- The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers specializations in pure mathematics, applied mathematics, computational mathematics, and mathematics education within the M.S. degree. Applicants are expected to have completed the equivalent of the requirements for the appropriate emphasis for the B.S. in mathematical sciences at NIU. This requirement may be modified for applicants with promising undergraduate records.
- The student must complete at least 30 semester hours of graduate work. At least 24 of these hours must be in mathematical sciences with at least 15 semester hours in mathematical sciences courses numbered 600 or above. All courses outside the Department of Mathematical Sciences must have departmental approval in advance.
- The student must follow a program of study approved by the department. The program will be designed by the student and his or her adviser and will be built on the requirements listed under one of the specializations. Students with inadequate backgrounds may be required to remove specific deficiencies.
- The student must pass a comprehensive examination in mathematics. Normally, students pursuing full-time graduate study will be required to take the comprehensive examination within two academic years of admission to the graduate school. A student who fails the examination may, with the permission of the department, repeat it once.