The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers specializations in pure mathematics, applied mathematics, computational mathematics, and mathematics education within the M.S. degree. Applicants are expected to have completed the equivalent of the requirements for the appropriate emphasis for the B.S. in mathematical sciences at NIU. This requirement may be modified for applicants with promising undergraduate records.
Check departmental information for any additional requirements.
Students seeking admission to the M.S. program in the Department of Mathematical Sciences must meet all the standard requirements for admission to the NIU Graduate School. In addition to the standard requirements for graduate admission, the master’s program requires degree-seeking applicants to submit the following materials:
Baccalaureate Field: A B.A./B.S. in Mathematics is required to be considered for admission. Outstanding candidates from other related fields with substantial course work in Mathematics will also be considered.
Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your academic credentials and abilities to successfully complete a graduate-level degree program. The individuals who will submit a letter on your behalf should be individuals who have a professional or academic relationship with you.
Statement of Purpose: Your statement of purpose should be approximately between 250 and 750 words. It should outline your preparation for graduate study in your chosen field, as well as your goals for graduate school and beyond. In addition, it should explain why you believe the M.S. program can best help you meet these goals.
Resume/CV: Copy of your current resume/CV indicating your professional or volunteer experience and other achievements.
Test Scores: All applicants are highly recommended to provide official scores on all sections of the GRE General Test taken in the past five years. When having your GRE score sent, use the institution code 1559. NIU does not require department codes.
Course Requirements
The student must complete at least 30 semester hours of graduate work. At least 24 of these hours must be in mathematical sciences with at least 15 semester hours in mathematical sciences courses numbered 600 or above. All courses outside the Department of Mathematical Sciences must have departmental approval in advance.
The student must follow a program of study approved by the department. The program will be designed by the student and their advisor and will be built on the requirements listed under one of the specializations. Students with inadequate backgrounds may be required to remove specific deficiencies.
The student must pass a comprehensive examination in mathematics. Normally, students pursuing full-time graduate study will be required to take the comprehensive examination within two academic years of admission to the graduate school. A student who fails the examination may, with the permission of the department, repeat it once.
With the consent of the department, a student specializing in pure mathematics, applied mathematics, or mathematics education may include MATH 699, Master’s Thesis, for 3 semester hours of credit in the 30 semester hours required for a master’s degree. Students specializing in computational mathematics are usually required to complete a thesis.
At the time of admission, each student must have completed courses equivalent to CSCI 230 and MATH 444. Students are strongly advised to take MATH 423, MATH 430, and MATH 431 during their first year, if they have not previously taken these or equivalent courses.
The thesis option is usually recommended by the department. Each student pursuing this option must enroll in MATH 699, Master’s Thesis, and submit a written thesis. Three semester hours credit in MATH 699 may be applied toward the degree. The student’s thesis advisor serves as chair of the graduate committee that administers a defense of the thesis.
The non-thesis option is primarily for students who intend to pursue doctoral work in the mathematical sciences at NIU, or who wish to acquire breadth in the mathematical sciences by taking additional courses. With departmental consent, the student must complete a 30-semester hour program of courses approved by the department and pass a written comprehensive examination.
Four courses in the Department of Mathematical Sciences numbered 521-687 (except MATH 602-MATH 617), including at least one course numbered above 600 (12)
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