The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers an accelerated program that permits the exceptionally well qualified student to receive an undergraduate degree in mathematics (BA or BS) within a four year period and a Masters degree in mathematics (MA) in an additional year.
A thorough knowledge of calculus is necessary for much of the advanced work required to complete the undergraduatedegree. Because of this, it is unlikely that a student would be able to complete the accelerated program without having AP calculus credit. Advanced Placement credit in other areas would also be helpful in order to reduce the number of required undergraduate hours; see AP Credit courses.
Most mathematics courses depend on previous knowledge and have significant prerequisites. It is therefore very important that students identify themselves as potential candidates for the accelerated program early in their academic careers in order to receive appropriate advising. Although formal admission to the accelerated program does not occur until the student achieves junior status, proper advising must take place as early as possible so that appropriate coursework can be chosen in the correct sequence. This is particularly important with respect to mathematics courses so that the student will be ready to begin advanced work in mathematics suitable for the masters degree as soon as possible.
Students in the accelerated program must meet all requirements for the respective degree received. No coursework may be counted toward more than one degree. See Requirements for the undergraduate degrees. The MA in mathematics requires 30-33 hours of graduate level mathematics including a thesis. Specific requirements for the MA are listed in The Graduate School Bulletin.
