As an M.A. student in mathematics at St. John’s, you may choose
between two tracks of study: 1) a traditional track, designed to
prepare M.A. candidates for further study on the doctoral level;
and 2) a “teacher” track that provides M.A. candidates with the
“nuts and bolts” of mathematics that are essential for presenting
the subject in a clear, relevant manner:
Traditional Track
Core Courses
- MTH 307; 308 Real Variables I, II 6
credits
- MTH 207; 208 Complex Variables I, II 6
credits
- MTH 211 Modern Algebra I 3
credits
- MTH 226 Point Set Topology 3 credits
“Teacher” Track
- MTH 103; 104 Advanced Analysis I, II 6
credits
- MTH 161 Modern Geometries 3 credits
- MTH 211 Modern Algebra I 3 credits
- MTH 215 Number Theory I 3 credits
* M.A. candidates may select their remaining courses for either
track in consultation with their Departmental Advisor.
A Flexible Approach to Your
Thesis
Candidates for the M.A. degree in mathematics also may choose
between a Thesis or Non-Thesis Option:
Thesis Option
(recommended for students planning to pursue doctoral study)
- 30 semester hours in courses including MTH 307, 308 and a
Master’s Research course (Mathematics 900, 6 credits)
- Students select the remaining courses with the approval of
their faculty advisor
- Demonstrated reading proficiency in French, German, Russian or
in a computer science language. (Students may satisfy the language
requirement by passing the ETS examination or a non-credit reading
course approved by the Department.)
Non-Thesis Option
- 33 semester hours in courses including MTH 307 and 308
- Students select the remaining courses with the approval of
their faculty advisor
Whether students choose the Thesis and Non-Thesis options, the
Department recommends that first-year students take MTH 207 and 208
(Complex Variables I and II). Second-year students are urged
to take MTH 307 and 308 (Real Variables I and II).
In addition, students in the Thesis and Non-Thesis Options take
their written Master’s Comprehensive Examinations in “Complex
Variables,” “Linear Algebra” and a topic chosen by the student. For
the Oral Comprehensive Examination, students select one other
area.