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Department of Mathematics

Master’s Degree Requirements

Currently, the Department of Mathematics offers a master of arts (M.A.) degree as part of a special 4+1 program for current Vanderbilt undergraduate students.

Students enrolled in the doctoral program may earn a master’s degree in passing to the Ph.D.

Requirements

This program is flexible and particularly well-suited for students preparing for careers in industry, actuarial work, or government.

Students must complete 36 credit hours of coursework at the 5000 level or above (excluding MATH 7999), divided between major and minor subjects and approved by the Department of Mathematics. Up to 12 of these 36 hours may be taken in related fields such as computer science, economics, or physics.

The following are general requirements for the stand-alone master’s degree:

  • Continuous registration: Registration must be continuous except for summer sessions. Any interruption in registration must be authorized by the dean of the Graduate School as a leave of absence. Thus, unless granted a leave of absence, the student must register each fall and spring semester, even if all course and credit-hour requirements have been met. Failure to maintain continuous registration will result in the loss of student status.
  • Residence: The student must spend at least the equivalent of one academic year in residence.
  • Maintaining a ‘B’ average: Credit is awarded for courses in which a grade of ‘C’ or higher is earned. A minimum overall grade point average of ‘B’ is required for graduation. Grades received in no-credit courses and in MATH 7999 are not included in computing the grade point average.

Responsible Conduct in Research

All students, whether in the 4+1 program or in a Master’s program, are required to complete the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) course and Responsible Conduct in Research (RCR) training.
For a more detailed description, including a list of offered courses, please consult the Graduate School catalog.

Master’s Degree in Passing

Students in the doctoral program may earn a master’s degree in passing to the Ph.D. They must complete 36 credit hours of coursework in mathematics at the 5000 level or above, excluding MATH 7999. With approval of the director of graduate studies, one or two of these courses may be substituted with mathematically relevant graduate courses taken outside the department. In addition, students must complete the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) course and Responsible Conduct in Research (RCR) training.