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 Defense
Only two students (of approx. 10 graduating) completed a thesis. The thesis and thesis defense for these two were excellent.
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
This Criterion Is Out Of Place And Should Be Under The MS-Statistics Program
This criterion is out of place and should be under the MS-Statistics program
Goal
Consistent Cohort Size And Cohort Support
A fall cohort of ten supported graduate students would allow us to maintain a healthy program with consistent class sizes, class schedules and graduation rates above 7 students per year. Students typically work full time in our program and pay tuition and fees in excess of $6500. Stipends for these students should allow fulltime students to cover living expenses and tuition and fees.
Objective
Support Ten New Students Each Year
We will support ten new graduate students each year, as many as twenty in the two years of our program. Support should be such that fulltime students are supported by at least $10,000 more than the cost of tuition and fees.
Action
Soaring Tuition, Fees And Insurance Hamper Graduate Program
Soaring tuition, fees and insurance but fixed TA stipends hamper student recruitment.
Faculty plan to meet with the administration to discuss recent tuition and fees in excess of $7000 for in-state tuition international students. Since TA stipends are only $13000/yr, this only leaves students less than $6000/year (less than $500/month) to live on.