MS in Mathematical Sciences

About Mathematical Sciences

Hosted in attractive, spacious and recently restructured Dunn Hall, and embedded in commercially vibrant and culturally rich Memphis area, the Department of Mathematical Sciences (DMS) offers outstanding opportunities for study and research in many areas of pure and applied mathematics and statistics. The DMS's mission is multi-fold and encompasses strong components in education, research, and service. Its ultimate goal is the creation and dissemination of mathematics, to benefit the new generations, the scientific community at large, as well as, ultimately, the present technological society. Our faculty is known nationally and internationally for its high-level and prolific research activity, with currently active groups working in Analysis, Combinatorics, Differential Equations, Ergodic Theory, and Applied Statistics.

Research Assistantships and tuition waivers are available to Mathematical Sciences graduate students on a competitive basis and are renewable annually.

What is the curriculum?

The total credit hours required for graduation is 33. The core courses include Linear Algebra (linear transformations polynomials, determinants, direct-sum decompositions diagonalizable operators, rational and Jordan form, inner product spaces, the spectral theorem), Partial Differential Equation I (Laplace transforms; Fourier series; introduction to partial differential equations), and Real Variables I (s-algebra, outer measure, Lebesque measure, measurable functions, differentiation, absolute continuity, Lp-spaces). The program must include at least 12 credit hours in the following broadly defined core categories: Calculus of Variations and Optimization, Control Theory, Differential Equations, Financial Mathematics, Mathematical Physics, Modeling, Numerical Analysis and Scientific Computation. The remaining credit hours may be selected as electives. Students may choose either a non-thesis or thesis track for Mathematical Sciences.

What are the job opportunities in Mathematical Sciences?

Studying Mathematical Sciences helps you develop skills in logical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making, which are valued by employers across many job sectors. Careers directly related to your degree include academia, actuarial analyst, data analyst, statistician, or research scientist. The starting salaries for Mathematical Science professionals can range widely, depending on the institution and specialization of the individual.