Mathematics Master's Program

Master of Science Program in Mathematics
With applications in Quantitative Methods and Statistics

Because of its beauty, precision, and usefulness, Mathematics has always attracted not only the most profound and theoretical minds, but also the pragmatic thinkers who are eager to apply its insights to problems of the world around us. Never has the significance of mathematical and statistical knowledge been so widely recognized as in our own age. The development of increasingly powerful and accessible computers has changed the customs of everyday life. In addition, fields as diverse as business, education, and administration require the quantitative and analytical skills a master's degree can provide.

For the past fifty years, Fairfield University has provided undergraduate students with a solid grounding in traditional and modern foundations of mathematics, as well as sound preparation for graduate study in higher mathematics. Based on this success, expanding interest in the field, and the Jesuit educational tradition that responds to societal needs, the University is launching a Master of Science degree program in Mathematics, with applications in quantitative methods and statistics.

Faculty from the University's Department of Mathematics will bring their expertise to bear in offering a challenging and rewarding M.S. program. The curriculum has been designed to enhance the qualifications of professionals in both education and business, or as a preparation for a Ph.D. program, and can be completed on an accelerated track (16 months) or at a normal part-time pace (2-3 years).

The Program

Prerequisites

To qualify for entrance, students need to have completed an undergraduate degree that has provided them with a strong foundation in mathematics and/or statistics. Appropriate majors include mathematics, computer science, engineering, physics, finance, economics, and selected social sciences.

Degree Requirements

To earn the M.S. in Mathematics, students complete 30 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00. The curriculum includes required courses (12 credits), 15 credits of electives and a 3-credit capstone experience. Throughout the program, state-of-the-art technology will be an integral component of the curriculum, particularly in areas related to Quantitative Methods and Statistics.

Required Courses: 12 Credits

• Analysis: Real and Complex
  (6 credits; two-course sequence)
• Algebra: Abstract and Linear
  (6 credits; two-course sequence)

Elective Courses And Capstone Experience: 18 Credits

In consultation with a faculty advisor, each student will design an individualized program of study consisting of five courses and a capstone project. The latter can take the form of a specially designed course, independent study, or a master's thesis.

Courses Currently Available as Electives

• Foundations and Set Theory (3 credits)
• Advanced Abstract Algebra (3 credits)
• Applied Mathematics and Differential Equations (6 credits; two-course sequence)
• Probability and Statistics (6 credits; two-course sequence)
• Geometry (6 credits; two-course sequence)
• Topology (3 credits)
• Numerical Analysis (3 credits)
• Applied Statistical Methods (3 credits)
• Statistics (Teacher Specialization) (3 credits)
• Operations Research (3 credits)
• System Analysis and Computing (3 credits)
• Number Theory (3 credits)
• Use of Technology in the Classroom (3 credits)
• Statistical Forecasting (3 credits)
• Fractals and Chaos (3 credits)
• Statistical Consulting (3 credits)

Time-Frame for the Degree

• Accelerated track (16 months)
• Part-time (2-3 years)

Typical Programs

Here are three possible ways to shape an M.S. in Mathematics at Fairfield, depending on your professional goals. Note that there are multiple electives in each track, thereby allowing you to fine-tune an area of expertise.

Faculty

The graduate program in Mathematics and Quantitative Methods draws on the full-time faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences. The director is Benjamin Fine, an author, researcher and consultant who specializes in Statistical Analysis and Abstract Algebra.

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science includes 14 men and women who have excellent credentials and are active in many areas of research. They are:

Computer Resources

Two modern computer laboratories are reserved primarily for mathematics and computer science students and faculty. One consists of a network of over 30 Sun Ray systems, which are connected to a powerful Sun Enterprise 450 Server running the Solaris operating system. The other contains 10 networked Sun Ultra 5 and Ultra 10 workstations and a Power Mac and PC system with access to a scanner. Both labs contain HP laserjet printers. These labs, along with five other labs on campus, are on a fiber-optic network linked to the University's mainframe and the Internet.

Who Can Benefit From This Program?

The master's program is open to all qualified persons who wish to add an interesting and useful dimension to their previous education. It will be of special benefit to:

• Middle and secondary school teachers.
• Individuals in business and industry whose work is quantitative in nature.
• Those seeking to teach in community colleges.
• BA/BS degree holders in mathematics who wish to pursue a master's degree.
• BA/BS degree holders who wish to challenge themselves and enhance their credentials through graduate level courses, without making a commitment to the degree.
• Those seeking a solid preparation before pursuing a Ph.D. in mathematics or other technical fields.
• Individuals who would like to take advanced courses in mathematics or statistics, but do not plan to pursue an M.S. degree.

Special Features

Students benefit from the knowledge and experience of the faculty in small class settings that will comprise most of the program.

From library and computer labs, students can access the web, on-line databases, e-mail, and the library's online catalog. Fairfield's fiber optic technology provides dial-in access from your home computer to e-mail and courseware on the VAX, as well as to electronic course bulletin boards and other materials placed on the computer network.

Nyselius Library provides instant Internet access to hundreds of business databases; reference librarians are on duty to assist students. The library is currently undergoing a $15 million expansion and renovation.

The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts hosts exciting programs in chamber music, jazz, theatre, dance, and more, and houses the Walsh Gallery, offering four major art exhibits each year. The Leslie C. Quick, Jr. Recreation Complex offers exercise equipment, a free and Universal weight room, a 25-meter pool, racquetball, indoor and outdoor tennis, and more.

As a student in the M.S. program, you may qualify for reduced rates at both the Quick Center and the RecPlex.

Application Procedure

M.S. in Mathematics and Quantitative Methods

The program normally takes two to three years to complete part-time (or 16 months in an accelerated format), following a schedule that suits individual student needs. Applicants must:

• Complete an application form.
• Enclose an application fee of $60.
• Submit an undergraduate transcript verifying completion of a bachelor's degree.
• Submit any additional transcripts or certificates you may have earned for advanced training.
• Provide two letters of recommendation.
• Submit proof of immunization for measles and rubella (for applicants born after December 31, 1956).

International students must, in addition to the above, submit a certified translation of all transcripts. The deadlines for international students are a month earlier than the dates listed below, to allow time for visa processing and completion of other admission papers.

Graduate application timeline:

Fall admission: July 1
Spring admission: December 1
Summer admission: May 1

Assistantships and financial aid:

• A limited number of graduate and student activities assistantships are awarded each year. To be considered, please contact program director, Dr. Benjamin Fine, at (203) 254-4000, ext. 2197.
• In addition, you may obtain information about financing your advanced degree from the University's Financial Aid Office, (203) 254-4000, ext. 4125.

For information about the M.S. in Mathematics program, please contact:

Benjamin Fine
Director and Professor of Mathematics
Fairfield University
1073 North Benson Road
Fairfield, CT 06824-5195
Phone: (203) 254-4000 ext. 2515
E-mail: fine@mail.fairfield.edu

For application materials, please contact:

Office of Graduate Admissions
Fairfield University
1073 North Benson Road
Fairfield, CT 06824-5195
Telephone: (203) 254-4184 or toll-free at (888) 488-6840
E-mail gradadmis@mail.fairfield.edu