Master of Arts in Mathematics or Computer Science
The requirements for the master of arts degree are designed to ensure a basic knowledge and the capacity for sustained, independent scholarly study.
Courses
Six one-semester courses are required for the M.A. 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 M.A. advisor and the department's Graduate Education Committee (GRECO).
A total of six one-semester courses are required for the M.A. 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 M.A. advisor and the department's Graduate Education Committee (GRECO). Any alternative choices must be approved by the M.A. 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/.