The Graduate Studies Program in Mathematics leads to the master of arts degree (M.A.) in teaching mathematics. Designed for the mathematics educator, the program is rich and diverse in mathematical content.

Consistent with the recommendation of the National Research Council, the mathematics / computer science faculty at Providence College affirms that excellence in teaching requires a thorough preparation in mathematics and education. The program helps provide this preparation by introducing the student to a variety of topics in both mathematics and mathematics education.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
  • A completed admission application form and application fee
  • Official transcripts of undergraduate and graduate course work
  • The completion of at least 24 credit hours in mathematics beyond pre-calculus or 18 credit hours in mathematics beyond pre-calculus and six hours in education, with a B average or better in these courses.
  • At least one year of Calculus
  • Two letters of reference
  • Approval by the Committee on Admissions

Applicants who do not satisfy the admission requirements may enroll in directed reading courses in preparation for the program. Reading courses are designed through consultation with the program director, and include MTH 519 (Readings in Analysis I), MTH 520 (Readings in Analysis II), MTH 521 (Readings in Algebra I), and MTH 522 (Readings in Algebra II). These courses do not count toward the degree requirements.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Students who wish to receive the M.A. degree must complete 21 graduate credit hours in mathematics and 9 graduate credit hours in education. Students must complete four required mathematics courses: Algebraic Structures I and II and Mathematical Analysis I and II. In addition to these required mathematics courses, students must complete

  • Any three of the elective mathematics courses listed below, and
  • Any three graduate education courses, including MTH 516, MTH 635, MTH 636, MTH 640, and MTH 706.
It is recommended that, if possible, students take MTH 500 Foundations of Mathematics, before taking the four required mathematics courses.

Course offerings are designed so that most students can complete the program within two years. Generally, at least eight courses are offered yearly and faculty advisors are available to help student select courses.

A teacher certification program in mathematics at the secondary level is also available. Students may enroll in the M.A. and the certification program concurrently.

ELECTIVE MATHEMATICS COURSES
MTH 500 Foundations of Mathematics
MTH 504 Difference and Differential Equations
MTH 506 History of Mathematics
MTH 507 Number Theory
MTH 514 Numerical Analysis
MTH 518 Topology
MTH 523 Probability and Statistics
MTH 530 Topics in Geometry
MTH 536 Topics in Real Variables
MTH 537 Topics in Complex Variables
MTH 538 Topics in Algebra
MTH 539 Topics in Logic
MTH 540 Topics in Applied Mathematics
MTH 541 Topics in Category Theory
MTH 545 Topics in Combinatorics
MTH 546 Topics in Discrete Mathematics
MTH 547 Topics in Algebraic Topology
MTH 548 Topics in Functional Analysis

Course offerings are designed so that most students can select to complete the program within two years. Generally, at least six courses are offered yearly and faculty advisors are available to help students select courses. Also, applicants who do not satisfy the admission requirements may enroll in directed reading courses in preparation for the program. Reading courses are designed through consultation with the program director.