Apr 19, 2024  
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog

Mathematics (M.A., M.S.)


Program Overview


The master’s programs open the door to professional development for high school teachers seeking to earn a master’s degree or for people seeking employment in other fields. The M.S. is for students who want to go on to a Ph.D. program and the M.A. is for those who do not have interest in the terminal degree. Coursework covers advanced topics that will prepare you to take qualifying exams in math Ph.D. programs. Learn more at usd.edu/math.

DELIVERY: On campus

Master of Arts, Mathematics Plan B (non-thesis)


Supporting Area Coursework


 Select eight credit hours of supporting courses outside the department.

Note: 

M.A. Plan B: The final written exam will consist of two parts: one part on either the Abstract Algebra sequence or the Advanced Calculus sequence; and the other part in candidate-selected areas, approved by the departmental committee, consisting of two mathematics courses, not necessarily sequenced. The final comprehensive oral exam will be based on the student’s course of study.

Students who want to experience research in mathematics are encouraged to consider the M.S. Program.

Master of Science, Mathematics Plan A


Major Area Coursework - 33 Credit Hours


Master of Science, Mathematics Plan B


Major Area Coursework - 33 Credit Hours


Accelerated Master’s Program: B.S./M.A. or M.S.


Up to 12 credits applied toward the B.S. program may be used to satisfy graduate credit.  The following restrictions apply:

  1. Dual-listed courses taken at the 500-level can be applied to both the B.S. and M.A. and M.S. degrees. Dual-listed courses must be taken at the 500-level.
  2. The student must apply to, and be admitted to, the accelerated program prior to taking courses to be credited toward the accelerated program.
  3. No courses taken prior to admission to the accelerated program may be counted toward an accelerated graduate degree.
  4. Courses that are “double counted” must be approved by the program coordinator for inclusion in the program of study prior to registration for the course or the credits will not be applied toward the accelerated graduate degree.
  5. Only courses taken at the student’s home institution are eligible for accelerated program credit. No transferred courses from other institutions will be allowed to count toward the accelerated master’s degree.
  6. Students admitted to the accelerated M.A. or M.S. Program may be allowed to register for all courses included in his/her program of study and these credit hours may apply to both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements.

General Application Requirements


  1. Completed application
  2. $35 application fee
  3. Official transcripts*
  4. Letters of recommendation*
  5. Statement of purpose
  6. Resume/CV*

*Requirements for admission vary by program and may require different documentation and have different deadlines. This list is not all-inclusive, to view specific program requirements and submission deadlines, follow the  “Admissions Information” hyperlink at the top of this page OR visit the specific program/dept. page found here: link.usd.edu/grad-catalog

State Authorization - It Matters Where You Live


If your learning placement course (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) or your online course will be taken outside South Dakota, please reference USD’s State Authorization webpage.

State Authorization

Questions?


Department of Mathematical Sciences
605-658-5970 | math@usd.edu | usd.edu/math

Graduate Admissions
​605-658-6140 | gradadmissions@usd.edu  | usd.edu/grad