M.S. in Mathematics

Overview

Introduction

UConn’s M.S. in Mathematics is a flexible program where you can explore everything from abstract theory to hands-on applications. With guidance from faculty, you’ll shape a path that sharpens your problem-solving skills and prepares you for research, teaching, or industry roles. The degree offers three areas of concentration:

  • pure mathematics
  • applied mathematics
  • actuarial science

Whether you're draw to the elegance of theory, the power of math in solving real-world problems, or the business side of risk and finance, the M.S. in Mathematics offers advanced skills and preparation for careers or further study.

Concentration in Pure or Applied Mathematics

Overview

The M.S. in Mathematics at UConn is a compact, rigorous graduate degree built for flexibility. Whether you pursue a thesis (Plan A) or the course/exam route (Plan B), you’ll complete 30 credits of graduate work, work with a faculty advisor, and leave with strong theoretical and problem-solving skills—ready for doctoral study, teaching, or quantitative careers.

Degree Requirements

Plan A — Thesis

  • Credits: 30 total (21 credits of approved graduate math courses + 9 credits of GRAD 5950 / Master’s Thesis Research).
  • Advisor & Committee: Establish a thesis advisor and form an advisory committee (Major Advisor + ≥2 Associate Advisors, or Co-Major + ≥1 Associate Advisor).
  • Administrative steps: submit the official Plan of Study, apply for graduation in Student Admin by the fourth week of your final semester, and follow thesis formatting/specification deadlines.
  • Defense: write, defend, and submit your thesis by the registrar’s deadlines.

Plan B — Coursework + Final Exam

  • Credits: 30 credits of graduate math courses approved by your advisory committee.
  • Final exam (choose one):
    • Pass two Ph.D. preliminary exams at the level required for a master’s pass, or
    • Pass an oral exam (typically taken in your final semester).
  • Advisor & Committee: Same committee requirements as Plan A.
  • Administrative steps: submit the Plan of Study, apply for graduation by the fourth-week deadline, and submit the Report on the Final Exam.

Switching from Ph.D. to M.S.: If you leave the Ph.D. program with a master’s, you are expected to follow the Ph.D. prelim/core schedule until your M.S. request is approved.

Concentration in Actuarial Science

Overview

The M.S. in Mathematics with a concentration in Actuarial Science provides the advanced mathematical, statistical, and financial training needed to launch a career as a professional actuary. Applicants are expected to have completed three semesters of calculus, including multivariable calculus, along with courses in differential equations, linear algebra, and probability.

The program prepares students for actuarial roles in insurance, pensions, finance, and consulting, while also aligning closely with professional credentialing. Coursework covers nearly all of the material for the first five examinations of the Society of Actuaries (SOA) and the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS), and elective offerings fulfill all Validation by Educational Experience (VEE) requirements of both societies. Students also gain breadth through advanced courses in statistics, finance, investing, accounting, and economics.

Most students complete the program in three to four semesters of full-time study. Because the degree is designated as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) by the U.S. government, international graduates may qualify for the STEM extension of Optional Practical Training (OPT) if employed by an E-Verify company.

Degree Requirements

  • Total Credits: At least 30 graduate-level credits.
  • Coursework: Satisfy coursework requirements, as detailed below. (Availability subject to change; check Student Admin or public course listings for current schedules).
  • Exams: Demonstrate proficiency through one of the following:
    • Preferred: Passing grades on two SOA or CAS professional exams.
    • Alternative: Pass two of the mathematics department’s preliminary Ph.D. Preliminary Exams at the master’s level.

Courses & Exams

By Area of Concentration

Pure Mathematics

Prelims

Choice of two from the following:

  • Math 5111/Measure and Integration
  • Math 5120/Complex Function Theory
  • Math 5210/Abstract Algebra
  • Math 5310/Introduction to Geometry and Topology I

Courses

30 credits in Math graduate courses approved by student's advisory committee.

Applied Mathematics

Prelims

Choice of two from the following:

  • Math 5111/Measure and Integration
  • Math 5120/Complex Function Theory
  • Math 5310/Introduction to Geometry and Topology I
  • Math 5410/Introduction to Applied Mathematics I
  • Math 5510/Numerical Analysis and Approximation Theory I

Core Courses

30 credits in Math graduate courses approved by student's advisory committee.

Actuarial Science

Core Courses

Choose at least five from the following:

  • Math 5620/Financial Mathematics I
  • Math 5650/Financial Mathematics II
  • Math 5660/Advanced Financial Math
  • Math 5630/Long Term Actuarial Math I
  • Math 5631/Long Term Actuarial Math II
  • Math 5637/Statistics for Actuarial Modeling
  • Math 5638/Predictive Analytics for Actuaries
  • Math 5639/Actuarial Loss Models Fall
  • Math 5640/Short Term Insurance Ratemaking
  • Math 5641/Short Term Insurance Reserving
  • Math 5661/Yield Curve Models

Elective Courses

Select additional courses from the following (no more than six 3000-level courses):

  • Math 3170/Elementary Stochastic Processes (Connection to CAS Exam S)
  • Math 3545/Actuarial Case Studies Using SAS
  • Math 3550/Programming for Actuaries
  • Math 5600/Fundamentals of Financial Math (Connection to IFM Exam)
  • Math 5850/Graduate Field Study Internship (No more than 3 credits can apply toward the degree)
  • Math 5110/Introduction to Modern Analysis
  • Math 5111/Measure and Integration (Consult advisor)
  • Math 5160/Probability & Stochastic Processes I (Consult advisor)
  • Math 5161/Probability & Stochastic Processes II (By permission)
  • Math 5670/Financial Programming & Modeling
  • Math 5671/Financial Data Mining with Big Data
  • Acct 5121/Financial Accounting and Reporting (Strongly encouraged – Hartford campus online*)
  • Acct 5327/Financial Statement Analysis
  • Econ 5201/Microeconomics (Credit for Microeconomics VEE)
  • Econ 5202/Macroeconomics (Credit for Macroeconomics VEE)
  • Econ 5301/Mathematical Economics
  • Econ 5311/Econometrics I
  • Fnce 5202/Investments and Securities Analysis (Hartford campus online*)
  • Fnce 5504/Options and Futures (Hartford campus online*)
  • Fnce 5512/Fixed Income Instruments (Hartford campus*)
  • Fnce 5151/Introduction to Economic Markets (Credit for Microeconomics VEE and Macroeconomics VEE; Hartford campus online*)
  • Stat 3965/Elementary Stochastic Processes
  • Stat 5361/Statistical Computing Fall
  • Stat 5585/Mathematical Statistics I (Anticipated credit for Mathematical Statistics VEE)
  • Stat 5585/Mathematical Statistics II (Anticipated credit for Mathematical Statistics VEE)
  • Stat 5505/Applied Statistics I
  • Stat 5605/Applied Statistics II
  • Stat 5315 or 3115/Analysis of Experiments
  • Stat 5725/Linear Statistical Models I
  • Stat 5825 or 4825/Applied Time Series

* Enrollment in Hartford Campus courses may be arranged through the instructor or the Graduate Coordinator. ‘Online’ may refer to distance learning or asynchronous delivery, and the mode of instruction is subject to change in future semesters.

Financial Support

Graduate Assistantships

Positions

All supported graduate students in Mathematics are Graduate Assistants (GAs). Within this category, students are assigned as either:

  • Teaching Assistants (TAs) – primary form of support, usually offered with admission to the PhD program.
  • Research Assistants (RAs) – based on availability of individual faculty and research funds.

The Q Center occasionally hires GAs as well.

Other GA positions outside the department are posted through the Graduate School’s GA Listings website.

Teaching Assistant Expectations

All TAs have opportunities to gain training and experience.

  • Training: First-year TAs must take MATH 5000 (Pedagogy in Mathematics), a one-credit course in the fall.
  • Experience: TAs generally begin with lower-level or service courses, and some may advance to upper-division courses. This experience strengthens the CV for academic jobs.
  • Duration: GA support is normally available for up to five years, contingent on academic progress and satisfactory work. Extensions beyond five years are reviewed individually.

Pay Levels for GAs

Graduate Assistant pay depends on academic progress and credentials:

  • Level 1 – Beginner: Entry with a bachelor’s degree and fewer than 30 UConn graduate credits.
  • Level 2 – Master’s: Entry with a relevant master’s degree or 30+ UConn graduate credits.
  • Level 3 – PhD: For students who have passed required prelim exams and the oral exam.

See the Graduate Payroll Pay Scales website for current rates.

Additional Funding Opportunities

Teaching and research opportunities

  • Summer & Intersession TA Positions — teaching roles during summer terms (must be in the U.S. to hold these).
  • Predoctoral Fellowships — awarded to selected PhD students who have passed their preliminary exams, completed their oral exam, and are actively working on their dissertation.

Other

University Policies & Procedures

All UConn graduate students are expected to follow the Student Code of Conduct, available at UConn's Community Standards website. In addition, students are expected to adhered to UConn's Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Interpersonal Violence, available at UConn's Policies & Procedures website.