathematics (theoretical)
  2. Applied and Computational Mathematics Concentration
  3. Mathematics Education Concentration

To complete your online application, you will need to submit the following items.

    1. Statement of Purpose
    2. Transcript(s) of undergraduate degrees
    3. Two letters of recommendation

We do not require GRE scores as part of the application. Please note that you can only apply for a GA position after you are accepted to the program.

Applications from International Students have different requirements that are set by The Graduate School and should see International Graduate School Applicants page for more information.

Extracurricular Events

  • For more on events in the Mathematics Department, please visit the Events page.
  • Apply to become a member of the WCU Chapter of Pi Mu Epsilon. (Graduate students can become members)
  • Get involved with the WCU Math Club!
    • Visit the Math Office in UNA 100 for more information.
  • Join the Graduate Student Association
  • GSA serves as the representative body for graduate students, providing a platform to express our collective concerns and work towards the welfare and advancement of all WCU graduate students.
  • WCU has an excellent music department. For live music performances, check out the Wells School of Music Calendar.
  • For theatre and dance performances, check out the Theatre and Dance Calendar.
  • There are lots of exciting events and seminars held weekly on the West Chester campus. Visit the WCU's Calendars and Events Page. 

Curriculum Information

The MS in Mathematics programs are 33 credit programs (11 classes) with a choice of three concentrations:

  • Mathematics (theoretical)
  • Applied and Computational Mathematics
  • Mathematics Education

Program Requirements:

1. All students in the MS program (in any concentration) take a core curriculum of 4 courses.
  1. MAT 513 Linear Algebra (offered Fall of even years)
  2. MAT 515 Algebra I (offered Fall of odd years)
  3. MAT 543 Theory of Differential Equations (offered Spring of odd years)
  4. MAT 545 Analysis I (offered Fall of even years)
2. Students take 4 courses in their chosen concentration (Math, Applied Math, or Math Ed).

The following advising sheets provide a complete summary of these program requirements for each concentration.

MS in Mathematics Advising Sheet
MS in Mathematics - Applied and Computational Concentration Advising Sheet
MS in Mathematics - Mathematics Education Concentration Advising Sheet

3. Students take 3 free elective courses

Most any 500-level MAT, STAT, or MTE course can be used as a free elective. Students choosing the thesis option may take MAT 609 and MAT 610 (Thesis I and II) for two of their three electives.

4. All students complete "capstone" requirement that serves as a culminating product of your degree.

Students may choose one of two options:

Thesis Option

A student choosing the thesis option will write a thesis on a specialized topic in mathematics. To choose this option, students should ask a graduate faculty member if they are able and willing to serve as your thesis advisor. An advisor may help you select a topic or question to study.  Thesis projects and writing can be time consuming so it is recommended that this process begin at least a year prior to an expected graduation date. The content of a masters thesis does not necessarily need to be original research but should be at least be a unique exposition of research-level subject matter. The thesis must be typeset (using latex) and must meet formatting requirements of The Graduate School. For more on deadlines, formatting, and submission, visit the Culminating Projects page.

Non-Thesis Option

A student choosing the non-thesis option will create an electronic portfolio. An electronic portfolio is a digital collection of artifacts created during the completion of your degree that could potentially be shown to potential employers. Electronic portfolios are evaluated (with a rubric) by graduate faculty upon submission. We encourage students to create their e-portfolios using Google Sites. To be accepted for the capstone requirement of the M.S. in Mathematics degree, an e-portfolio must meet the following criteria:

  1. An e-Portfolio must include at least 4 items illustrating skills developed and content mastered during the course of the program. It is recommended that students include at least one item from each of the four core courses although substitutions from more advanced electives are possible and encouraged. Examples include: typeset proofs/problem sets, projects, presentation slides, research prospectus, recorded presentations, etc.
  2. At least one portfolio item should display use of a computer to perform calculations and/or generate visualizations.
  3. At least one portfolio item should display effective oral communication.
  4. All written items must be typeset (Latex, Word, Powerpoint, etc.).
  5. e-Portfolios must be submitted to the graduate program coordinator for review and approval by the graduate faculty.