FAQ for Perspective Students about Graduate Programs
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I am interested in a Ph.D. degree. Should I apply for the master's program to obtain an M.S. degree first? NO. Many students enter the Ph.D. program with no prior graduate work. After about two years in the Ph.D. program, you can obtain a Master's degree from FAU while continuing to work toward your Ph.D.
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Are there fees or other costs that a Graduate Teaching Assistantship does not cover? YES. Tuition waivers cover matriculation and non-resident fees only. All other student fees must be paid by the student. For a complete list of all relevant fees click here:
tuition breakdown
. Also, international students must purchase health insurance before registration. For more information click here:
health insurance information.
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I have a bachelor's degree in a field related to mathematics (such as engineering). What courses do I need to take before I can apply for a graduate degree in mathematics? Applicants without a Bachelor's degree with a major in Mathematics will be expected to complete AT LEAST the equivalent of the following coursework with a 3.0 GPA:
- Calculus 1, 2, and 3
- Matrix Theory
- Discrete Mathematics
- Introduction to Advanced Mathematics
- Modern Analysis
- Modern Algebra
- Probability and Statistics 1 to be considered for admission to a graduate degree program in Mathematics. Linear Algebra 2 is also strongly recommended. Consult with the graduate director to assess your specific circumstances.
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How many graduate credits can be transferred to FAU? Ph.D. students can transfer up to 36 graduate credits, and Master's students can transfer up to 6 credits. Transfer credit is subject to approval by the departmental graduate committee.
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How many credits can I take as a non degree-seeking student? You can take as many prerequisite undergraduate courses as a nondegree-seeking student as necessary. However, only 6 graduate credits obtained as a nondegree-seeking student (at FAU or at another institution) can be applied to a graduate degree.
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My goal is to teach mathematics at a community college, what degree program do I need? Because of accreditation requirements, state colleges and universities expect students to complete at least 18 credits of graduate-level mathematics coursework before being allowed to teach HOWEVER, this is the MINIMUM requirement. Each community college has its own standards concerning the qualifications and/or degrees necessary to teach there. We strongly recommend that you contact the specific community colleges where you may be interested in teaching and find out what qualifications are necessary BEFORE pursuing this career path. In any case, you must have the prerequisite undergraduate mathematics courses to enroll in graduate courses in mathematics or to be accepted into a graduate degree program. See the question [3] above for a list of prerequisite undergraduate courses.
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I am an international student, but I am currently at another US institution, do I need to submit a TOEFL score? If you will receive a degree from a US institution before attending FAU AND you have been in the United States for at least 2 years, then you do not need to submit a TOEFL score. Otherwise a recent TOEFL score is required.
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Can I substitute different courses for those in a certain track of the Masters in Applied Math and Statistics program? YES. Appropriate substitutions can be made with pre-approval of the departmental graduate committee.
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I would like to obtain a Master of Science in Teaching Mathematics, however my major is not in Mathematics. What are the required prerequisite coursework? Applicants without a mathematics degree must have taken a substantial amount of upper division mathematics and will be required to complete MAS 4301 Modern Algebra and MAA 4200 Modern Analysis if these or their equivalents have not been taken.
If you have further questions about graduate programs contact:
Prof. Hongwei, Graduate Director
Department of Mathematical Sciences
Florida Atlantic University
777 Glades RD
Boca Raton, FL 33431
email: mathgraduate@fau.edu
