University of Northern Iowa : Math Department : Academics : Master of Arts Degrees in Mathematics

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Master of Arts Degrees in Mathematics

There are four graduate degree programs in mathematics and mathematics education at UNI: MA in Mathematics (Non-Teaching), MA in Mathematics (Secondary Emphasis), MA in Mathematics for the Middle Grades (4-8), and the Professional Science Masters. For general information about graduate education at UNI, go to the UNI Graduate College web site.

Masters in Mathematics Degree Information

This major is available on the thesis and non-thesis options. A minimum of 36 hours is required for the thesis option; a minimum of 32-35 hours, depending on the emphasis taken, is required for the non-thesis option. A minimum of fifteen (15) hours of 200-level course work is required on the thesis option. A minimum of twelve (12) hours of 200-level course work is required on the non-thesis option.

The Graduate Record Examination (General Test) is not required for admission to the program.

Successful completion of a final written comprehensive examination is required for the non-thesis option.

Master of Arts in Mathematics (Non-Teaching Emphasis)
For more detailed information about this degree, please look at the Degree Requirements

The Master of Arts in (pure) Mathematics track in the Master of Arts in Mathematics degree is designed to prepare students wishing to pursue more advanced studies in mathematics at the Ph.D. level or to work in the public or private sector. A major highlight of the track is its size: it is small enough to provide a high degree of individual attention to students, and yet large enough to be able to regularly offer the standard courses that form the core of a typical master's degree program.

Required Courses

Mathematics (12 hours)

800:155 - Differential Geometry or 800:189 - Geometric Transformations
800:201 - Mathematical Analysis I
800:203 - Complex Analysis I
800:240 - Theory of Rings and Modules

At least two of the following (6 hours):

Research (6 hours, thesis option - 2 hours, non-thesis option)
- 800:299
Electives from the following (12 hours)
- 800:141 - Intermediate Mathematical Analysis II
- 800:149 - Differential Equations
- 800:150 - Partial Differential Equations
- 800:152 - Introduction to Probability
- 800:154 - Introduction to Stochastic Process
- 800:157 - Statistical Quality Control
- 800:158 - Topics in Actuarial Science
- 800:161 - Linear Algebra I
- 800:162 - Modern Algebra II
- 800:167 - Topology I
- 800:168 - Topology II
- 800:169 - Mathematical Logic
- 800:174 - Introduction to Mathematical Statistics
- 800:175 - Regression Analysis
- 800:176 - Numerical Analysis I
- 800:178 - Numerical Analysis II
- 800:180 - History of Mathematics: To the Calculus or 800:185 - History of Mathematics: From the Calculus to the 21st Century
- 800:181 - Philosophy of Mathematics
- 800:182 - Introduction to Set Theory
- 800:184 - Introduction to Automata Theory
- 800:187 - Formal Languages
- 800:193 - Linear Algebra II
- 800:196 - Applied Multivariate Statistical Analysis
- 800:210 - Theory of Numbers
- 800:246 - Topics in the History of Mathematics
- 800:263 - Topics in Mathematical Logic and Set Theory
- 800:265 - Geometric Symmetry
- 800:273 - Topics in Probability and Statistics

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Master of Arts in Mathematics (Secondary Emphasis)
For more detailed information about this degree, please look at the Degree Requirements

The Master of Arts in Mathematics (Secondary Emphasis) was designed to extend the content and pedagogical knowledge of high school mathematics teachers. We have had a Master of Arts program for secondary teachers as long as the department as offered graduate degrees. Initially, teachers were advised to take courses (particularly mathematics education) developed for secondary mathematics teachers. In 1992, advising was standardized so that all teachers in the Master of Arts program were advised to take the same set of courses. The program was given its own identity in 1994, following the last academic program review.

Required Courses

Mathematics/Education Technology (12 hours)

800:186 - Studies in Learning Mathematics at the Secondary Level
800:289 - Seminar: Mathematical Connection Using Technology
800:291 - Problems and Issues in Teaching High School Mathematics
800:293 - The Secondary School Mathematics Curriculum

Mathematics (21 hours)

Algebra/Number Theory (a)
- 800:144 - Elementary Number Theory or
- 800:210 - Theory of Numbers or
- 800:240 - Theory of Rings and Modules
Analysis (b)
- 800:140 - Intermediate Mathematical Analysis I or
- 800:142 - Dynamical Systems: Chaos Theory and Fractals or
- 800:156 - Introduction to Complex Analysis or
- 800:201 - Mathematical Analysis I or
- 800:203 - Complex Analysis I
Geometry (c)
- 800:265 - Geometric Symmetry
Algebra/Geometry (d)
- 800:155 - Differential Geometry or
- 800:245 - Topics in Algebra or
- 800:266 - Topics in Geometry
History (e)
- 800:180 - History of Mathematics: To the Calculus or
- 800:185 - History of Mathematics: From the Calculus to the 21st Century or
- 800:246 - Topics in the History of Mathematics
Logic/Set Theory/Topology (f)
- 800:167 - Topology I or
- 800:169 - Mathematical Logic or
- 800:182 - Introduction to Set Theory or
- 800:263 - Topics in Mathematical Logic and Set Theory
Probability/Statistics (g)
- 800:152 - Introduction to Probability or
- 800:174 - Introduction to Mathematical Statistics

Research (2 - 6 hours)
- 800:299
- Thesis option: 6 hrs. 800:299 and one course from each of six of the seven areas a-g, with at least two of those courses at the 200-level.
- Non-thesis option: 2 hrs. 800:299 and one course from each of areas a-g, with at least two of those courses at the 200-level.

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Master of Arts in Mathematics for the Middle Grades (4-8) For more detailed information about this degree, please look at the Degree Requirements

The Mathematics for the Middle Grades MA program follows a professional development model that is set in the context of classroom practice. Program content, understandings and experiences are directly and explicitly linked to your teaching. As a member of a cohort of practicing middle grades mathematics teachers, you will find that the friendships, support, and camaraderie found in our program with other teachers going through similar experiences with you will be one of the most important aspects for helping you analyze your teaching and vital in the teacher change process.

If you are interested in gaining new insights and ideas for improving your teaching and wish to examine, discuss and reflect upon the meaningful learning experiences you provide your mathematics students, then the Mathematics for the Middle Grades MA Program is right for you.

Required Courses

Mathematics (29 hours)
- 800:191 - Contemporary Mathematics Curricula
- 800:211 - Teaching Algebra in the Middle Grades
- 800:213 - Selected Topics in Mathematics for the Middle Grades
- 800:214 - Mathematical Problem Solving in the Middle Grades
- 800:215 - Teaching Rational Numbers
- 800:220 - New Developments in Middle Grade Mathematics
- 800:221 - Mathematics Literacy in an Information Age
- 800:222 - Issues and Problems in Teaching Mathematics in the Middle Grades
- 800:236 - Mathematics for the Middle Grades Teachers I
- 800:237 - Technology in Middle Grades Mathematics
- 800:238 - Mathematics for the Middle Grades Teacher II
- 800:289 - Seminar in Implementing Change in Teaching Mathematics I
- 800:289 - Seminar in Implementing Change in Teaching Mathematics II
- 800:289
Electives (3 hours)

As approved by the department

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Professional Science Master's Degree in Industrial Mathematics

The Professional Science Master's Degree in Industrial Mathematics is designed to prepare students for a career in industry. The curriculum combines a Business and Experiential component with two degree options, one in Continuous Quality Improvement and the other in Mathematical Computing and Modeling. The Industrial Mathematics PSM student will complete the Business and Experiential Component and one of the two options.

Specific requirements for the options follow.

Continuous Quality Improvement Option

Business and Experiential Component

820:209 Business Management for Science Professionals - 3 hrs.
800:274 Project Management for Science Professionals - 3 hrs.
800:275 Industrial Internship/Project - 6 hrs.

Required Courses

800:121g Applied Statistical Methods - 3 hrs.
800:157g Statistical Quality Assurance Methods - 3 hrs.
800:123g Design and Analysis of Experiments - 3 hrs.
800:126g Operations Research Models - 3 hrs.
800:289 Seminar in Lean and Six-Sigma Methods in Industry - 2 hrs.
800:272 Advanced Statistical Methods - 3 hrs.
880:205 Modeling and Simulation of Physical Systems - 3 hrs.

One elective course chosen from the following list - 3 hrs.
- 800:175g Regression Analysis (3 hrs.)
- 800:196g Applied Multivariate Analysis (3 hrs.)
- 800:122g Statistical Computing (3 hrs.)
- 800:124g Modeling for Industrial Mathematics (3 hrs.)
- 800:177g Linear and Non-linear Programming (3 hrs.)
- 800:273 Topics in Probability and Statistics (3 hrs.)

Total: 35 Hours

Mathematical Computing and Modeling Option
- Business and Experiential Component
  - 820:209 Business Management for Science Professionals - 3 hrs.
  - 800:274 Project Management for Science Professionals - 3 hrs.
  - 800:275 Industrial Internship/Project - 3 hrs.
- Required Courses
  - 800:124g Modeling for Industrial Mathematics - 3hrs.
  - 800:125g Geometric Modeling for CAD - 3 hrs.
  - 330:122g Advanced CAD and Modeling - 3 hrs.
  - 800:177g Linear and Non-linear Programming - 3 hrs.
  - 800:272 Applied Numerical Analysis - 3 hrs.
  - 880:205 Modeling and Simulation of Physical Systems - 3 hrs.
  - 820:289 Professional Science Master's Seminar - 1 hr.
- One elective course chosen from the following list - 3 hrs.
  - 800:121g Applied Statistical Methods for Research (3 hrs.)
  - 800:149g Differential Equations (3 hrs.)
  - 800:150g Partial Differential Equations (3 hrs.)
  - 800:176g Numerical Analysis I (3 hrs.)
  - 800:178g Numerical Analysis II (3 hrs.)
  - 800:126g Operations Research Models (3 hrs.)
  - 330:147g Computer Aided Manufacturing (3 hrs.)
Total: 34 Hours

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Iowa Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM)

ICTM is an affiliate of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, with the members representing a statewide group of mathematics educators focused on promoting excellence in the teaching of mathematics. The ICTM is the only organization solely dedicated to serving the needs of mathematics teachers in Iowa. Hundreds of teachers, elementary, middle school, high school, and college - come together under the umbrella of ICTM to work for progress in mathematics education.

ICTM Web Site >>