This program provides exciting opportunities for students interested in mathematics. Students are encouraged to select an optional concentration in Actuarial Mathematics (ACTM), Applied Mathematics (AMT), Data Science (DSCI), or Mathematical Statistics (MTHS). Students who do not select a concentration study traditional mathematics.
Teacher Licensure
Interested students should attend an information session early in their studies. For more information, visit the Graduate School of Education's website.
Students majoring in biology who wish to pursue a career teaching secondary school may consider applying for the Secondary Education - Mathematics (6-12) Undergraduate Certificate offered by the College of Education and Human Development as an option in seeking an initial Virginia teaching license.
Other routes to licensure include the Mathematics, BA or BS/Curriculum and Instruction, Accelerated MEd (Secondary Education Mathematics concentration) or select traditional Master's programs. Please contact the undergraduate advisor in the College of Education and Human Development for more information.
Admissions
University-wide admissions policies can be found in the Undergraduate Admissions Policies section of this catalog.
To apply for this program, please complete the George Mason University Admissions Application.
Policies
Students must fulfill all Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees, including the Mason Core.
MATH 300 Introduction to Advanced Mathematics meets the writing intensive requirement for this major.
For policies governing all undergraduate programs, see AP.5 Undergraduate Policies.
Graduating seniors are required to have an exit interview.
Language Proficiency Recommendation
The department recommends proficiency in French, German, or Russian.
Course Recommendations and Policies
A maximum of 6 credits of grades below 2.00 in coursework designated MATH or STAT may be applied toward the major.
Students intending to enter graduate school in mathematics are strongly advised to take MATH 315 Advanced Calculus I and MATH 321 Abstract Algebra.
Students may not receive credit for both MATH 214 Elementary Differential Equations and MATH 216 Theory of Differential Equations; both MATH 213 Analytic Geometry and Calculus III and MATH 215 Analytic Geometry and Calculus III (Honors); both MATH 351 Probability and STAT 344 Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I; and both MATH 352 Statistics and STAT 354 Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists II.
After receiving a grade of 'C' or better in one of the courses listed below on the left, students may not receive credit for the corresponding course on the right:
Course | May Not Receive Credit for |
---|---|
MATH 113 or MATH 123 | MATH 105 or MATH 108 |
MATH 351 or STAT 344 | MATH 110 |
MATH 441 | MATH 111 |
MATH 125 | MATH 112 |
Degree Requirements
Total credits: minimum 120
Students should refer to the Admissions & Policies tab for specific policies related to this program.
In addition to the mathematics core, science, and computational skills requirements, students may select an optional concentration in Actuarial Mathematics (ACTM), Applied Mathematics (AMT), Data Science (DSCI), or Mathematical Statistics (MTHS).
Mathematics Core
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
MATH 113 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) | 4 |
MATH 114 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | 4 |
MATH 125 | Discrete Mathematics I (Mason Core) | 3 |
MATH 203 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
MATH 213 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus III | 3 |
or MATH 215 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus III (Honors) | |
MATH 214 | Elementary Differential Equations | 3 |
or MATH 216 | Theory of Differential Equations | |
MATH 300 | Introduction to Advanced Mathematics 1 | 3 |
MATH 322 | Advanced Linear Algebra | 3 |
Total Credits | 26 |
1 | Fulfills the writing intensive requirement. |
Science
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Select a one-year sequence of a laboratory science from the following courses: | 8-9 | |
Biology Sequence: | ||
Cell Structure and Function | ||
Choose one from the following: | ||
BioDiversity | ||
Foundations of Ecology and Evolution | ||
General Genetics | ||
Chemistry Sequence: | ||
General Chemistry I (Mason Core) and General Chemistry Laboratory I (Mason Core) | ||
General Chemistry II (Mason Core) and General Chemistry Laboratory II (Mason Core) | ||
Geology Sequence: | ||
Physical Geology (Mason Core) and Physical Geology Lab | ||
Historical Geology (Mason Core) and Historical Geology Laboratory (Mason Core) | ||
Physics Sequence: | ||
University Physics I (Mason Core) and University Physics I Laboratory (Mason Core) | ||
University Physics II (Mason Core) and University Physics II Laboratory (Mason Core) | ||
Total Credits | 8-9 |
Computational Skills
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
CS 112 | Introduction to Computer Programming (Mason Core) | 4 |
Total Credits | 4 |
BS without Concentration
In addition to the mathematics core, science, and computational skills requirements listed above, students who are not choosing a concentration must complete the following coursework:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Traditional Mathematics | ||
MATH 315 | Advanced Calculus I | 3 |
MATH 316 | Advanced Calculus II | 3 |
MATH 321 | Abstract Algebra | 3 |
or MATH 431 | Topology | |
Select 12 additional credits of MATH courses numbered above 300 1,3 | 12 | |
Additional Science | ||
Select additional science credits from one of the following options: | 4-9 | |
1. A second sequence from the choices under "Science" above | ||
2. 6 credits from more advanced courses in biology, chemistry, geology, or physics 2 | ||
4. Choose two courses from the following: | ||
Modeling and Simulation I | ||
Scientific Information and Data Visualization | ||
Object-Oriented Programming | ||
Data Structures | ||
Formal Methods and Models | ||
Analysis of Algorithms | ||
Total Credits | 25-30 |
1 | Excluding MATH 400. |
2 | Only refers to courses acceptable for credit toward a natural science major. Consider courses from the following: BIOL 300-499, CHEM 300-499, GEOL 300-499, PHYS 300-499. |
3 | Up to 3 credits in MATH 490 and 6 credits in MATH 491 can be applied to this requirement. A total of 12 credits between MATH 490 and MATH 491 can be applied to this degree via this concentration option and any elective credits. |
Concentration in Actuarial Mathematics (ACTM)
This concentration provides exciting opportunities for students interested in studying actuarial mathematics. Expertise in this field leads directly into a career as a practicing actuary with an insurance company, consulting firm, or in government employment.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
ACTM Courses | ||
MATH 351 | Probability | 3 |
MATH 352 | Statistics | 3 |
MATH 551 | Regression and Time Series | 3 |
MATH 554 | Financial Mathematics | 3 |
MATH 555 | Actuarial Modeling I | 3 |
MATH 557 | Financial Derivatives | 3 |
ACCT 203 | Survey of Accounting | 3 |
ECON 103 | Contemporary Microeconomic Principles (Mason Core) | 3 |
ECON 306 | Intermediate Microeconomics 1 | 3 |
or ECON 310 | Money and Banking | |
or FNAN 321 | Financial Institutions | |
STAT 362 | Introduction to Computer Statistical Packages | 3 |
Select two from the following: | 6 | |
Deterministic Operations Research | ||
Stochastic Operations Research | ||
Numerical Analysis I | ||
Advanced Mathematical Statistics | ||
Total Credits | 36 |
1 | For mathematics majors, the Department of Economics has agreed to waive the ECON 104 prerequisite. |
Concentration in Applied Mathematics (AMT)
This concentration provides exciting opportunities for students interested in taking additional classes on applied mathematics. The concentration prepares numerical analysts able to deal with real world applications in science and engineering.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
AMT Courses | ||
MATH 313 | Introduction to Applied Analysis | 3 |
MATH 315 | Advanced Calculus I | 3 |
MATH 351 | Probability | 3 |
MATH 413 | Modern Applied Mathematics I | 3 |
MATH 446 | Numerical Analysis I | 3 |
Select 3 credits of MATH courses numbered above 300 1 | 3 | |
Choose two courses from the following: | 6 | |
Introduction to Applied Mathematics | ||
Modern Applied Mathematics II | ||
Introduction to Partial Differential Equations with Numerical Methods | ||
Additional Science Courses | ||
Select additional science credits from one of the following options: | 4-9 | |
1. A second sequence from the choices under "Science" above | ||
2. 6 credits from more advanced courses in biology, chemistry, geology, or physics 2 | ||
4. Choose two courses from the following: | ||
Modeling and Simulation I | ||
Scientific Information and Data Visualization | ||
Object-Oriented Programming | ||
Data Structures | ||
Formal Methods and Models | ||
Analysis of Algorithms | ||
Total Credits | 28-33 |
1 | Excluding MATH 400. |
2 | Only refers to courses acceptable for credit toward a natural science major. Consider courses from the following: BIOL 300-499, CHEM 300-499, GEOL 300-499, PHYS 300-499. |
Concentration in Data Science (DSCI)
The data science concentration prepares math majors for careers in industry and academia with a focus on the rapidly developing area of the mathematics of data science. Students in this program will develop analytical and computational skills that will provide a deeper understanding of machine learning and data science concepts. By mastering the theoretical foundation underlying practical algorithms and uncovering inherent connections with several branches of modern mathematics, students will hone their creativity and independent thinking skills necessary to lead the data science revolution.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Data Science Courses | ||
MATH 315 | Advanced Calculus I | 3 |
MATH 351 | Probability | 3 |
MATH 446 | Numerical Analysis I | 3 |
MATH 464 | Linear Algebra with Data Applications | 3 |
Select two options from the following: | 6-7 | |
Numerical Analysis II | ||
Mathematics of Machine Learning and Industrial Applications I and Mathematics of Machine Learning and Industrial Applications II | ||
Mathematics of Data Science | ||
Choose one course from the following: | 3 | |
Statistics | ||
Introductory Statistics II | ||
Introduction to Statistical Practice II | ||
Statistical Theory | ||
Choose one course from the following: | 3 | |
Scientific Information and Data Visualization | ||
Scientific Data and Databases | ||
Data Structures | ||
Additional Science Courses | ||
Select additional science credits from one of the following options: | 3-4 | |
1. Choose one from the following: | ||
Cell Structure and Function | ||
General Chemistry I (Mason Core) and General Chemistry Laboratory I (Mason Core) | ||
Physical Geology (Mason Core) and Physical Geology Lab | ||
University Physics I (Mason Core) and University Physics I Laboratory (Mason Core) | ||
2. Choose 3 credits from more advanced courses in biology, chemistry, geology, or physics 1 | ||
3. Choose the 4 credit option of PHYS 262 and PHYS 263 | ||
Total Credits | 27-29 |
1 | Only refers to courses acceptable for credit toward a natural science major. Consider courses from the following: BIOL 300-499, CHEM 300-499, GEOL 300-499, PHYS 300-499. |
Concentration in Mathematical Statistics (MTHS)
This concentration provides exciting opportunities for students interested in taking additional classes on statistics and data analysis. The concentration prepares data analysts able to deal with real world applications in science and engineering.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
MTHS Courses | ||
MATH 315 | Advanced Calculus I | 3 |
MATH 351 | Probability | 3 |
MATH 352 | Statistics | 3 |
MATH 453 | Advanced Mathematical Statistics | 3 |
MATH 551 | Regression and Time Series | 3 |
STAT 362 | Introduction to Computer Statistical Packages | 3 |
Select one from: | 3 | |
Introduction to Statistical Practice I | ||
Introductory Statistics II | ||
Introduction to Statistical Practice II | ||
Select two from the following: | 6 | |
Experimental Design | ||
Introduction to Biostatistics | ||
Applied Multivariate Statistics | ||
Introduction to Exploratory Data Analysis | ||
Nonparametric Statistics and Categorical Data Analysis | ||
Introduction to Statistical Learning | ||
Introduction to Survey Sampling | ||
Additional Science Courses | ||
Select additional science credits from one of the following options: | 3-4 | |
1. Choose one from the following different lab sciences: | ||
Cell Structure and Function | ||
General Chemistry I (Mason Core) and General Chemistry Laboratory I (Mason Core) | ||
Physical Geology (Mason Core) and Physical Geology Lab | ||
University Physics I (Mason Core) and University Physics I Laboratory (Mason Core) | ||
2. Choose 3 credits from more advanced courses in biology, chemistry, geology, or physics 1 | ||
4. Choose one course from the following: | ||
Modeling and Simulation I | ||
Scientific Information and Data Visualization | ||
Object-Oriented Programming | ||
Data Structures | ||
Formal Methods and Models | ||
Analysis of Algorithms | ||
Total Credits | 30-31 |
1 | Only refers to courses acceptable for credit toward a natural science major. Consider courses from the following: BIOL 300-499, CHEM 300-499, GEOL 300-499, PHYS 300-499. |
Mason Core and Elective Credits
In order to meet a minimum of 120 credits, this degree requires additional credits (specific credit counts by concentration are shown below), which may be applied toward any remaining Mason Core requirements (outlined below), Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees, and elective courses1. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors to ensure that they fulfill all requirements.
- Without concentration: 51-57 credits
- ACTM concentration: 45-46 credits
- AMT concentration: 48-54 credits
- DSCI concentration: 52-55 credits
- MTHS concentration: 50-52 credits
1 | A maximum of 12 credits between MATH 490 Internship and MATH 491 Reading and Undergraduate Research in Mathematics can be applied to this degree. |
Mason Core
Some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisors to ensure they fulfill all remaining Mason Core requirements.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Foundation Requirements | ||
Written Communication (ENGH 101) | 3 | |
Oral Communication | 3 | |
Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | |
Information Technology and Computing | 3 | |
Exploration Requirements | ||
Arts | 3 | |
Global Understanding | 3 | |
Literature | 3 | |
Natural Science | 7 | |
Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
Western Civilization/World History | 3 | |
Integration Requirements | ||
Written Communications (ENGH 302) | 3 | |
Writing-Intensive 1 | 3 | |
Synthesis/Capstone 2 | 3 | |
Total Credits | 40 |
1 | Most programs include the writing-intensive course designated for the major as part of the major requirements; this course is therefore not counted towards the total required for Mason Core. |
2 | Minimum 3 credits required. |
Honors in the Major
Eligibility
Mathematics majors who have maintained a GPA of at least 3.50 in mathematics courses and a GPA of 3.50 in all courses taken at George Mason University may apply to the departmental honors program upon completion of two MATH courses at the 300+ level (excluding MATH 400 History of Math (Topic Varies) (Mason Core)), at least one of which has MATH 300 Introduction to Advanced Mathematics as a prerequisite. Admission to the program will be monitored by the undergraduate committee.
Honors Requirements
To graduate with honors in mathematics, a student is required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.50 in mathematics courses and successfully complete MATH 405 Honors Thesis in Mathematics I and MATH 406 RS: Honors Thesis in Mathematics II with an average GPA of at least 3.50 in these two courses.
Mathematics, BA or BS/Curriculum and Instruction, Accelerated MEd, (Secondary Education Mathematics Concentration)
Overview
Highly-qualified undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's program and obtain a BA or BS in Mathematics and an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction (Secondary Education Mathematics concentration) in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 143 credits.
See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree for policies related to this program.
This accelerated option is offered jointly by the Department of Mathematical Sciences and the School of Education.
Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
BAM Pathway Admission Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree policies. For information specific to this accelerated master's program, see Application Requirements and Deadlines.
Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits, and additional unit-specific criteria.
Students who are accepted into the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits and course-specific pre-requisites.
Accelerated Master’s Admission Requirements
Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the MEd program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s Transition form:
- 3.0 overall GPA
- Completion of specific undergraduate coursework
- Successfully meeting Mason’s requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completing the application for graduation.
Accelerated Pathway Requirements
To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following which can be taken as Advanced Standing or Reserve Graduate credit (to be determined by the student and their advisor):
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
EDRD 619 | Literacy in the Content Areas | 3 |
SEED 522 | Foundations of Secondary Education | 3 |
SEED 540 | Human Development and Learning: Secondary Education | 3 |
SEED 572 | Teaching Mathematics in the Secondary School | 3 |
SEED 672 | Advanced Methods of Teaching Mathematics in the Secondary School | 3 |
SEED approved elective |
For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree policies.
Mathematics, BA or BS/Mathematics, Accelerated MS
Overview
This bachelor's/accelerated master's degree program allows academically strong undergraduates with a commitment to advance their education to obtain the Mathematics, BA or Mathematics, BS and the Mathematics, MS degrees within an accelerated timeframe. Upon completion of this 138 credit accelerated program, students will be exceptionally well prepared for entry into their careers or into a doctoral program in the field or in a related discipline.
Students are eligible to apply for this accelerated program once they have earned at least 60 undergraduate credits and can enroll in up to 18 credits of graduate coursework after successfully completing 75 undergraduate credits. This flexibility makes it possible for students to complete a bachelor's and a master's in five years.
For more detailed information, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies. For more information on undergraduates enrolling in graduate courses, see AP.1.4.4 Graduate Course Enrollment by Undergraduates.
Application Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Graduate Admission Policies section of this catalog.
Important application information and processes for this accelerated master's program can be found here.
Students should seek out the graduate program's advisor who will aid in choosing the appropriate graduate courses and help prepare the student for graduate studies.
Successful applicants will have an overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.00. Additionally, they will have completed the following courses with a GPA of 3.00 or higher:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
MATH 315 | Advanced Calculus I | 3 |
MATH 321 | Abstract Algebra | 3 |
MATH 322 | Advanced Linear Algebra | 3 |
Accelerated Option Requirements
After the completion of 75 undergraduate credits, students may complete 3 to 12 credits of graduate coursework that can apply to both the undergraduate and graduate degrees.
In addition to applying to graduate from the undergraduate program, students in the accelerated program must submit a bachelor's/accelerated master's transition form (available from the Office of the University Registrar) to the College of Science's Office of Academic and Student Affairs by the last day to add classes of their final undergraduate semester. Students should enroll for courses in the master's program in the fall or spring semester immediately following conferral of the bachelor's degree, but should contact an advisor if they would like to defer up to one semester.
Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.00 or higher in all graduate coursework and should consult with their faculty advisor to coordinate their academic goals.
Reserve Graduate Credit
Accelerated master's students may also take up to 6 graduate credits as reserve graduate credits. These credits do not apply to the undergraduate degree, but will reduce the master's degree by up to 6 credits. With 12 graduate credits counted toward the undergraduate and graduate degrees plus the maximum 6 reserve graduate credits, the credits necessary for the graduate degree can be reduced by up to 18.
Graduate Course Suggestions
The following list of suggested courses is provided for general reference. To ensure an efficient route to graduation and post-graduation readiness, students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor before registering for graduate-level courses.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
MATH 621 | Algebra I | 3 |
MATH 631 | Topology I: Topology of Metric Spaces | 3 |
MATH 675 | Linear Analysis | 3 |
MATH 677 | Ordinary Differential Equations | 3 |
MATH 685 | Numerical Analysis | 3 |
BS (any)/Statistical Science, Accelerated MS
Overview
Highly-qualified undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's program (BAM) and obtain an undergraduate BS degree and the Statistical Science, MS in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 138 credits.
Admitted students are able to use up to 12 graduate credits in partial satisfaction of requirements for the undergraduate degree. Upon completion and conferral of the bachelor's degree and with satisfactory performance (grade of 'B' or better) in each of the graduate courses, students are given advanced standing in the master's program.
See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to this program.
Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
BAM Pathway Admission Requirements
No specific undergraduate BS degree is required. Students enrolled in any BS degree may apply to the accelerated Statistical Science, MS program if such an accelerated Statistical Science, MS pathway is allowable from the student's BS program, which will be determined by the academic advisors of both the BS and MS programs.
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree policies.
Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits with an overall GPA of 3.0.
Students who are accepted into the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits and course-specific prerequisites.
Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements
Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the Statistical Science, MS program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s Transition form:
- Completion of Mason’s requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completion of application for graduation.
- An overall GPA of 3.00.
- Completion of the following Mason courses each with a grade of C or better:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
MATH 213 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus III | 3 |
MATH 203 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
or MATH 321 | Abstract Algebra | |
STAT 250 | Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) | 3 |
or STAT 344 | Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I | |
STAT 346 | Probability for Engineers | 3 |
or MATH 351 | Probability | |
STAT 362 | Introduction to Computer Statistical Packages | 3 |
Accelerated Pathway Requirements
To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, students complete all credits satisfying degree requirements for the BS and MS programs, with up to twelve credits overlap chosen from the following graduate courses:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
STAT 544 | Applied Probability | 3 |
STAT 554 | Applied Statistics I | 3 |
STAT 560 | Biostatistical Methods | 3 |
STAT 574 | Survey Sampling I | 3 |
STAT 663 | Statistical Graphics and Data Exploration I | 3 |
All graduate course prerequisites must be completed prior to enrollment. Each graduate course must be completed with a grade of B or better to apply toward the MS degree.
While still in undergraduate status, a maximum of 6 additional graduate credits may be taken as reserve graduate credit and applied to the master's program. Reserve graduate credits do not apply to the undergraduate degree.
For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees policies.
Degree Conferral
Students must apply the semester before they expect to complete the BS requirements to have the BS degree conferred. In addition, at the beginning of the student's final undergraduate semester, students must complete a Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form that is submitted to the Office of the University Registrar and Graduate Recruitment and Enrollment Services. At the completion of MS requirements, a master's degree is conferred.