Mathematics, MS
Grow your mathematical knowledge while learning how to solve the challenges of tomorrow. Our Master of Science in mathematics is designed for ambitious individuals who are passionate about exploring advanced mathematical concepts and applying them to make significant contributions in both academia and industry. Find out how our program can help turn your curiosity into real opportunities.
Program Overview
The Mathematics MS program equips students with advanced mathematical skills, preparing them for doctoral study or careers in industry, academia, and more.
With a number of courses to choose from in the Department of Mathematics, you will gain skills in algebra, statistics, and even interdisciplinary fields like computer science, electrical and computer engineering, physics, and related areas.
Plus, with our two available concentrations, thesis and non-thesis options, as well as an option to pursue a PhD and a concurrent master’s degree, you will have the flexibility to choose whatever pathway most fits your needs.
Concentrations
Our program currently offers two concentrations:
- Mathematics, MS (general)
- Industrial Mathematics Concentration
Our program offers a general Master of Science in mathematics, as well as a specialized concentration in industrial mathematics. If you’re interested in entering industry and using your mathematical knowledge to solve practical problems, then this concentration would be a great fit.
Thesis and Non-Thesis Options
Whether you’re interested in pursuing careers in industry or going on to complete your PhD, our flexible options let you tailor the major to your career goals. For students pursuing a general MS in mathematics, you can choose from thesis and non-thesis options. The thesis option requires students to complete and defend a thesis. Non-thesis options include completing a written final project and oral presentation or completing courses and a comprehensive exam.
Students who enroll in the industrial mathematics concentration are required to complete the non-thesis, project option.
PhD and Concurrent Master’s Degree
If you’re interested in pursuing a PhD, you are highly encouraged to apply for the Mathematics PhD program, where you will have the opportunity to earn a concurrent master’s degree. That means you can earn your master’s degree as you progress towards your PhD, shortening the time it takes you to earn your degree, and giving you a competitive edge in industry and beyond.
Why Study Mathematics?
The Master of Science in mathematics not only offers advanced skills in various widely recognized areas of math, but it also offers students flexible pathways, plenty of opportunities to learn outside the classroom, and skills that prepare them for the future.
Flexibility that Matters
Our program offers students the flexibility to tailor their coursework to their career aspirations. Whether interested in pursuing graduate studies or entering the workforce, our minors and thesis and non-thesis options give students skills and knowledge that are both deep and wide.
Learn Beyond the Classroom
In our remarkably collegial atmosphere, you will work with faculty who are committed to your growth. Not only can you work in faculty-led labs, but you can also attend guest lectures by some of the most distinguished mathematicians—like Fernando Marques and André Neves to name a few—meaning you will learn from some of the most brilliant minds in the field.
Preparing You for the Future
Many of our recent graduates have gone on to work for top-ranked colleges and universities or obtain industry positions at companies such as GE Aviation, HAVI-Global, and IBM. Whatever you hope to do, our program gives you a unique skillset that’ll help you excel in the job market.
What Can You Do with an MS in Mathematics After Graduation?
Through the Geology program at UT, students are equipped with a comprehensive curriculum on Earth’s physical, chemical, and biological processes, as well as field experience and research opportunities. Our program prepares students to go into their career with the scientific and practical knowledge needed to be successful.
Many of our alumni go into the energy industry, working in fields such as economic geology, fossil energy, geophysics, sedimentology, and sustainable energy geology. Others work in more environmental fields, as hydrogeologists, environmental consultants or scientists, engineering geologists (volcanology, seismology), or landslide geoscientists.
You could go into minerals, as a resource geologist or minerals processing technician, or planetary sciences, as an astrobiologist, planetary geologist, or space weather scientist. Structural geology, stratigraphy, and geologic engineering are other common fields, where federal government agencies, private research groups, and consulting firms look for employees who are well-versed in the field. This program provides graduate students with the research experience and scientific education they need to feel ready entering their career.
Featured Courses
MATH 421 Combinatorics
Topics in this course may include basic principles of enumerative combinatorics, partitions, recurrence relations, generating functions, and introduction to graphs.
MATH 450 Number Theory
In this course, students will learn about Primes, Diophantine equations, quadratic reciprocity, cryptography, and other topics in number theory.
MATH 518 Industrial Mathematics
Students will learn modeling, analysis, and computation applied to scientific/technical/industrial problems. The course will be centered around several modules, each motivated by a type of mathematical problem frequently occurring in industry.
MATH 528 Introduction to Statistics and Data Science
In this course, students will receive an introduction to the mathematical methods of Data Science, including Statistics and Machine Learning. It is focused on general methods and software implementation for students with background only in undergraduate mathematics. The target audience consists of entry graduate students with no prior exposure to probability theory, statistics, or computing.
Complementary Majors, Minors, and Certificates
Looking to enhance your degree? Consider these programs as a complement to your primary major.
Looking For More Options?
The College of Arts and Sciences offers students the broadest range of academic programs and opportunities for research and creative activities at the University of Tennessee, powered by faculty expertise across every discipline.
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