What you will study
The master’s in Mathematics program at the University of Central Missouri covers a
wide range of advanced topics in graduate math courses that include:
- Advanced Calculus
- Combinatorics
- Functions of a Complex Variable
- Mathematics of Finance
- Modern Algebra
- Principles of Data Mining
- Regression Analysis
- Topology
Two ways to graduate with your MS in Mathematics
Choose from one of two options to complete your master’s in Mathematics degree: pass
a series of comprehensive exams or write a thesis. If your goal is to teach, the final
exams option may be best for you. If you plan to pursue your doctoral degree and build
a career in academia, the thesis option can start you on your path by acclimating
you to advanced research.
Unique learning opportunities in the MS in Mathematics
Gain real-world experience by practicing what you’re learning in your graduate math
courses at the University of Central Missouri.
- Internships: Put your MS in Mathematics to use in an internship. Find out what jobs you can get
with a Mathematics degree by working in the Kansas City metro area and nationwide.
UCM’s master’s in Mathematics students have worked at the Federal Reserve Bank, Cerner,
KC Life, Sun Life and more.
- Graduate assistantships: Teach undergraduate courses to gain experience in education, or work closely with
faculty on mathematics research projects to gain expertise in designing and leading
your own studies.
What can you do with a master’s in Mathematics from UCM?
The University of Central Missouri’s graduate math courses prepare you to effectively
communicate mathematical ideas in a variety of jobs. You’ll be ready to enter fields
such as:
- Teaching: Work with students enrolled in advanced high school math classes, community college
courses or dual-credit programs as you train them in key mathematical fundamentals
and theories.
- Business: With a master’s in Mathematics, you can enter one of the many jobs that require analytical
thinking, quantitative reasoning and advanced mathematical abilities. You can contribute
to any number of private- and public-sector fields, including economics, statistics,
machine learning, data analysis, financial analysis and more.
- Research: Prepare for a doctoral program where you can continue your study of graduate math
courses at a higher level through additional graduate research.
Jobs with a Mathematics degree
Use the interactive tool below to explore career paths, salary estimates and projected
job growth for students who complete mathematics graduate programs.
Financial assistance options for your master’s in Mathematics degree
The University of Central Missouri provides numerous ways to help you finance your education, including university scholarships, grants, tuition awards and access to federal
financial aid.
As a student in UCM’s master’s in Mathematics program, you’ll be eligible to apply
for a graduate teaching assistantship and other paid opportunities, including tutoring
and lab teaching assistantships.
UCM also offers scholarships exclusively to students in certain degree programs, including
Mathematics graduate programs. You can learn more about program-specific scholarships
with the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Meet Dr. Lianwen Wang
Extensive research publications
Dr. Wang teaches both undergraduate and graduate math courses at the University of
Central Missouri. He has published more than 60 research papers and has won UCM’s
Outstanding Scholarship and Creative Activity Award on multiple occasions. He is also
the analysis editor for the “Missouri Journal of Mathematical Sciences”.
Meet Our Faculty
Meet Dr. Phoebe McLaughlin
Assistant chair of UCM’s Mathematics program
Dr. McLaughlin works both inside and outside UCM to improve mathematics education
at all levels. She is the secretary and treasurer of the Missouri section of the Mathematical
Association of America and the algebra editor for the “Missouri Journal of Mathematical
Sciences”.
Meet Our Faculty
Meet Dr. Nalin Fonseka
Dr. Fonseka's research focuses on Differential Equations (Nonlinear Elliptic Boundary
Value Problems) and Mathematical Ecology (Steady State Reaction-Diffusion Equations
modeling population dynamics, including the density-dependent dispersal on the boundary
and effects of exterior matrix hostility).
Meet Our Faculty
Meet Dr. Blaise Heider
Expert in abstract algebra
Dr. Heider teaches undergraduate and graduate courses for the B.S. and M.S. degrees
in Mathematics, including courses covering abstract algebra, number theory and topology.
His main area of research is non-commutative ring and module theory and applying those
theories to other areas of mathematics, such as functional analysis.
Meet Our Faculty
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Required and Elective Courses
This master’s degree requires 30 credit hours. The program includes required courses
in modern algebra, analysis and topology as well as electives in number theory, graph
theory, combinatorics, and statistics. Each student must complete either a series
of comprehensive examinations or a thesis. For a complete program listing click the
“Program of Study” link on the left side of this page.
Admission Criteria and Cost
The admission requirement is an undergraduate degree in mathematics (or equivalent
coursework) with at least a 3.0 GPA in upper level mathematics courses. Occasionally
we offer conditional admission to students not quite meeting these criteria.
You may calculate the cost of courses in this program by using the
UCM cost calculator. If you plan to take the courses from a distance (by web conference) you must use
the calculator associated with hybrid/online courses.
Graduate Assistantships
A limited number of graduate teaching assistantships are available. Non-teaching assistantships
are sometimes available in various offices on campus. Check the website
jobs.ucmo.edu for a current list of available assistantships.
