2013-2014

Mathematics, Master of Science

Department of Mathematics and Statistics

College of Engineering, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

This advanced program of study offers students a choice between a thesis and an extended coursework This advanced degree allows students to explore the discipline of mathematics by concentrating in two of four areas: analysis and topology; algebra and combinatorics; applied mathematics and dynamical systems; and actuarial and financial mathematics.

  • To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.

    You must additionally complete:

    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s). This may include a thesis.
    • All graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
    • All work toward the master's degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program.

    Read the full policy here.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Minimum Units for Completion 34 - 38
Fieldwork Experience/Internship Optional
Thesis Thesis may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.
Comprehensive Exam Comprehensive Exam may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.
Oral Defense Oral Defense may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.
Research Individualized research may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.

Additional Admission Requirements

  • Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

  • The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.

    Admission requirements include the following:

    • Transcripts.
    • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.


    Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.

    Ready to apply? Begin your application now.

    International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.

    • Three letters of recommendation
    • Personal statement or essay
    • Prerequisites (completed prior to enrolling in the program)
      • At least 27 hours of undergraduate mathematics and statistics coursework at the level of calculus and above with a grade of C or better, and have at least a 3.0 grade point average in these courses.
      • The 27 credit hours must include coursework in multivariable calculus, linear algebra, real analysis (advanced calculus), and mathematical statistics.
    • List of courses taken in the field with titles/authors of textbooks used
Master's Requirements

  • Take the following 34 - 38 units:

  • COMPREHENSIVE EXAM OPTION A, COMPREHENSIVE EXAM OPTION B, or THESIS (Select One):
      • Option A - Additional Community-College Emphasis
        • Teach a minimum of 3 units of mathematics at the college level for 4 semesters, while concurrently enrolled in the MAT 608 (1 unit) during each of the 4 semesters (4 units).
        • This teaching requirement is normally satisfied by being a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) for 4 semesters.
        • Complete: MAT 595 and MAT 596 (6 units)
        • Take 18 units from the above list of elective courses, so that your total units add up to at least 38 units.
        Option B - No Additional Community-College Emphasis
        • Take 24 units from the above list of elective courses, so that your total units add up to at least 34 units. Substitutions may be allowed by petition to the department's Graduate Operations Committee.
    • Thesis
      Electives. Selected with your advisor's guidance from the following (21 units):Substitutions may be allowed by petition to the department's Graduate Operations Committee.
      • MAT 699, for the research, writing, and oral defense of an approved thesis. Please note: You may end up taking more than the 6 units of thesis credit you can count toward your degree because you must register for it each semester while you are working on your thesis. (6 units)
      In addition, you must:
      • Have a mathematics faculty member serve as your thesis advisor
      • Get your research committee's approval of your specific thesis plan
      • Perform satisfactorily on an oral defense of the thesis conducted by your research committee

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.