M.S. in MAthematics

Studying advanced mathematics hones critical thinking, problem-solving, analytical skills, and the ability to translate complex concepts into practical applications, making you valuable across various industries. A Masters in Math can be valuable because it opens doors to a wide range of high-demand and well-paying careers. Additionally, it can serve as a stepping stone to further studies like a Ph.D. in mathematics or a related field.

A Masters degree in Mathematics opens doors to a wide range of high-demand careers in industry, education, and academics. In industry, our graduates go on to work in data science, cryptography/cybersecurity, actuarial science, computer science, financial modeling, and more. This degree also qualifies you to teach mathematics at the college level or pursue a Ph.D. in Mathematics. Our students interested in this academic pathway, teach at two or four year colleges or enter PhD programs in Mathematics or Statistics.

For current math teachers, a math degree can serve multiple purposes. As an immediate financial benefit, in-service teachers can use this degree as professional development credits to rise up in their district's pay scale. This degree will also give teachers substantial expertise in mathematics that will allow them to provide deeper explanations and richer learning opportunities for their own students. At the same time, a graduate degree in mathematics is a highly marketable degree and can be more useful in the long-run if, at some point, they want to consider a career outside of education.

There are many reasons to consider WCU for your Masters degree in Mathematics. Here are a few advantages of the MS in Mathematics Program at WCU:

• Small class sizes. We get to know our students very well and work closely with them throughout their time in the program.
• Convenient location. West Chester University is located in Southeastern Pennsylvania, a hub for both education and industry. Our main campus is located 40 minutes west of downtown Philadelphia and 20 minutes north of Wilmington, Delaware.
• Lowest tuition fees among the large competing institutions in the region.
• Convenient classes. Our Program is designed to be accessible to part-time and full-time students, with evening classes offered every semester. Almost all of our courses meet one evening per week, starting at 4:25 PM.
• Qualified instructors. All of our graduate faculty are research-active, tenured professors, who possess a doctoral degree in Mathematics. They have experience in many areas of mathematics and publish research papers in leading journals.
• Financial assistantships. Graduate Assistantships are available for full time and part-time students. Please contact the Program Coordinator to discuss availability.
• Specialize in an area that best supports your career goals. We offer concentrations in Theoretical Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, or Mathematics Education.
• Opportunities for research experience. Our graduate faculty are committed to providing motivated students with high-level research projects that often lead to joint publications.
• Thesis and non-thesis options.
• State-of-the-art equipment and facilities, including two Statistics Laboratories.
• Safe campus.
• Job prospects after graduation.
• Our program enables you to prepare for a PhD. in Mathematics or Statistics.

You may apply online. In addition to completing the online application, you must provide two letters of recommendation and transcripts from all previous academic institutions.

Having a degree in mathematics is not a formal requirement for admission to the MS in Mathematics Program. However, graduate-level mathematics courses build on undergraduate mathematics content. A degree in a math-heavy field such as physics, engineering, computer science, or finance can also qualify you for admission to the graduate mathematics program.  Specifically candidates must have successfully completed (an equivalent of) the following undergraduate content: Calculus I-III, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, and some proof-based mathematics course such as Introduction to Proof, Abstract Algebra, Real or Complex Analysis, Number Theory, etc.

No, GRE scores are not required for admission to the MS Mathematics program.

Students must have an undergraduate degree in mathematics or a related field with a GPA of at least 2.8 (out of 4). Typically, a degree in a math-heavy field such as physics, engineering, computer science, or finance can qualify you for admission to the graduate mathematics program.

There is no GRE score requirement.

Graduate-level mathematics builds upon undergraduate-level mathematics content. Students entering the MS in Mathematics program are expected to have successfully completed (an equivalent of) the following undergraduate content: Calculus I-III, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, and some proof-based mathematics course such as Introduction to Proof, Abstract Algebra, Real or Complex Analysis, Number Theory, Topology, etc.

For some incoming students, it may have been a while since studying advanced math in a classroom setting. It can be challenging to get back into this mindset but our graduate faculty members are committed to supporting students in this situation. We are in the process of developing a "catch-up" course for incoming students. In the meantime, we are happy to share content from our own undergraduate courses or to point you to free resources to help you review.

In the MS in Mathematics program you will gain

• A deep understanding of mathematical theory in a variety of subjects,
• Knowledge to apply mathematics to diverse projects and problems,
• The ability to use software to solve computational problems, analyze data, generate visualizations,
• Technical writing skills,
• The ability to pursue a PhD in Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field.

No, a thesis is one of two possible options. Every student must complete a "capstone" project requirement that is a product of the culmination of their degree. We recommend that students who plan to apply to PhD programs choose the thesis option. Students who choose the non-thesis option must create an electronic portfolio to complete their capstone requirement. An electronic portfolio is a digital collection of projects and work done 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. 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. Portfolios must be submitted to the graduate program coordinator for review and
   approval by the graduate faculty.

Yes, our graduate program is designed to be accessible to part-time and full-time students. Courses are offered in the evening to accomodate students with full-time jobs.

Yes, many of our students are current high school mathematics teachers. Most masters degrees will serve as professional develop credits that will move teachers up on a district pay scale. Our program provides a degree that serves this immediate role while also providing technical skills and qualifications that open up new career pathways and grow earning potential. Our courses are offered in the evening to accomodate students with full time jobs. 

Elementary and middle-school teacher preparation programs do not typically require that students take the mathematics courses that are prerequisites for a graduate mathematics program. Prospective students who do not meet these prerequisites would need to complete the required undergraduate coursework (either at WCU or elsewhere) prior to being admitted to the program.

This program is not part of a state teacher certification program.

Students in both the thesis and non-thesis options (in any concentration) must complete 33 credits hours to fulfill the program requirements. All students take 4 core curriculum courses:

1. MAT 513 Linear Algebra (3 credits)
2. MAT 515 Algebra I (3 credits)
3. MAT 543 Theory of Differential Equations (3 credits)
4. MAT 545 Analysis I (3 credits)

Students also take 12 credits of Concentration Courses. The options for these four courses depend on your concentration. 

The remaining 9 credits may be filled with electives. These three classes may be filled by any 500-level MAT, STAT, or MTE courses. Students in the thesis option may make two of these three elective courses MAT 609 and 610 (Thesis I and II) in support of completion of their thesis project. Students who do not choose the thesis option must complete an e-portfolio (see the question above about the thesis requirement).

For more details, see the following advising sheets:

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

For general inquiries, email GradSchool@wcupa.edu. For inquiries about admission, email GradAdmissions@wcupa.edu. 

Yes. You may take up to 6 graduate credits (2 courses) without enrolling in the program. If you then decide to enroll in the program you can count these classes towards graduation.

Yes. You may transfer in up to 6 graduate credits, which will count toward your Masters degree at West Chester University.

Yes, you can start the program in the Spring. However, we usually recommend that students begin the program in a Fall semester. This is because many required courses are part of a 2-semester cycle (e.g. Algebra I & II, Analysis I & II, Topology & Algebraic Topology). Starting in the Spring may mean that you need to begin the program with elective courses.

Yes, we do accept international students. General information for international applicants can be found at the International Graduate Students webpage. West Chester is an excellent choice for international students because of the quality of education we offer for such low tuition. We especially invite applications from students with independent funding or funding from their home countries.

It is important to know that The Graduate School has some additional requirements for applications from international students:

• English Language Requirement: Applicants whose native language is not English must submit evidence of satisfactory performance on either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS - Academic Test)
• Transcript Evaluation: Transcripts submitted from international students must be evaluated by either the World Educational Services, Education Credential Evaluators, Inc., or any NACES-participating organization.
• A medical history form and an immunization record must be completed by a physician and returned to the Student Health Center.

These requirements cannot be waived. See the Graduate School Admissions Page for more details. If you seek clarification of or exception to some policy or fee, email GradAdmissions@wcupa.edu. 

If you require a Graduate Assistantship to obtain a student visa, then please be aware of the following:

1. We cannot offer or hold GA positions until a student is accepted to the program. This means you need to apply to the program first and can apply to be a GA after your are accepted.
2. GA offers for the Fall semester are not made until May or June. Depending on which country you are coming from, this can make it difficult to obtain a student Visa depending on which country you are coming from.
3. A standard GA position for a single semester provides a student with 1 free class per semester (3 credit hours) plus a $1250 stipend for doing 5 hrs of work per week. This is not a self-sustaining amount and is meant to supplement other funding sources.
4. GA positions are competitive and are offered to the strongest candidates. Unfortunately, we cannot offer such positions to everyone who wants one.

Yes, there is a new opportunity for students who wish to join the Mathematics Program, but who need to improve their English language skills. The INTERLINK Language Center, located at West Chester University, provides ESL (English as a Second Language) training, cultural orientation, and academic preparation as well as help with university placement and conditional admission.  Completion of the INTERLINK program substitutes for TOEFL and IELTS requirements at West Chester University.

Learn about upcoming department events and opportunities for graduate students at the Graduate Program Events Page.

Information sessions and orientation events are organized by The Graduate School. Information about upcoming events can be found on The Graduate School Events Page.

As a fully public institution, West Chester University is able to offer the lowest tuition among all large competing institutions in the area. Please visit the Bursar tuition page for the most recent tuition information.

Yes, a limited number of graduate assistantships are available to students in the mathematics graduate program who have a strong academic record and experience and skill in teaching/tutoring students. Only accepted students can be considered for an assistantship. If you wish to apply for a GA position and you have been accepted to the program, please fill out this application form:

Mathematics GA Application Form

Accepted students should also email the program coordinator (jbrazas@wcupa.edu) to indicate their interest in a graduate assistantship. 

A standard GA position provides one free class plus a stipend of $1250 per semester for doing five hours of work per week. In the Mathematics Program, GA's tutor in the Mathematics Learning Center. Work hours can be scheduled to accomodate individual schedules and can be arranged in the evening.

More information can be found at The Graduate School Graduate Assistantships page.

For more information about financial aid packages other than Graduate Assistantships, see The Graduate School Financial Support webpage or contact the Graduate Studies Office.

Each year, the Mathematics Department awards the Viorel Nitica Mathematics Scholarship at the Annual Award Ceremony. This Scholarship of $2000 is awarded to a student in the Mathematics Masters Program with a minimum GPA of 3.5 with preference given to students participating in mathematics research.

At this time, we do not have a scholarship for incoming students.

If you have additional questions, please contact the program coordinator Dr. Jeremy Brazas at jbrazas@wcupa.edu.