Master of Arts in Mathematics

Graduate Coordinator:
Xianggui (Harvey) Qu
371 Science and Engineering Building
(248) 370-4029
qu@oakland.edu

Program description

The program leading to the degree of Master of Arts in mathematics provides students with a sound theoretical knowledge of modern mathematical sciences and ample opportunity to learn something of the applications of the mathematical sciences, the construction of mathematical models and the art of problem solving. The program is designed to serve those who wish to enter a Ph.D. program in mathematical sciences or to teach at the secondary or community college level. (This program does not provide secondary education certification: contact the School of Education and Human Services for information on certification.) Courses required for the program are offered in the late afternoon or evening to accommodate the part-time student. Teaching assistantships are available to fulltime students on a competitive basis.

Admission terms and application deadlines

Before an applicant’s file can be reviewed for full program admission, all application documents must be received in Graduate Admissions by the semester deadlines listed below.

• November 15, 2011 for the Winter 2012 semester
• March 15, 2012 for the Summer 2012 semester
• July 15, 2012 for the Fall 2012 semester
• November 15, 2012 for the Winter 2013 semester
• March 15, 2013 for the Summer 2013 semester
• July 15, 2013 for the Fall 2013 semester

International applicants:  International applications are reviewed for fall and winter admission only. To ensure adequate time for review, international applications must be completed at least six months before the desired date of intended enrollment to the University. All international application materials must be submitted by May 1 for fall admission and by September 1 for winter admission.

Special Graduate classification:  Applicants who are seeking a graduate degree or graduate certificate, but are unable to meet the deadline for filing all required application materials or credentials for graduate admission, may contact the department and request Special Graduate temporary admission.  The applicant must submit an Application for Admission to Graduate Study, plus a copy of a transcript providing evidence of a bachelor’s degree awarded and any specific evidence concerning their qualifications for graduate study as required by the department.  Up to 12 credits may be earned in the Special Graduate classification. Admission as a special graduate student in no way assures subsequent admission to a degree or graduate certificate program.

Application requirements

To be considered for graduate admission, applicants must submit all of the following University and Program application documents by the published application deadlines:

University graduate application requirements

• Application for Admission to Graduate Study     
• Official transcripts providing evidence of an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. institution, OR a degree equivalent to a four-year U.S. baccalaureate degree from a college or university of government-recognized standing.
• Official transcripts for all post-secondary educational institutions from which the applicant earned a degree (beginning with the first baccalaureate) and for all enrollment in graduate-level coursework beyond the bachelor’s degree. International university transcripts must be evaluated by a professional credential evaluation service.
  • As part of the admission requirements, graduate programs may require official transcripts from post-secondary educational institutions from which the applicant earned an associate’s degree and all enrollment in coursework both pre- and post-bachelor’s degree.
• Two official and original Recommendation for Graduate Admission forms.
• Proof of English language proficiency
• International supplemental application and supporting documentation  must be submitted before international applicants can be issued the Certification of Eligibility (I-20). This certificate is required to apply for a student visa from the U.S. embassy or consulate.

Program application requirements

• Applicants who wish to be considered for a teaching assistantship should also submit a brief (up to 500 words) personal statement describing their goals and any prior teaching experience or other potentially relevant background. This statement should be sent to the Graduate Coordinator no later than the beginning of March in order to be considered for an appointment for the following academic year.
• A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA
• Normally the mathematical preparation requires at least 30 semester credits in undergraduate mathematics including courses in multivariable calculus, linear algebra and differential equations. Students who have not had an undergraduate course in abstract algebra or advanced calculus may be required to complete one or both of these courses as a prerequisite to regular admission.  

Admission review and assessment

Admission to graduate study at Oakland University is selective. In making admission recommendations to Graduate Study and Lifelong Learning, each department assesses the potential of applicants for success in the program by examining their undergraduate records, goal statement, letters of recommendation, prerequisite courses and any other admission requirements established by the academic department.