Master of Science degree programs

The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers three graduate degree programs --- an M.S. with a major in mathematics, an M.S. with a major in applied mathematics/operations research, and a Master of Arts in Teaching. We also offer a graduate certificate program in applied statistics.

Each M.S. program has flexibility, so you can tailor it to your needs while meeting the requirements, which are described briefly below and in more detail on the tabs above. Neither requires a thesis or knowledge of a foreign language. The programs are structured so they can be completed by part-time students who attend classes only in the evening. These part-time students normally complete a degree program in three to five years. Full-time students with good preparation normally complete a master's degree in two years. All of the courses are offered starting 4:30 p.m. or later, two days a week

Even if you are not interested in a degree or certificate program, you may take graduate courses offered by the department.

Math Graduate Course News

Below you can also get information on how to apply for admission, create a plan of study, seek a teaching assistantship, and other helpful links

Brief Program Descriptions

M.S. with a major in mathematics [ top ]
If you are interested in a traditional mathematics master's program, the first of these programs is more appropriate. It is also the best choice for secondary-school mathematics teachers or prospective Ph.D. students. 

M.S. with a major in applied mathematics/operations research [ top ]
If you are, or plan to be, employed in a business or industry that requires significant mathematics, you should choose the second master's program, which incorporates applied mathematics into a curriculum based on a sound mathematical foundation.

Master of Arts in Teaching [ top ]
The master’s program in mathematics education is a 33 credit hour cohort program, carefully designed to provide professional growth for middle and secondary school mathematics teachers by scaffolding and intertwining theory and practice in mathematics education across four academic-year semesters and two summer sessions. 

Graduate Certificates [ top ]
The Graduate Certificate in Applied Statistics is designed to give engineers and technical managers the statistical knowledge and experience needed for good planning and quality control.

Additional Information

Get started by contacting the Department of Mathematical Sciences, Indiana University - Purdue University at Fort Wayne, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499, or call 260-481-6821, or send email to Doug Weakley, weakley (at) ipfw.edu.  The director of the MAT program is Dr. Sue Mau, MauS (at) ipfw.edu.

Admission [ top ]

Students are required to apply online and should also discuss admission into a degree program with the Director of Graduate Programs, Prof. Doug Weakley, at 260-481-6233 or e-mail weakley (at) ipfw.edu.

Plan of Study [ top ]

When you have been admitted to a degree program, your advisor will help you design a plan of study that fulfills the degree requirements while meeting your own needs. Your plan of study must be approved by your advisory committee and the Graduate School.

Teaching Assistantships [ top ]

A limited number of half-time teaching assistantships (with the title graduate aide) are available. Contact the department chair for details.

Chair: Prof. Peter Dragnev
Office: Kettler 200 (second floor)
Phone: 260-481-6821
E-mail: mathinfo (at) ipfw.edu
Fax: 260-481-6880

Helpful Links [ top ]

• Graduate Course News
• Sequencing of Selected Undergraduate and Graduate Level Courses

M.S. in Mathematics

For admission, you should have a strong undergraduate background in mathematics, including as much work as possible in abstract algebra, linear algebra, and advanced calculus or analysis. Your plan of study must contain at least 30 credits, and normally will include the following courses:

You may take all of your electives in the mathematical sciences. If you take courses outside of mathematical sciences, you must take at least two from the same discipline.

M.S. in Applied Mathematics/Operations Research

For admission, you should have a background in mathematics that includes linear algebra, ordinary differential equations, advanced calculus, and proficiency in a computer programming language. Your plan of study must contain at least 30 credits and will normally include:

The additional courses should be selected from graduate-level courses appropriate for your emphasis, and may include courses from areas such as physics, engineering, and business, as well as statistics, mathematics, or computer science.

Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)

The master's program in mathematics education is a 33 credit hour cohort program, carefully designed to provide professional growth for middle and secondary school mathematics teachers by scaffolding and intertwining theory and practice in mathematics education across four academic-year semesters and two summer sessions. The cohort begins in the spring semester (January of each academic year) and concludes formal course work in the summer session, three semesters later. For example, a program beginning in January 2013 would conclude formal classroom sessions in Summer 2013. During the fourth semester, Fall 2014 in this example, students will complete an original research project and write a final report with the timeline for completion determined by their work and their advisors' approval.

It will be exceptionally difficult to be involved in anything other than this program during the summer session. Students enrolled in this program should plan to spend the entire day on campus.

The master's in mathematics education contains significant graduate level mathematics courses in the plan of study. Applicants are expected to have the prerequisites for these courses as part of their undergraduate curriculum.  If an applicant does not have the prerequisite mathematics courses, s/he may be asked to complete the necessary work prior to admission to the program. Applicants with no abstract algebra or real analysis coursework at the MA 453 or MA 441 level in the undergraduate curriculum will need to complete one of these courses with an appropriate grade prior to admission to the program. Examples of these courses (MA 453, MA 441) may be found in the IPFW Undergraduate Bulletin.

Please include a copy (not the original) of the license with your application packet.

The 2013-2014 plan of study is as follows:

For more information, contact Dr. Sue Mau, Director of the M.A.T. program.

Certificate in Applied Statistics

The Graduate Certificate in Applied Statistics is designed to give engineers and technical managers the statistical knowledge and experience needed for good planning and quality control.

Admission

You must have completed a calculus and a statistics course to be admitted. Students are required to apply online. If you have questions, please call Doug Weakley at 260-481-6233 or e-mail weakley (at) ipfw.edu.

Program Restrictions

All of the courses are offered starting 4:30 p.m. or later, two days a week; the certificate requires a grade of B or better in each course. At most, one course may be transferred from another institution. Courses applied toward the certificate may also be applied toward either of IPFW’s master’s programs in mathematics.