OATdb Archive

2009 - 2010

Mathematics MS

Goal
Deliver A Curriculum With Appropriate Discipline Specific Knowledge
The curriculum will address the discipline specific knowledge dictated by professional societies and/or professionals in the workforce.

Objective
Foundation Areas
Students completing the MS will have acquired knowledge in the areas of real analysis, advanced abstract algebra, numerical linear algebra, applied mathematics, complex analysis, and applied statistics.

Indicator
Post Graduate Work
Students will be accepted into PhD programs

Criterion
Student Applications For Advance Graduate Work
100% of the students who apply for PhD programs in mathematics will be accepted.

Finding
Placement In Graduate School
1 out of 3 MS students were accepted into graduate school to work on a PhD.

Action
Post MS Placements
While we will continue to advise/assist students to complete a PhD in mathematics, faculty discussions with graduates indicated that not all graduates wished to pursue doctoral level studies. Beginning in fall 2010 chair and faculty will discuss ways for supporting job placement for graduates who wish to pursue industry jobs. In spring 2011 chiar will implement the solutions generated from the fall discussions.

Goal
Deliver A Curriculum That Emphasizes Communication Skills
The curriculum will provide students with opportunities to develop the skills typically required of professionals in the area of study.


Objective
Communicating Mathematical Ideas-Written
Students will be able to write rigorous proofs of mathematical statements, read mathematical research manuscripts, write formal mathematical papers, and use critical thinking skills to solve research problems.

Indicator
Comprehensive Examination
Students in the MS program will take a written comprehensive examination in the areas of numerical linear algebra, applied analysis, abstract algebra, and scientific computation. The examination will be graded by a committee of faculty.

Criterion
Examination Criteria
All candidates will receive a mark of either "High Pass" or "Pass" for the Mathematical Statistics component of the comprehensive oral exam.

Finding
Exam Results.
3 out of 3 students passed their MS comprehensive examinations.

Action
Exam Results
Although all three students passed their exams chair and faculty would like to see the number of high passes increased. In fall 2010, chair and faculty will identify the weaknesses that prevent students' from receiving high passes on their exams and begin placing more classroom emphasis on those weaknesses.


Update to previous cycle's plan for continuous improvement

Plan for continuous improvement Post Graduate Placement: We will continue to advise/assist master students who wish to puruse doctoral level degrees. Faculty discussions with graduates indicated that not all graduates wished to pursue doctoral level studies. Beginning in fall 2010 chair and faculty will discuss ways for supporting job placement for graduates who wish to pursue industry jobs. In spring 2011 chiar will implement the solutions generated from the fall discussions.

Comprehensive exams: Although all three students passed their exams chair and faculty would like to see the number of high passes increased. In fall 2010, chair and faculty will identify the weaknesses that prevent students' from receiving high passes on their exams and begin placing more classroom emphasis on those weaknesses