Mathematics Masters

Program Overview

Overview

The Mathematics master's degree program at Illinois State University offers flexibility in catering to the diverse needs and interests of students. The program allows students to:

• Gain a strong general background in mathematics
• Concentrate in secondary mathematics education
• Prepare for teaching at a community college level
• Prepare for continuing on to a Ph.D. program in mathematics or mathematics education, or computational or applied mathematics

A master's degree requires either 32 credit hours without a thesis or 30 credit hours with a thesis.

The university also offers an online/hybrid master’s degree in mathematics program, which is designed to accommodate teachers' schedules. The program is offered synchronously in the evenings and summer.

Admission Requirements

University Admission Requirements

• Earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association
• Submit unofficial transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned
• If admitted, official domestic transcripts can be emailed from the university or mailed in a sealed envelope to the Graduate School
• If admitted, official international transcripts can be emailed directly from the international institution or mailed in a sealed envelope to International Admissions

Additional Program Admission Requirements

• Minimum 2.8 GPA (on a scale in which an A is a 4.0) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate work
• Mathematical Background:
  • Three semesters of Calculus
  • One semester of Linear Algebra
  • Four quantitative courses about the Calculus/Linear Algebra level
• Resume
• Statement of Purpose:
  • Interest in pursuing a graduate degree in mathematics from Illinois State
  • Academic and professional goals alignment
  • What you hope to achieve as a graduate student in mathematics
• Letters of Recommendation:
  • Two letters of recommendation for applicants with a GPA below 3.2 cumulative
  • One letter of recommendation for applicants with a GPA of 3.2 cumulative or above
• GRE:
  • Applicants must submit official GRE scores if GPA is below a 3.2 cumulative
  • Applicants with a GPA of 3.6 cumulative or above will automatically receive a waiver of the GRE requirement
  • For applicants with a GPA between 3.2 and 3.6, a GRE waiver petition must be submitted to demonstrate academic excellence

Application Deadlines

• Fall (August) Term: July 1
• Spring (January) Term: October 1
• Summer (May/June) Term: April 1

Graduate Assistantships

• Eligibility:
  • Admitted unconditionally as a degree-seeking student into a graduate academic program
  • In good-standing
  • Enrolled full-time (typically at least 9 credit hours during the fall or spring semesters, or at least 6 hours during the summer session)
• Benefits:
  • Monthly wages paid in the form of either a stipend or an hourly wage
  • A waiver for 100% of tuition during a semester of appointment
  • A waiver for up to 12 credit hours of tuition for the summer term immediately following a fall or spring appointment

Costs & Funding

• See Student Accounts for information on tuition and fees
• Funding for graduate students is available from several different sources
• Students who have been admitted from contiguous states including Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin will receive in-state tuition

Graduate Advisor

• Dr. Craig Cullen
• Stevenson 331C

Program Level

• Master's

Department

• Mathematics
• Stevenson 313
• College of Arts and Sciences