M.S. in Mathematics

The Department offers the M.S. degree in mathematics. Options for this degree are predoctoral studies, applied mathematics, computer science, secondary math, and statistics. Since 1968, almost 160 Masters degrees have been awarded. The curriculum stresses both theoretical and computational mathematics and is flexible enough to key a student's program to individual interests and abilities. Receiving a well-rounded mathematical education, graduates pursue Ph.D.'s, secure a position in government or industry, or further a teaching career.

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics, in cooperation with Rhodes University (Grahamstown, South Africa), facilitates a cooperative Ph.D. in pure or applied mathematics for truly exceptional students wishing to pursue a doctorate in research areas represented by the combined graduate mathematics faculties of Rhodes University and Youngstown State University. Upon successful completion of all doctoral work, the Ph.D. is granted by Rhodes University.

Campus and Facilities

Youngstown State University is a state-assisted university located in northeastern Ohio, midway between Cleveland and Pittsburgh. The beautiful, unified campus has a lively calendar of cultural events and recreational opportunities. Enrollment was about 15,200 students in Fall 2010. The Department of Mathematics and Statistics has extensive computing facilities that include microcomputers, workstations, University mainframe, and access to supercomputers.

Approximately 7 million people live within an hour's driving time of Youngstown (near Interstates 76, 80, and 79), with over a half million in the metropolitan area.

Financial Assistance

Assistantships are available each year. The stipend is currently $10,000 for two semesters, with another $1,200 available for summer term, for a total support of up to $11,200 for the year. All instructional and out-of-state fees are waived for each semester the assistantship is held, and assistants pay no instructional fees for the summer term if they have been an assistant for the previous two semesters.

Graduate assistants are required to take a minimum of 9 hours per semester—18 hours per academic year—and perform duties of approximately 20 hours per week. Assignments may include complete responsibility for teaching a class, tutoring in the Mathematics Assistance Center, or working with the Department's computer systems administrators. In addition, the Department sponsors extensive graduate assistant training and mentoring programs.