Masters Degree Requirements

MS Degrees in Mathematics

The LSU Mathematics Department offers several MS degrees, which are described below. Any modifications of the requirements must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies in consultation with the Graduate Studies Committee in Mathematics.

Instructions on the steps to graduation and the forms to be filled out the semester of your graduation can be found in the Instructions link.

Non-Thesis MS

The requirements for the non-thesis MS degree in Mathematics are the following.

• 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.
• Completion of three of the Common Core Courses: Algebra I (Math 7210), Real Analysis (Math 7311), Topology I (Math 7510), and Applied Mathematics (Math 7382). These courses must be included among the required hours of mathematics classes.
• Pass the written Qualifier Examinations at the MS level in three of the core course areas. Each exam covers the material commonly found in the corresponding core course. Passing each of the three sub-tests at the MS Qualifying level constitutes the Final Exam for the non-thesis MS.
• Since this MS program prepares a student to take the Comprehensive/PhD Qualifying Exam, it is the normal choice of curriculum for doctoral-preparatory study.

Thesis MS

This program is based on breadth of exposure in mathematics and requires an MS thesis. The requirements for the thesis MS degree in Mathematics are the following.

• 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 or higher mathematics courses.
• Completion of three of the Common Core Courses: Algebra I (Math 7210), Real Analysis (Math 7311), Topology I (Math 7510), and Applied Mathematics (Math 7382). These courses must be included among the required hours of mathematics classes and must be completed with at least a B average.
• Completion of 6 hours of thesis credit (Math 8000).
• 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.
• Pass the MS Final Exam, which will consist of an oral defense of the thesis.

MS in Math with Concentration in Applications

The program 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 or her research objectives. For further information, use this link for the Concentration in Applications with the MS in Mathematics.

MS in Math with Concentration in Financial Mathematics

The Departments of Mathematics and Finance have combined their skills and talents to offer an interdisciplinary program of study: the MS in Mathematics with a 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. The MS in Mathematics with a Concentration in Financial Mathematics is designed as a two-year full-time degree program. For further information, use this link for the MS in Mathematics with a Concentration in Financial Mathematics.

Accelerated MS Degree

The LSU Graduate School provides an accelerated route for superior undergraduate students to complete any of the MS degrees described above by starting the program while still in the undergraduate program. To be eligible, a student must have completed at least 60 credit hours (including advanced placement credit) with a GPA of at least 3.50.

The Accelerated MS in Mathematics requires 30 credit hours of graduate coursework, with at least 21 credit hours in courses numbered 7000 or higher.

LSU's General Catalog contains a full description of the Accelerated MS Degree Program.

The Request for the Accelerated MS can be obtained at the Graduate School's Forms webpage.