Mar 29, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Mathematics [M.S.]


This program provides students with a flexible and rigorous education in advanced mathematics. It can serve students with a wide range of backgrounds and career goals. The program provides a broad background in mathematics for secondary teachers pursuing continued education. Graduates are also prepared for employment in business, government, community college teaching, or pursuing a doctoral degree in mathematics.

This is a designated STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) program.

Program Admission


Graduate School Application

After reviewing the admission requirements below, please select the appropriate application. The University is transitioning application platforms; pay close attention when selecting the application below.

The program you are applying to may not accept applicants every semester.

For additional information regarding the application process, please see Graduate Admissions or International Admissions.

Admission Requirements

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

A four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent degree from a non-U.S. institution. In addition, a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale, or 3.0 in the last half of the undergraduate program, is required for full admission. Applicants who do not meet minimum admission requirements may be considered for conditional admission. See International Admissions for international applicant requirements.

Applicants must also meet the following program requirements:

  • Possess an undergraduate degree with a mathematics major, a strong mathematics minor, or a major in a related field that includes numerous mathematics courses.
  • GPA in math courses should be at least 2.75.
  • Students should have completed the following courses as part of their undergraduate degree.
    • Multivariable Calculus
    • Introductory Linear Algebra or Matrix Algebra
    • A proof-based mathematics course

Department Information


Mathematics & Statistics | Debra Ingram, Ph.D., Department Head | 515 Pray-Harrold, 734.487.1444, dingra12@emich.edu

Advisor Information


Andrew Wilfong, Ph.D., 515 Pray-Harrold, 734.487.1444, awilfon2@emich.edu

Degree Requirements: 30 hours


The M.A. in Mathematics requires the completion of 30 hours of course work beyond the bachelor’s degree to be distributed with the approval of the department among required courses, restricted elective courses, research courses, elective courses in mathematics and cognate courses as follows. Approval by the student’s advisor of each semester’s courses prior to registration is recommended. Final approval for the degree by the coordinator of advising is required.

Required Courses: 0-9 hours


Students with undergraduate credit equivalent to any or all of these courses will substitute with approved mathematics electives for these hours.

Research Courses: 2-4 hours


Students must select one of the following options:

Option I: Four hours of thesis research. Additional thesis hours may be taken, but will not replace the requirements listed below under required courses, restricted electives, electives and cognates. Before starting thesis research, students must submit to the department head a request to form a thesis committee to be made up of three faculty members in the department. The chair, who will direct the research, is usually selected by the student and requires the approval of the department head. The chair, in consultation with the student, will then recommend for department-head approval the other two committee members. At the conclusion of their research, students must submit to the department head the original thesis plus three copies written in a manner suitable for publication and approved by the thesis committee. A presentation, based on the thesis, will be made to at least three departmental faculty members.

Option II: At least two hours in research study. Students who elect this option will, with the approval of the coordinator of advising, select a supervisor to direct the research study. A copy of the study, written in good and acceptable form, must be filed with the department.

 /  Research Study (2/3 hrs) for either two or three hours in a research study or four hours of thesis research

Elective Courses in Mathematics: 5-23 hours


Usually no more than six hours in mathematics education courses. Thesis or research study hours in mathematics education do not count as part of this six-hour limitation.

Cognate Course: 0-6 hours


May be taken, in consultation with the graduate advisor, outside the Mathematics and Statistics Department, but in an area related to mathematics. The number of such hours permitted in the program will be based on the student’s background and needs. Current or prospective teachers of mathematics may take, instead of cognates, up to six additional hours in mathematics education beyond those permitted as electives above.