## Degree Programs

The Master of Science degree programs are designed either for students who intend to go on to pursue a PhD in Mathematics, or for those planning to seek employment in education, government or industry. The MS program typically takes two years to complete. The PhD is essentially a research degree in which a student produces a high quality, original research thesis in an area of mathematics. The Department generally expects PhD students to require up to five years to complete that degree. Note that the PhD program assumes an MS degree in Mathematics or its near equivalent.

There are usually about 45 full-time graduate students from diverse backgrounds. Support is available for about 30 graduate assistantships. Stipends for the 2018-2019 academic year range from about $14,000 for M.S. students to about$18,500 for Ph.D. students. There are also usually a few research assistantships, funded from external grants. All graduate assistants receive a waiver of university tuition and most fees (excepting about $1200-$1500 in college tuition and fees each semester), and a supplementary medical insurance plan. Limited forms of other financial aid, such as half-time assistantships, partial tuition waivers and part-time employment at the Mathematics Department, are also available. However these normally require a substantial financial commitment on the part of the student, particularly for non-residents of the State.