Master's Coursework
Thesis option
The thesis option requires twenty-four semester hours of course work and the preparation of a thesis (for which six hours credit is given). A minimum of twelve semester hours in mathematics courses above the 400(G)-level is required. There is a special course, MATH 599, for MS students who are conducting research towards preparation of an MS thesis.
Non-thesis option
The non-thesis option requires thirty-six semester hours of graduate course work, of which a minimum of eighteen hours must be above the 400(G)-level. The student may concentrate in applied mathematics by taking courses in differential equations, numerical analysis, and statistics; or in core mathematics by taking courses in algebra, analysis, and topology.
Course loads
In order to qualify as a full-time student, the Graduate School requires a graduate student to carry a minimum of 9 semester credit hours that count towards his or her degree program during a regular semester, and a minimum of 6 credit hours that count towards his or her degree program during a summer semester. The maximum course load a graduate student may enroll in is 16 credit hours during a regular semester, and 9 during a summer semester. There is no specific minimum for part-time students. The Graduate School also requires that a graduate fellow or assistant be a full-time student during any semester in which the fellowship or assistantship is held. More detailed information can be found in the Academic Catalog and on the Graduate School website.
Graduate credit
A graduate student who is receiving financial support from the Department or University can only enroll in courses offered by the Mathematics Department (MATH and STAT courses). In special circumstances a student may ask for permission to enroll in courses offered by other departments, but only if they are directly relevant to the his or her research. The student must file a formal request with the Graduate Coordinator, indicating the rationale for enrolling in the course. The request must be accompanied by a written statement from the student's Major Professor supporting the request. Graduate students may receive credit for courses at the 400-level that are marked in the catalog with a G, indicating they provide graduate credit. They also receive graduate credit for courses at the 500- and 600-level. Specific requirements regarding credit hours above the 400-level are discussed below.
500-level graduate sequences
All MS students must complete at least one of the sequences listed on the 500-level graduate sequences page.
An MS student using a particular sequence to fulfill the sequence requirement for an MS must receive grades of A or B in both semesters of that sequence, or pass the written comprehensive exam for that sequence at the MS level. Transfer credit for these sequences will be awarded only to students who pass the written comprehensive exam for that sequence.
600-level courses
Our 600-level courses are special topics courses, associated with a corresponding 500-level sequence. In order to be enrolled in a 600-level course, the student must have passed the corresponding 500-level sequence with an A or B in both semesters; or have passed the corresponding written comprehensive examination; or have been admitted to candidacy and have the Major Professor endorse the decision to take the 600-level. The same 600-level course may be taken more than once for credit, provided the content of the course is different each time. In order for the Graduate School to recognize the credit, the title associated with the course must be different in each iteration taken by the student.
MATH 591
MATH 591 is a special seminar that is offered every Fall; the seminar is intended for and required of students who will be teaching in our Department for the first time during the coming Academic year. The seminar will help students navigate the particulars of teaching at UL Lafayette (rules and procedures specific to the University and the Department), and also offer advice and help about teaching in general.