This is a named option within the Mathematics M.A. It is designed to strengthen the student's mathematics background and enhance the opportunities for applications to Ph.D. programs and for employment as a mathematician in nonacademic environments.
Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.
Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online.
| Fall Deadline | February 15 |
| Spring Deadline | October 15 |
| Summer Deadline | The program does not admit in the summer. |
| GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) | Not required but may be considered if available. |
| English Proficiency Test | Every applicant whose native language is not English or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English must provide an English proficiency test score and meet the Graduate School minimum requirements (https://grad.wisc.edu/apply/requirements/#english-proficiency). |
| Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT) | The GRE subject test in Mathematics is not required but may be considered if available. |
| Letters of Recommendation Required | 3 |
Admission is competitive. Applicants to the Ph.D. program are automatically considered for financial support. For more information about application to the Ph.D. and M.A. programs, see the department's admission website.
Graduate School Resources
Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.
Program Resources
The Department of Mathematics cannot provide financial support for the Master's–Foundations of Advanced Studies Degree program.
Students enrolled in this program are not eligible to receive tuition remission from graduate assistantship appointments at this institution.
Minimum Graduate School Requirements
Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements, in addition to the program requirements listed below.
Named Option Requirements
MODE OF INSTRUCTION
| Face to Face | Evening/Weekend | Online | Hybrid | Accelerated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
Mode of Instruction Definitions
Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students typically take enough credits aimed at completing the program in a year or two.
Evening/Weekend: Courses meet on the UW–Madison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules. Students have the advantages of face-to-face courses with the flexibility to keep work and other life commitments.
Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.
Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats. Contact the program for more specific information.
Online: These programs are offered 100% online. Some programs may require an on-campus orientation or residency experience, but the courses will be facilitated in an online format.
CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS
| Minimum Credit Requirement | 30 credits |
| Minimum Residence Credit Requirement | 16 credits |
| Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement | All credits must be graduate-level coursework. Details can be found in the Graduate School’s Minimum Graduate Coursework (50%) policy (https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1244). |
| Overall Graduate GPA Requirement | 3.00 GPA required. This program follows the Graduate School's GPA Requirement policy (https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1203). |
| Other Grade Requirements | None. |
| Assessments and Examinations | None. |
| Language Requirements | No language requirements. |
Required COURSES
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| These courses must be taken by all students, except when it is determined by the director of graduate studies that equivalent courses were taken prior to entering the program. | ||
| MATH 522 | Analysis II | 3 |
| MATH 542 | Modern Algebra | 3 |
| Basic Electives: | ||
| All other courses numbered 500-599 and 600-699 in Mathematics may be taken as elective courses. Currently the following courses are available. Select four of the following: | 12 | |
| Numerical Linear Algebra | ||
| Numerical Analysis | ||
| Ordinary Differential Equations | ||
| Linear Optimization | ||
| Probability Theory | ||
| Elementary Geometric and Algebraic Topology | ||
| Differential Geometry | ||
| Modern Number Theory | ||
| Mathematical Logic | ||
| Stochastic Methods for Biology | ||
| Mathematical Methods for Systems Biology | ||
| Analysis of Partial Differential Equations | ||
| Introduction to Manifolds | ||
| Complex Analysis | ||
| Introduction to Fourier Analysis | ||
| Introduction to Measure and Integration | ||
| Introduction to Stochastic Processes | ||
| An Introduction to Brownian Motion and Stochastic Calculus | ||
| Introduction to Error-Correcting Codes | ||
| Advanced Electives: | ||
| All courses numbered 700-799 in Mathematics may be taken as elective courses. Students must pass at least four of the following core graduate courses with a Grade of B or higher. Select four of the following: | 12 | |
| Methods of Applied Mathematics 1 | ||
| Methods of Applied Mathematics-2 | ||
| Methods of Computational Mathematics I | ||
| Methods of Computational Mathematics II | ||
| A First Course in Real Analysis | ||
| Complex Analysis | ||
| A Second Course in Real Analysis | ||
| Theory of Probability I | ||
| Theory of Probability II | ||
| Abstract Algebra | ||
| Abstract Algebra | ||
| Introductory Topology I | ||
| Introductory Topology II | ||
| Introduction to Ergodic Theory and Dynamics | ||
| Differentiable Manifolds | ||
| Foundations of Mathematics | ||
| Set Theory | ||
| Computability Theory | ||
| Model Theory | ||
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Students in this program may not take courses outside the prescribed curriculum without faculty advisor and program director approval. Students in this program cannot enroll concurrently in other undergraduate or graduate degree programs.
Graduate School Policies
The Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures provide essential information regarding general university policies. Program authority to set degree policies beyond the minimum required by the Graduate School lies with the degree program faculty. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.
Named Option-Specific Policies
Prior Coursework
Graduate Work from Other Institutions
Students in the M.A. program are allowed to count no more than 14 credits of graduate coursework from other institutions. Coursework earned five or more years prior to admission to a master’s degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.
UW–Madison Undergraduate
This program follows the Graduate School's policy for Satisfying Requirements with Coursework from Undergraduate Career at UW–Madison.
UW–Madison University Special
This program follows the Graduate School's policy for Transfer from UW–Madison University Special Student Career at UW–Madison.
ProbatioN
This program follows the Graduate School's Probation policy.
ADVISOR / COMMITTEE
Students are recommended to meet with an advisor.
CREDITS PER TERM ALLOWED
15 credits
Time Limits
Two years. Extensions have to be approved by the program.
Otherwise, this program follows the Graduate School's Time Limits policy.
grievances and appeals
These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:
- Bias or Hate Reporting
- Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
- Hostile and Intimidating Behavior Policies and Procedures
- Dean of Students Office (for all students to seek grievance assistance and support)
- Employee Assistance (for personal counseling and workplace consultation around communication and conflict involving graduate assistants and other employees, post-doctoral students, faculty and staff)
- Employee Disability Resource Office (for qualified employees or applicants with disabilities to have equal employment opportunities)
- Graduate School (for informal advice at any level of review and for official appeals of program/departmental or school/college grievance decisions)
- Office of Compliance (for class harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence)
- Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (for conflicts involving students)
- Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff (for employed graduate students and post-docs, as well as faculty and staff)
- Title IX (for concerns about discrimination)
Students should contact the department chair or program director with questions about grievances. They may also contact the L&S Academic Divisional Associate Deans, the L&S Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning Administration, or the L&S Director of Human Resources.
Other
The Department of Mathematics cannot provide financial support for students in the Master's Degree–Foundations of Advanced Studies program.
Graduate School Resources
Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.
Please visit the Math Department website for a complete list of faculty and instructional academic staff.