Master of Science (M.S.) Major in Mathematics (Applied Mathematics Concentration Non-thesis Option)

Program Overview

Texas State offers opportunities to work with outstanding faculty in a collegial atmosphere where mathematicians and mathematics educators collaborate closely. The multi-faceted program offers a strong foundation and research opportunities in mathematics, applied math, and mathematics education, preparing students for further graduate study, teaching, or industry positions. The M.S. in mathematics prepares students with the applied mathematical knowledge and critical thinking abilities needed to pursue doctoral degrees, teaching careers or leadership positions in industry.

Application Requirements

The items listed below are required for admission consideration for applicable semesters of entry during the current academic year. Submission instructions, additional details, and changes to admission requirements for semesters other than the current academic year can be found on The Graduate College's website. International students should review the International Admission Documents page for additional requirements.

  • completed online application
  • $55 nonrefundable application fee

          or

  • $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials 
  • baccalaureate degree in mathematics or a related field from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.) Students who lack sufficient background course work will be required to complete leveling course work with grades of B or better prior to admission.
  • official transcripts from each institution where course credit was granted
  • a 2.75 overall GPA or a 2.75 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)
  • GRE not required
  • resume/CV
  • statement of purpose
  • three letters of recommendation addressing the substance and quality of the student’s preparation for graduate study

Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores

Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.

  • official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
  • official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
  • official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and minimum individual module scores of 6.0
  • official Duolingo Scores required with a 110 overall
  • official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall

This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science (M.S.) degree with a major in Mathematics concentration in Applied Mathematics requires 36 semester credit hours. Students who do not have the appropriate background course work may be required to complete leveling courses.

Course Requirements

Required Courses
MATH 5301Partial Differential Equations3
MATH 5312Functions of a Complex Variable3
MATH 5319The Theory of Integration3
MATH 5340Scientific Computation3
MATH 5360Mathematical Modeling3
MATH 5373Theory of Functions of Real Variables3
MATH 5374Numerical Linear Algebra3
MATH 5393Numerical Optimization3
Prescribed Electives
Choose 12 hours from the following:12
Modern Algebra
Foundations of Differential Equations
Field Theory
Number Theory
General Topology
Metric Spaces
Studies in Applied Mathematics
Combinatorics
Applied and Algorithmic Graph Theory
Foundation of Real Analysis
Advanced Probability and Statistics
Design and Analysis of Experiments
Survival Analysis
Regression Analysis
Analysis of Variance
Statistical Applications in Genetics and Bioinformatics
STAT 5376E
Statistics
Total Hours36

Comprehensive Examination Requirement

All candidates for graduate degrees must pass a comprehensive examination consisting of three parts. A student may fail up to two times on one or more of the three parts of the comprehensive exam. After failing any given part of the comprehensive exam twice, a student will then be advised to retake the course(s). Provided they earn at least a C in each retaken class, they will then be permitted one final attempt at passing the corresponding part(s) of the comprehensive exam.

Students who do not successfully complete the requirements for the degree within the timelines specified will be dismissed from the program.

Master's level courses in Mathematics: MATHMTE

Courses Offered

Mathematics (MATH)

MATH 5111. Graduate Assistant Training.

This course is concerned with techniques used in the teaching of mathematics. This course is required as a condition of employment for graduate teaching and instructional assistants. This course does not earn graduate degree credit. Repeatable with different emphasis.

1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Graduate Assistantship|Exclude from Graduate GPA
Grade Mode: Leveling/Assistantships

MATH 5199B. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.

1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit

MATH 5272A. Teaching Geometry through Problem Solving and Discovery Learning.

This course investigates the problem-solving heuristics embedded in the secondary school geometry curriculum and explores how to implement problem solving in geometry classrooms. This course also examines the unique “Hungarian style” method of discovery learning in mathematics, developed for students aged 12-18. The method referred to as the Pósa Method is similar to inquiry based learning with an emphasis on problem solving.

2 Credit Hours. 2 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MATH 5272B. Gamification and Playfulness in Teaching Mathematics.

This course focuses on the non-game context of education and presents applications of game elements with special attention to teaching mathematics. Mathematics concepts are uncovered through the use of mathematical games and hands-on manipulatives that foster playfulness.

2 Credit Hours. 2 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MATH 5299B. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.

2 Credit Hours. 2 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit

MATH 5301. Partial Differential Equations.

Theory and application of partial differential equations; derivation of the differential equation; use of vector and Tensor methods; equations of the first order; wave equations; vibrations and normal functions; Fourier series and integral; Cauchy’s methods, initial data; methods of Green; potentials; boundary problems; methods of Riemann-Volterra; characteristics. Prerequisites: MATH 3323 and consent of the instructor.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MATH 5303. History of Mathematics.

A study of the development of mathematics and of the accomplishments of men and women who contributed to its progress. Cannot be used on a degree plan for M.S. degree. Prerequisite: MATH 2472 with a grade of "C" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MATH 5307. Modern Algebra.

Topics in modern algebra. Material will be adapted to the needs of the class. Prerequisite: MATH 4307 with a grade of "C" or better, or MATH 5384 with a grade of "B" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MATH 5311. Foundations of Differential Equations.

A critical study of the foundations of derivation equations, operator spaces, and such basic topics. Recent developments in this field will be investigated and independent investigation will be encouraged. Prerequisite: MATH 2393 and [MATH 3380 or MATH 5382] both with grades of "C" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MATH 5312. Functions of a Complex Variable.

Modern developments in the field of a complex variable. Prerequisite: MATH 2393 and MATH 4315 and [MATH 3380 or MATH 5382] all with grades of "C" or better or departmental approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MATH 5313. Field Theory.

Topics in field theory, separable extensions, and Galois Theory. Prerequisite: MATH 4307 with a grade of "C" or better, or MATH 5384 with a grade of "B" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MATH 5314. Number Theory.

Topics in algebra selected from quadratic forms, elementary number theory, algebraic or analytic number theory, with material adapted to the needs of the class. Prerequisite: MATH 4307 with a grade of "C" or better, or MATH 5384 with a grade of "B" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MATH 5317. Problems in Advanced Mathematics.

Open to graduate students on an individual basis by arrangement with the mathematics department. A considerable degree of mathematical maturity is required. May be repeated with different emphasis. This course does not earn graduate degree credit.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from Graduate GPA|Leveling
Grade Mode: Leveling/Assistantships

MATH 5319. The Theory of Integration.

A course in the theory of integration with special emphasis on the Lebesgue integrals. A course in the theory of real variables, with a knowledge of point set theory, is desirable as a background for this course. A considerable amount of mathematical maturity is required. Prerequisite: MATH 4315 with a grade of "C" or better, or departmental approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MATH 5329. General Topology.

This course studies topological spaces and their properties, including topics such as separation axioms, compactness, connectedness, and CW complexes.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MATH 5331. Metric Spaces.

Point-set topology with an emphasis on metric spaces and compactness but including a brief introduction to general topological spaces. Prerequisite: MATH 4330 with a grade of "C" or better, or departmental approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MATH 5336. Studies in Applied Mathematics.

Topics selected from optimization and control theory, numerical analysis, calculus of variations, boundary value problems, special functions, tensor analysis, or other subfields of applied mathematics are studied. Repeatable for credit with different topic emphasis. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MATH 5338. Advanced Independent Study in Mathematics or Statistics.

This course gives graduate students specializing in mathematical or statistical subjects the opportunity to study specialty subjects from individual Mathematics faculty's research interests. Work may consist of theoretical or empirical research or reviewing and integrating existing literature on the subject. Repeatable once for credit with different emphasis. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MATH 5340. Scientific Computation.

This course will involve the analysis of algorithms from science and mathematics, and the implementation of these algorithms using a computer algebra system. Symbolic numerical and graphical techniques will be studied. Applications will be drawn from science, engineering, and mathematics. A knowledge of differential equations is expected.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Lab Required
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MATH 5350. Combinatorics.

This course, covers permutations, combinations, Stirling numbers, chromatic numbers, Ramsey numbers, generating functions, Polya theory, Latin squares and random block design. Prerequisite: MATH 3398 or consent of instructor.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MATH 5355. Applied and Algorithmic Graph Theory.

This course is designed to emphasize the close tie between the theoretical and algorithmic aspects. The topics may include basic concepts such as connectivity, trees, planarity, coloring of graphs, matchings, and networks. It also covers many algorithms such as Max-flow Min-cut algorithm, maximum matching algorithm, and optimization algorithms for facility location problems in networks. Prerequisite: MATH 5388 or MATH 3398.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MATH 5360. Mathematical Modeling.

This course introduces the process and techniques of mathematical modeling. It covers a variety of application areas from the natural sciences. Emphasis is placed on deterministic systems, stochastic models, and diffusion. Prerequisite: [MATH 2393 and MATH 3323 both with grades of "D" or better and MATH 5301 with a grade of "C" or better] or instructor approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MATH 5373. Theory of Functions of Real Variables.

This course will discuss those topics that will enable the student to obtain a better grasp of the fundamental concepts of the calculus of real variables and the more recent developments of this analysis. Prerequisite: MATH 4315 with a grade of "C" or better, or departmental approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MATH 5374. Numerical Linear Algebra.

This course introduces tools that mathematical scientists use with vectors and matrices. Applications include least squares and eigenvalue problems, and systems of equations from applied mathematics. The stability of algorithms to perturbations are considered. Theory is balanced with numerically implementing algorithms, in particular for iterative methods for large, sparse systems. Prerequisite: MATH 3377 with a "C" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MATH 5376F. Introduction to Probability Theory and Models.

This course covers the definitions, constructions, theorems, and techniques to build and analyze probability models. The emphasis of this class is the active construction and analysis of probability models. However, we will develop a rigorous treatment of the requisite abstract theory in service of this goal. Topics include conditional expectation, the convergence of random variables, weak and strong law of large numbers, central limit theorem, random walk, Martingales, and Brownian motion.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MATH 5381. Foundations of Set Theory.

A formal study of the theory of sets, relations, functions, finite and infinite sets, set operations and other selected topics. This course will also train the student in the understanding of mathematical logic and the writing of proofs. Prerequisite:MATH 2472 with a grade of "C" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MATH 5382. Foundation of Real Analysis.

A course covering the foundations of mathematical analysis. Topics include: real numbers, sequences, series, and limits and continuity of functions. Prerequisite: MATH 5381.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MATH 5384. Geometric Approach to Abstract Algebra.

Definitions and elementary properties of groups, rings, integral domains, fields and vector spaces with great emphasis on the rings of integers, rational numbers, complex numbers, polynomials, and the interplay between algebra and geometry. Prerequisite: MATH 5381.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MATH 5386. Knots and Surfaces, An Introduction to Low-Dimensional Topology.

Knot polynomials and other knot invariants. The topological classification of surfaces and topological invariants of surfaces. Prerequisite: MATH 2472 with a grade of "C" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MATH 5388. Discrete Mathematics.

This course covers topics from: basic and advanced techniques of counting, recurrence relations, discrete probability and statistics, and applications of graph theory. Prerequisites: MATH 2472 with a grade of "C" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MATH 5392. Survey of Geometries.

A study of topics in geometry including geometrical transformations, the geometry fractals, projective geometry, Euclidean geometry, and non-Euclidean geometry. Prerequisite: MATH 2472 with a grade of "C" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MATH 5393. Numerical Optimization.

This course focuses on optimization methods for a broad range of applications, such as engineering and applied sciences. Subjects are the basic theory of optimization, numerical algorithms to locate points satisfying optimality conditions and to analyze the convergence properties. Prerequisites: MATH 2472 and MATH 3377 and MATH 3383, all with a grade of “C” or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MATH 5399A. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s initial thesis enrollment. No thesis credit is awarded until student has completed the thesis in Mathematics 5399B.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit

MATH 5399B. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit

MATH 5472A. Experiencing the Hungarian Approach through Observation and Teaching Practicum.

This course provides a first-hand experience in putting the Hungarian style guided discovery into practice. As part of the course, students will spend one week at a mathematics camp for secondary students that is being run using the Hungarian style of teaching. Students will observe mathematics classes, discuss pedagogy with camp instructors, and design and teach their own lesson to camp participants.

4 Credit Hours. 4 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MATH 5599B. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.

5 Credit Hours. 5 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit

MATH 5999B. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.

9 Credit Hours. 9 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit

Mathematics for Teacher Education (MTE)