2019-2020 Graduate Studies Bulletin
Mathematics
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Anton R. Schep, Chair
Overview (NEW SPRING 2010)
The Department of Mathematics has evolved into one of the premier centers in the Southeast for mathematics research and education. Its masters and doctoral programs have been cited for excellence by the S.C. Commission on Higher Education. With its internationally renowned faculty and supportive atmosphere, the department provides a stimulating environment for graduate studies. As the face of mathematics changes, the department responds with appropriate curriculum additions and revisions.
The department’s degree programs provide first the core fundamentals, and then the specialized expertise and interdisciplinary skills required of the modern mathematician. Training for those who
wish to pursue a career in teaching, those who plan mathematics-related careers in business, government, or industry, and those who wish to obtain the intensive training that will lead them into the contemporary research community is available.
The Department of Mathematics offers programs leading to the Master of Arts, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy, including a Ph.D. option of a Concentration in Applied and Computational Mathematics. This Concentration emphasizes core mathematics that leads to the frontiers of research both within applied and computational mathematics and cuts across disciplinary boundaries.
The department also offers programs leading to the Master of Mathematics and, in conjunction with the College of Education, a program leading to the degree of Master of Arts in Teaching. A description of the basic M.A.T. requirements appears in the College of Education section of the Graduate Studies Bulletin.
For more comprehensive general information, see the website www.math.sc.edu/graduate. Inquires concerning individual cases should be directed to: Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Mathematics, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208; email: graddir@math.sc.edu.
Admission (NEW SPRING 2010)
For admission into the M.S., M.A., or Ph.D. degree programs, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an approved institution and should have an undergraduate foundation in mathematics equivalent to that of a major in mathematics at the University of South Carolina. At a minimum, this should include a course in abstract algebra (equivalent to MATH 546 ) and one in advanced calculus (equivalent to MATH 554 ). A one year sequence in each is desirable. A minimum B (3.0) average in all college-level math courses is required for full admission. Applicants who do not have this preparation may be conditionally admitted and placed in such undergraduate courses as necessary to strengthen their backgrounds.
Applicants should submit an official transcript from each school or college previously attended, at least two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with their abilities in mathematics, and an official report of scores achieved on the GRE. A GRE score of at least 700 on the quantitative portion is expected. Applicants whose native language is not English are also required to submit a satisfactory score on the iBT TOEFL exam. The minimum score for admission to the rogram is 88. A minimum iBT TOEFL score of 100 is required for consideration for a teaching assistantship; there are also minimum levels for each sub-category (listening, speaking, reading, writing), which can be viewed on the departmental website. The GRE Mathematics Subject Exam is not required, but a strong score enhances the probability of admission with assistantship and the possibility of a supplemental fellowship.
For admission to the M.M. or M.A.T. degree programs, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an approved institution and have completed multivariable calculus (Calculus III, equivalent to MATH 241). Further, it is desirable that they have completed six credit hours in mathematics beyond multivariable calculus. At least a B (3.0) average for all college level mathematics courses is expected. Applicants with background deficiencies may be admitted on a conditional basis and placed in certain dual undergraduate/graduate courses to strengthen their foundation. Course work below the 500-level can not be used toward these degrees. Applicants should submit an official transcript from each school or college previously attended, at least two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with their abilities in mathematics, and a report of scores achieved on the GRE. A combined GRE score of 1000 is expected, with at least 550 on the quantitative portion.
Application materials should be submitted as much as possible online at http://www.gradschool.sc.edu/apply.htm, or be mailed to: The Graduate School, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208.
Degree Requirements (General) (NEW SPRING 2010)
There are certain requirements imposed by the Graduate School on all programs. We reiterate only the most pertinent ones here; others appear elsewhere in this Bulletin, and are routinely fulfilled over the course of the program of study.
The M.S. and M.A. degrees require 30 approved credit hours of course work, at least half of which (excluding the thesis) must be taken at the 700 level or above. In addition, a Comprehensive Examination taken upon conclusion of the program is required. Both the M.S. and the M.A. degrees require a thesis (3 credits of MATH 799 ).
Each candidate for the Ph.D. degree is required to complete a minimum of 60 hours of course work beyond the baccalaureate degree, including 12 credit hours of graduate course work separate from the course work covered by the Admission to Candidacy and Comprehensive Examinations (see below) and 12 credit hours of dissertation work (MATH 899 ). The Ph.D. program has three examinations: Admission to Candidacy, Comprehensive, and Doctoral Defense.
Note that “credit hours” are not earned if a course is taken on an “Audit” basis. Courses labeled 7xx-I may not be used to satisfy M.S., M.A., or Ph.D. requirements except in rare circumstances, and only by special permission. These courses are designed for the M.M. and M.A.T. programs.
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