The program is offered at Louisiana State University.

The MS degree in mathematics is available as both a non-thesis and a thesis degree. There is also a thesis MS with concentration in applications as well as a thesis MS with a concentration in financial mathematics. These four options entail different requirements.

  • The non-thesis MS in mathematics requires 36 semester hours, of which at least 24 hours must be in mathematics and at least 18 must be in 7000-level mathematics courses. Since this MS program prepares a student to take the Comrehensive/PhD Qualifying Exam, it is the normal choice of curriculum for doctoral-preparatory study
  • The thesis MS in Mathematics without concentration is completion of at least 36 semester hours of graduate credit, of which at least 24 hours must be in mathematics, and at least 18 must be in 7000-level mathematics courses. During the second semester of study, the student will need to form an Advisory Committee of at least three members of the graduate faculty in mathematics, one of whom will be the student's Thesis Advisor and the Chair of the Committee. These faculty members must represent at least two of the following specialties: algebra, analysis, applied math or combinatorics, topology. With the Advisor's suggestion, and the Committee's approval, the student will select a thesis topic. The thesis must be an original and interesting contribution to the field, or a worthwhile and useful expository work, or a substantial application of mathematics.
  • The thesis MS in Mathematics with concentration in Applications is designed to provide graduate students in the sciences an opportunity to obtain a mathematics degree directly related to their specialty. To benefit the most students, flexibility is required. The range of applications of mathematics continues to broaden, and the uses and training needed varies with the student and his research objectives.
  • The thesis MS in Mathematics with concentration in Financial Mathematics: Integrating financial theory with applied mathematics, this interdisciplinary program is designed to prepare individuals with backgrounds in mathematics, engineering, or the quantitative sciences for careers in today's sophisticated financial markets.