Master of science (M.s.) in mathematics and statistics
The Department of Mathematics & Statistics offers a course of study leading to an Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Mathematics and Statistics. This program offers the utmost in flexibility and allows a student to design their own program, selecting courses in mathematics and/or statistics to suit their own individual interests. Typical course offerings include courses in pure and applied mathematics, statistics, biostatistics, and financial mathematics. The graduate program leads to careers in industry, consulting, teaching, or further graduate education, whether in mathematics or another discipline. A mathematics degree is excellent preparation for professional schools of Law, Business, or Medicine, as well as certain graduate school disciplines outside of traditional mathematics, such as economics, finance, and engineering.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The department offers a rigorous course of study to introduce students to new modes of inquiry and to deepen their understanding and awareness of fundamental results and applications of the mathematical sciences. Students admitted to the graduate program with backgrounds other than Mathematics, such as Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or Economics, may be required to complete prerequisite undergraduate courses before embarking upon graduate studies.
The research interests of the faculty include analysis, functional analysis, partial differential equations, game theory, mathematical logic and complexity theory, abstract algebra, representation theory, quantum groups, combinatorics, cryptography, algebraic coding theory, probability, finance theory, statistics, control theory, and operations research. Faculty members receive recognition for the quality of their research by regularly obtaining competitive grants from agencies such as the National Science Foundation, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, and the National Security Agency.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants are expected to possess a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree from an accredited institution and to have earned a minimum of a "B" average in undergraduate course work. The following courses (or their equivalents) are minimal prerequisites for starting Loyola's graduate program in Mathematics:
- One year of Calculus (Math 161 & Math 162)
- Multivariable Calculus (Math 263)
- Ordinary Differential Equations (Math 264)
- Statistics (Stat 203)
- Linear Algebra (Math 212)
- Structured Programming (Comp 170)
A student desiring to attempt graduate courses in pure mathematics is required to also have mastered the following prerequisites (or their equivalents):
- Abstract Algebra (Math 313)
- Introduction to Real Analysis I (Math 351)
- One additional advanced undergraduate mathematics course
The General Test of the Graduate Record Examination is required for admission. International applicants are expected to have earned a score of at least 550 on the TOEFL examination.
A promising student deficient in one or two prerequisites may be admitted conditionally. A student deficient in three or more prerequisites is advised to register as a non-degree seeking graduate student. Such students will be admitted to degree-seeking status if they demonstrate a consistent pattern of success in graduate coursework.
Qualified applicants may wish to apply for financial aid, in the form of Graduate Assistantships. Some Tuition Scholarships may also be available.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Course Requirements: Nine courses are required including a minimum of seven three-credit-hour, 400-level graduate courses and at most two approved undergraduate 300-level courses. The approved undergraduate courses depend on the interests of the student and may be taken in departments at Loyola other than the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Students are free to design their own course of study individually tailored to their interests.
Grade Requirements: Graduate students are expected to maintain an average of not less than "B" (3.0). No more than two grades of "C" or "C+" and no grades lower than "C" may be counted as fulfilling degree requirements. Such grades, however, will be calculated in the GPA. No student will graduate with less than a 3.00 average for all graduate level courses and undergraduate courses taken for graduate credit. In addition, students who earn multiple grades of "C" are subject to review and possible withdrawal from the program.
Further information
Application for graduate study at Loyola University Chicago should be made online at the Graduate School: apply now. Applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation and transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate work. If you have additional questions, please contact us.
