Mathematics (Master of Science)
Department of Mathematics and Actuarial Science

Required undergraduate courses:

• Calculus I, II and III
• Discrete Structures or Mathematical Reasoning
• Linear Algebra
• Analysis

These are distinct from the requirements listed below. Applicants must have completed at least two semesters of a standard calculus sequence (the equivalent of Math 231 and Math 232 at Roosevelt) before they will be considered for admission to the program. The other prerequisite courses may be completed after admission.

These requirements will be checked by the graduate advisor.

As described in the Occupational Handbook of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, mathematics is one of the oldest and most basic sciences. Mathematicians create new mathematical theories and techniques involving the latest technology and solve economic, scientific, engineering, and business problems using mathematical knowledge and computational tools.

Mathematical work falls into two broad classes: theoretical (pure) mathematics and applied mathematics. However, these classes are not sharply defined and often overlap.

Theoretical mathematicians advance mathematical science by developing new principles and new relationships between existing principles of mathematics. Although they seek to increase basic knowledge without necessarily considering its practical use, this pure and abstract knowledge has been instrumental in producing or furthering many scientific and engineering achievements.

Applied mathematicians use theories and techniques, such as mathematical modeling and computational methods, to formulate and solve practical problems in business, government, engineering, and the physical, life, and social sciences. For example, they may analyze the mathematical aspects of computer and communications networks, the effects of new drugs on disease, the aerodynamic characteristics of aircraft, or the distribution costs or manufacturing processes of businesses. Applied mathematicians working in industrial research and development may develop or enhance mathematical methods when confronted with difficult problems. Some mathematicians, called cryptanalysts, analyze and decipher encryption systems designed to transmit national security-related information.

Mathematicians use computers extensively to analyze relationships among variables, solve complex problems, develop models, and process large amounts of data.

In private industry, job candidates generally need a master's or a Ph.D. degree to obtain jobs as mathematicians. Most of the positions designated for mathematicians are in research and development labs as part of technical teams. These research scientists engage in either pure mathematical, or basic, research; or in applied research focusing on developing or improving specific products or processes.

Requirements for the Master's Degree in Mathematics

A core consisting of at least two courses chosen from:

• Classical Applied Mathematics
• Complex Analysis
• Real Analysis
• Stochastic Processes
• Topology
• and various special topics

Nine additional courses selected from these courses and

• actuarial science
• analysis
• abstract algebra, geometry, number theory
• Boolean algebra, combinatorics
• numerical methods, linear programming, operations research
• probability and statistics

Up to three of the courses may be chosen from an approved cognate area.

All eleven courses must be approved by the graduate advisor.

Concentrations. There are also concentrations in Actuarial Science and Computer Science.

More information is available about professional organizations in mathematics on a separate page. The Mathematical Association of America offers student memberships and various publications which include mathematics for undergraduates and graduate students. The American Mathematical Society focuses on research mathematics. The Society for Industrial & Applied Mathematics fits its name as does the American Statistical Association.

Request Further Information

• Email Prof. Steve Cohen or telephone: at 312-341-3895
• For the Actuarial Science concentration, email Prof. Yao Wang or telephone at 847-619-8588
• Request a university catalog, information packet, or application for admission