The Mathematics Department offers an M.A. in Mathematics which can prepare students for positions in industry, government agencies, or business, for further graduate study at the doctoral level, and for teaching positions at the secondary or two-year college level.

To be admitted to the program, students must complete the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and have the score sent to Marshall University. GRE scores are considered when awarding graduate assistantships and during initial advising.

A minimum of 36 hours is required; if the student decides to write a thesis, the minimum is 32 hours, including not more than 6 hours for the thesis. A minor of 6 hours in any related area is permitted, subject to approval by the student’s advisor and concurrence of the Math Department Chairperson. A final (oral) comprehensive exam is administered by a committee of 3-5 graduate faculty chosen by the student and his/her advisor.

The following are specific requirements for the program:
(1) at least 18 hours of 600 level courses offered by the Math Department; (2) at least 12 more hours of 500 or higher level courses offered by the Math Department, including MTH 528, 546, and 550 (or equivalents); (3) at least 6 more hours of 500 or higher level courses selected from another department at Marshall offering a graduate program or from the Math Department.