Vanderbilt University Logo
Skip to main content

Department of Mathematics

close up of student writing math problems

Master’s Degree Requirements

The Department of Mathematics offers the master of arts (M.A.) degree as both a stand-alone degree and as part of a special 4+1 program for current Vanderbilt undergraduate students.

A master’s degree in passing can also be obtained by those students in the doctoral program.

Requirements

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

Students must take 36 credit hours of coursework at the 5000 level or above, other than MATH 7999, divided between major and minor subjects, and approved by the Department of Mathematics. Up to 12 of these 36 hours may be 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, except when granted a leave of absence, the student must register each fall and spring semester, even if all course and hour requirements have been met. Failure to maintain continuous registration will result in 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 received for courses in which a grade of ‘C’ or higher is earned. A minimum overall grade point average of a ‘B’ is required for graduation. Grades received in no-credit courses and in MATH 7999 are not included in computing the grade-point average.

Master’s Degree in Passing

Students in the doctoral program may earn a master’s degree in passing to the Ph.D. Students must take 36 credit hours of coursework in mathematics at the 5000 level or above, other than MATH 7999. For one or two of these courses, the student may, with approval of the director of graduate studies, substitute mathematically relevant graduate courses outside the department.