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Mathematics, MA

Mathematics, MA


Community, Educator, Instructor, Mathematics, academic, applied, approved for STEM-OPT extension, statistics, teaching

Spring admission is limited to students in the Accelerated Master's program.


Prepare to be a successful professional mathematician in business, industry or education. You'll receive a breadth of training that will broaden your knowledge in several fields of mathematics.

Program description
Degree awarded: MA  Mathematics

The MA program in mathematics is designed to increase students' mathematical knowledge beyond the traditional level of a bachelor's degree to prepare them for careers that require sophisticated mathematical skills.

Students may choose to specialize in applied mathematics, core mathematics, mathematics education or statistics through their course selections.

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing the degree through ASU Online.

At a glance
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Degree requirements

30 credit hours and 2 written comprehensive exams, or
30 credit hours and a portfolio, or
30 credit hours, a thesis and a written comprehensive exam

Required Core (3 credit hours)
APM 505 Applied Linear Algebra (3) or APM 506 Computational Methods (3) or MAT 543 Abstract Algebra I (3) or MAT 570 Real Analysis I (3)

Electives (21 or 27 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (0 or 6 credit hours)
MAT 599 Thesis (6)
portfolio (0)
two written comprehensive exams

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in mathematics or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution and have completed coursework in linear algebra (equivalent to ASU course MAT 342 or MAT 343) and advanced calculus (equivalent to ASU course MAT 371).

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. statement of education and career goals
  4. resume
  5. three letters of recommendation
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Application deadlines
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/CIn Person 12/10Final
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/CIn Person 07/01Final
Career opportunities

Graduates of the Master of Arts program in mathematics possess sophisticated mathematical skills required for careers in many different sectors, including education, industry and government.

Potential career opportunities include:

  • finance and investment analyst
  • mathematician
  • mathematics professor or instructor
  • operations research analyst
  • statistician

Students also may pursue further graduate study in mathematics or statistics in preparation for an academic career.

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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