The M.S. in Mathematics degree can be obtained in 1.5 years of study (3 semesters, 3 courses each semester). The starting semester and the schedule are flexible, the students can choose the classes based on their needs and interests, students can switch from full-time to part-time load, and can include some classes offered by the graduate program in Applied Statistics. The modest size of the program ensures easy access to the faculty. A limited number of teaching assistantships and merit scholarships are available.
There are two active research groups among the faculty. A group in analysis, featuring interests in calculus of variations, control theory, game theory, optimization, partial differential equations, and nonlinear analysis in general, and a group in abstract algebra, featuring interests in combinatorics, coding theory, cryptography, knot theory, quantum groups, and representation theory. Numerous faculty members receive recognition for the quality of their research by regularly obtaining competitive grants from agencies such as the National Science Foundation, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the National Security Agency, etc.
Students admitted to the graduate program with backgrounds other than Mathematics, such as Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or Economics, may be required to complete prerequisite undergraduate courses before embarking upon graduate studies