The University of Illinois offers a series of online M.Sc. Mathematics degrees. The time to complete the courses ranges from one to two years, the masters thesis is not compulsory, and the university website states that "… no comprehensive examinations are required". There are currently six possible choices of masters degree in math.
Online Masters Degree - Entry Requirements, Regulations & Course Structure, and Thesis Options
Specific entry requirements to the masters degree in math are described in detail in the University of Illinois website, under the section relevant to each degree subject. In general, at least six courses at junior-senior level need to be completed before commencement of the masters degree.
The master of math degree is conferred subject to certain conditions: at least 32 credit hours, at the appropriate level (actuarial science is an exception); at least 12 credit hours must be at level 500, of which 8 - 12 must be in mathematics; a GPA of 3.0 or higher is needed (on a 0 - 4 scale), with no course at grade "D", and a maximum of one at grade "B-".
A masters thesis, while not compulsory, may be undertaken.There are several thesis options, from a paper of >20 pages describing mathematical material in one or more other papers; an historical account of any branch of mathematics; a part-math & part-computer program paper; or a paper demonstrating original mathematical work.
Online Masters Degree Courses at Illinois University
The online masters degree options at Illinois University are:
- Master of Science in Mathematics: the core of this degree consist of abstract algebra, complex variables, and real analysis.Other units, both math and non-math, may be used to complete the requirements for the masters degree.
- Master of Science in Applied Mathematics (Optimization & Algorithms): this course specializes in preparing the student for computer science, or operations research. The core subjects include statistics, combinatorics, and numerical methods.
- Master of Science in Applied Mathematics (Applications to the Sciences): this degree specializes in the most commonly used math methods in classical science, such as calculus, complex analysis, and mathematical physics.
- Master of Science in Applied Mathematics (Computational Science & Engineering): this masters degree centers on engineering mathematics, such as ordinary differential equations, partial differential equations, algebra, and complex analysis.
- Master of Science in Applied Mathematics (Actuarial Science): as the name implies, this masters degree is aimed at those preparing for a career as actuaries. The main subjects to be completed are actuarial theory, statistics, probability and risk theory.
- Master of Science in the Teaching of Mathematics: this masters degree prepares and qualifies the graduate to teach math at the level of community college or the first two years of college degree. There is a wide range of math topics that may be studied, from pure (algebra, complex analysis) math to applied (computing, statistics) math
All of the above masters degrees may be taken in preparation for a Ph.D. in mathematics.
Online Masters Degree in Math at Illinois University - Summary
Illinois University provides several options for those wishing to complete an online Master of Mathematics degree. The entrance criteria vary, depending on the degree to be taken, but a thesis is not mandatory, and "... comprehensive examinations are not required". Math degrees, especially masters degrees, allow the holder access to most of the "top ten jobs list".
Online Masters Degree in Math at Illinois University - References
The University of Illinois website contains more details on all of the courses described here, as well as information about other online degrees. For information about careers in actuarial sciences, or math degrees at UK universities, the articles "Online Master of Math at the Open University" and "Math Career Options - Professional Actuary" may be useful
Martin Bell - Martin holds a B.Sc. degree in chemical engineering, and an M.Sc. degree in electronics and computing. He has spent more than 25 years ...
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