Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Admissions Registration Requirements Programs Miscellaneous
Where do I get an application?
You can find an online application on the Office of Graduate Studies webpages.
Do I have to have an undergraduate math degree to apply for the MS in Mathematics?
No. Clearly you should have had some significant amount of mathematics. If you lack some of the essentials, you may be accepted conditionally -- the conditions being that you complete successfully some suggested undergraduate mathematics courses. Typically, these might include Linear Algebra and Real Analysis I & II.
Can I only apply to begin grad school in the Fall semester?
No. You can begin our program in any of the three trimesters --- Fall, Spring, or Summer. Check the UTSA website for graduate application deadlines.
Do I need to take the GRE before I apply?
It is certainly a good idea to take the GRE beforehand, as it may be required for unconditional admission to the MS program. However, if you have not yet taken it, don't let that stop you from submitting your application. It is possible that taking the GRE will be made a condition of your acceptance and that you would need to take it sometime soon after beginning your program. Note: There may be changes in this requirement in the future. Check with an advisor for the latest information.
Do I have to submit recommendations or letters of reference with my application?
You may, but they are not required.
What is required for our application?
You can find this information at the Graduate Studies application checklist page.
How does the admissions process work?
Initially, your application goes to the Office of Graduate Studies. When it is complete, your graduate file is sent to a Mathematics Review Committee which evaluates it and recommends acceptance, acceptance with conditions, or rejection. The recommendation then goes to the College of Sciences administration, which will inform you of their decision.
Do I have to apply to the degree program in order to take graduate classes?
No. You may apply as a Special Graduate Student.
If I do apply to the MS in Mathematics degree program what concentration will I be put in?
If possible, you should indicate your preference of the mathematics concentration or the mathematics education concentration on your application. If you do not, your application will be evaluated as if you wished to follow the mathematics concentration. However, there is no need to decide up front. Once you are in the program, you can change from either concentration to the other when you determine which direction you wish to follow.
What do I do when I try to register for an undergrad course but the computer won't let me?
You'll have to register in person. Simply fill out an "add" form with the pertinent information and a notation in the margin that you are a "Graduate taking an undergraduate course."
Do I need to do anything different if I want the course to count towards my degree?
Yes. If you wish to receive graduate credit for an undergraduate course, check with the advisor and fill out "Graduate credit for Undergraduate Course" form to register with instead of the add form. Related information.
How do I find out which courses will be offered, and when?
The current schedule of courses is in a state of flux. However, the following link should provide a tentative guide to the course offerings and when they will be scheduled. See Course Rotation Schedule.
Where do I find information about the MS degree?
For a full listing of degree requirements check the Graduate Catalog page -- MS in Mathematics.
Can I substitute a different course for one of the required courses?
Generally, no. If you would like to try, you will need to request a waiver from the Petition Committee. The one exception is that the STA 5503 (Mathematical Statistics I) requirement is more amenable to being waived.
Will the undergraduate courses that are required for my conditional acceptance count toward my degree?
No.
Can I take any undergraduate courses for graduate credit?
Well, you can't take just any undergraduate course. You can count up to 6 hours of approved undergraduate coursework. You must request approval of such courses from the Petition Committee--preferably prior to taking them! Courses that have been approved in the past include Number Theory, Cryptography, Topology, Geometry, and various Special Topics courses. Related information.
Can we take courses outside the department or College of Sciences?
Yes. You can count up to 6 hours of approved coursework outside the College within the mathematics concentration and 9 hours within the mathematics education concentration. You must request approval of such courses from the Petition Committee. Preferably prior to taking the course.
What is the Program of Study?
The Program of Study is a listing of all the courses -- and, eventually, grades in those courses -- that lead to the MS degree. It is suggested that you complete the Program of Study form with input from the Graduate Advisor of Record soon after you have completed 18 hours of coursework.
What do I have to do to take the Comprehensive exam and when should I take it?
The comprehensive exam should be taken toward the end of the program and typically covers material from a two semester course sequence. Contact the Chair of the Comprehensive Exam Committee for procedural details. (See also the following notes.)
What are the different MS programs offered?
Right now there are two MS programs -- the Master of Science in Mathematics and the Master of Science in Applied Mathematics/Industrial Mathematics. Two different concentrations comprise the MS in Mathematics degree: (1) the mathematics concentration, and (2) the mathematics education concentration. Each of these concentrations has its own set of required coursework, although there is some overlap. Both mathematics departments contribute to the teaching, research, and administration of these degrees.
What about the Applied Math degree that I've heard about?
The Master of Science in Applied Mathematics/Industrial Mathematics is a program developed by the Department of Applied Mathematics. This program became official and began accepting students in Fall 2004. For more information contact Professor Amanda Chou.
What department am I in if I'm getting an MS in mathematics?
Students are not really "in" a department. You are simply in the MS degree program. The degree is overseen by two departments -- the Department of Applied Mathematics and the Department of Mathematical Sciences. Professors from both departments share the teaching of the mathematics courses that comprise the degree, advising, managing TAs, etc..
Are there scholarship or other financial aid opportunities for graduate students?
Yes. See financial aid information.
back to top back to homepage back to advisory