Master of Arts in Mathematics or Computer Science
Master of Arts in Mathematics
Students enrolled in the BA/MA program in mathematics must meet the full requirements of the MA degree in mathematics, and may not reuse any courses they have counted towards their BA degree.
Master of Arts in Computer Science
The standard MA in Computer Science requires six one-semester courses in addition to the Advanced Research Seminars (COMP549 and COMP550). These courses, which may include individual and/or group tutorials, must be at the 500-level and chosen with the permission of the MA advisor and the department's Graduate Education Committee (GRECO)."
Three semesters of full-time study beyond an undergraduate degree are usually needed to complete all requirements for the MA degree.
The BA/MA program in Computer Science requires six one-semester courses including the Advanced Research Seminars (COMP549 and COMP550). These courses may include individual and/or group tutorials and should be chosen with the permission of the department's Graduate Education Committee. Two semesters of full-time study beyond obtaining a Computer Science BA from Wesleyan are usually needed to complete the requirements for the MA degree.
MA students receiving a graduate stipend must serve as teaching assistants for 10 hours per week during the fall and spring academic semesters. Those who do not receive a stipend are also eligible to work as teaching assistants.
Guided by a faculty advisor, master’s candidates produce a thesis based on independent research and study of the current topical literature. In the final defense of their thesis, the candidate is expected to exhibit an expert command of the chosen specialty and a high degree of expository skill along with indications of original insight.
Courses
Six one-semester courses are required for the MA degree in Mathematics in addition to research units MATH549 and MATH550. These courses must be at the 500-level and chosen with permission of the MA advisor and the department's Graduate Education Committee (GRECO).
A total of six one-semester courses are required for the MA degree in Computer Science. The six courses must include COMP549 and COMP550. These courses are expected to be 500-level and chosen with permission of the MA advisor and the department's Graduate Education Committee (GRECO). Any alternative choices must be approved by the MA advisor and GRECO.
Progress and Qualifying Exams
Three semesters of full-time study beyond an undergraduate degree are usually needed to complete all requirements for the MA degree. For students completing the BA/MA program, relevant coursework usually begins in the final year of undergraduate student. Any program leading to the MA degree must be planned in consultation with the departmental Graduate Education Committee.
Teaching
MA students receiving a stipend are obliged to serve as teaching assistants for 10 hours per week during the fall and spring academic semesters. Those who do not receive a stipend are also eligible to work as teaching assistants.
Thesis and Defense
The thesis is a written report of a topic requiring an independent search and study of the literature under the supervision of the advisor. Performance is judged largely on scholarly organization of existing knowledge and on expository skill, but some indications of original insight are expected.
In the final examination, an oral presentation of the MA thesis, the candidate is expected to exhibit an expert command of the chosen specialty and a high degree of expository skill. The defense may include an oral examination on coursework, including material associated with the general preliminary exam. A faculty committee evaluates the candidate's performance.
Additional Information
For additional information, please visit wesleyan.edu/mathcs/graduate/.