OATdb Archive

2012 - 2013

Mathematics MS

Goal
Develop Research Skills
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 either a "fail", "pass" or "high pass" on their thesis based on the given rubric.

Finding
Thesis Students, 2013-14
All students completing a thesis received a score of either "pass" or "high pass" on their thesis defense.

Action
Thesis Defense Action
The rubric mentioned above will continue to be used to rate student research during the thesis defense.

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 scored 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
MS Students 2012-13
All MS students received either a score of "pass" or "high pass".

Action
Comprehensive Exam Action
Members of the graduate committee will continue to write and score written comprehensive examinations each year.


Update to previous cycle's plan for continuous improvement The burdens imposed by the library staff have been dealt with.  A successful LaTeX template was developed by our faculty that satisfies the requirements of the library.  Thesis submissions should proceed smoothly from now on.

Plan for continuous improvement Plans for 2013-14 include:  improved (and more) office space for graduate students, standardized syllabi for core MS mathematics courses, and an evaluation of decreasing the number of comprehensive mathematics exams from three to two.