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
Understanding Mathematical Structures
Students will prove theorems or solve problems or explain concepts in the following core areas
abstract algebra structures such as groups, rings, fields, functions, homomorphisms, and isomorphisms.
differential and integral calculus
probability and statistics, particularly inferential statistics, and
tranformational geometry to include isometries and non-isometric transformations such as circles of inversion.
Indicator
MA Comprehensive Oral Examination
Students in the MA program will take an oral examination over the four areas covered in the objective. The oral examination will be graded by a committee of faculty using a rubric developed and approved by department faculty.
Criterion
Successful Completion Of Comperhensive Exam.
100% of the MA students will receive a grade of "Pass" or "High Pass" on each of the four areas according to the attached rubric.
Finding
Completed Comprehensive Examinations
One (out of one) MA student successfully completed her comprehensive exam, receivng a "pass" on algebra, geometry, and analysis and a "high pass" on probability and statistics.
Action
Re-assessing Oral Examinations.
While the department has been happy with the results of previous oral comprehensive examinations, there is some discussion whether an oral exam is the best method of assessing what students understand. In the coming year, we try to determine if we need to move towards written comprehensive examinations or a hybrid of written and oral assessments.
Goal
Develop Research Skills
Students will develop research skills commensurate with graduate student status.
Objective
Demonstrate Research Skills
Students completing the MA in Mathematics will demonstrate research skills.
Indicator
Research Project Rubric
MA students complete an independent research project. A rubric is used to rate the project.
Criterion
80% Or Better On Project Rubric
Students will be rated at least 80% on the project rubric.
Finding
Completed Projects
The MA project is a capstone experience. We did not have any students completing their program this year, so there were no projects done.
Action
Future MA Projects
The department recently changed MA advisors. The new advisor has been much more proactive in recruiting students into the program. While we did not have any MA students complete their program, there are now several in the system and we expect some projects will be completed in the new academic year.