Students who choose to complete a thesis will develop research skills
Objective
Demonstrate Graduate-Level Research Skills
Students completing the MS with a thesis will demonstrate skills in completing original research.
Indicator
Thesis Defense Rubric
The attached rubric will be used to rate student research during the thesis defense.
Criterion
Rating On Thesis Defense Rubric
MS students choosing to complete a thesis will score receive either a "fail", "pass" or "high pass" on their thesis based on the given rubric.
Finding
Results Of Thesis Defense
One (out of four) MS students opted to complete a thesis and received a "pass" rating.
Action
Increasing The Number Of MS Students Completing A Thesis
A thesis is not a requirement for the MS degree in Mathematics. However, many of the newer MS students have come to us from our undergraduate program which has a strong emphasis on undergraduate research. For that reason, we anticipate more students may opt to do a thesis next year.
Goal
Emphasize Written 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 abstract algebra, analysis, and topology. 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
Results Of Comprehensive Examinations.
All four students received at least a "pass" on each of the three areas covered on the exam. Two students received a "high pass" on at least one area of the exam.
Action
Userfulness Of Written Examinations For The MS Degree.
Historically, MS students in mathematics had oral comprehensive examinations. However, the mathematics faculty felt that students would be better able to develop and hone their proofs or mathematical arguements with written examinations. The use of written exams has been in place for a couple of years now, and the faculty feel as if this format is more beneficial. What may change from year to year is some of the content on the exams. Abstract algebra and real analysis are staples, but this year, a test on topology was used in place of last year's numerical linear algebra. This change was based on the change in the elective course taken by the current group of MS students.