Mathematics, MA


If your career goal is to be a successful professional mathematician in business, industry or education, you'll want this degree. The program provides breadth of training and the opportunity for you to broaden your knowledge in several fields of mathematics.


Program Description

Degree Awarded: Mathematics, MA

The MA program in mathematics is designed to increase students' mathematical knowledge beyond the traditional level of a bachelor's degree in order to prepare them for careers requiring sophisticated mathematical skills.

Students may choose to specialize in applied mathematics, core mathematics, mathematics education or statistics through their course selections.





At a Glance: program details



Degree Requirements

Required Core (3 credit hours)
APM 505 Applied Linear Algebra (3) or APM 506 Computational Methods (3) or MAT 543 Abstract Algebra I (3) or MAT 570 Real Analysis I (3)

Electives (21 or 27 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (0 or 6 credit hours)
MAT 599 Thesis (6)
portfolio (0)
two written comprehensive exams




Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in mathematics or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution as well as completed coursework in linear algebra (equivalent to ASU course MAT 342 or MAT 343) and advanced calculus (equivalent to ASU course MAT 371).

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00= "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00= "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. statement of education and career goals
  4. resume
  5. three letters of recommendation
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.




Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Master of Arts program in mathematics possess sophisticated mathematical skills required for careers in many different sectors, including education, industry and government.

Potential career opportunities include:

  • finance and investment analyst
  • mathematician
  • mathematics professor or instructor
  • operations research analyst
  • statistician

Students also may pursue graduate study in mathematics or statistics in preparation for an academic career.



Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

BS - Computational Mathematical Sciences

Do you have a passion for math but also love technology? This program combines math with new developments in science and technology, giving you foundational skills and tools to apply when you tackle some of today's most challenging problems in computation and information.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

BS - Mathematics

Did you know you can use math to help change the world? Whether you want to manage the impacts of climate change or reduce the spread of disease, learn critical thinking skills that can be applied to almost any problem. This degree program prepares you for many top-rated jobs.

Website | Locations: TEMPE


Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.



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Program Contact Information

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