Mathematical Sciences

Mathematics

Mathematics is essential to science and engineering, and is a fascinating field in its own right. Scientific and engineering problems have often inspired new developments in mathematics, and, conversely, mathematical results have frequently had an impact on business, engineering, the sciences, and technology. At Stevens, we think that an undergraduate program in mathematics should be broad enough to prepare you for a job in industry, while giving you the background to continue your education at the graduate level, should you choose to do so.

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics offers a broad background appropriate for students planning to pursue a job in industry, while also offering students the depth and rigor required for graduate studies in mathematics or related fields.

The curriculum satisfies the core Bachelor of Science curriculum that includes certain breadth requirements in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, the humanities and social sciences. In addition to this science core, the student completes twelve upper-level mathematics courses (called technical electives). Most of these technical courses are prescribed by the program but in some cases other courses can be substituted with the approval of the undergraduate advisor. For example, entering freshmen with Advanced Placement (AP)credit should consider enrolling in the seminar course MA 188 along with Calculus II, MA 116; Discrete Mathematics, MA 134, is a good choice for students wanting to strengthen their grasp of fundamental concepts and for students interested in taking Computer Science courses beyond the minimum requirement.; writing a senior thesis is strongly recommended, especially for students interested in pursuing graduate studies. The program includes two general electives which can be applied toward a minor in another discipline. As early as possible, students should discuss with the advisor how best to use the electives to focus the program on a particular concentration area.

The link to the mathematics curriculum on the right-hand side of this page takes you to a recommended study plan. The courses do not need to be taken in exactly the order listed. See the Department of Mathematics Web page for information on when particular courses are offered. There are additional comments following the study plan regarding recommended electives and possible course substitutions.

Minor in Mathematics

A minor in mathematics can be a valuable qualification for students concentrating in other areas. A student wishing to pursue a minor in mathematics must complete a Minor Program Study Plan signed by the Department advisor, and meet the School of Engineering and Science requirements for minor programs.

Required courses for a Minor in Mathematics:

  • MA 221 Differential Equations
  • MA 227 Multivariable Calculus
  • MA 222 Probability and Statistics
  • MA 232 Linear Algebra
  • MA 234 Complex Variables with Applications
  • One elective at 300 or above chosen with the consent of the Department advisor.

The following are prerequisites needed to undertake the minor program:

  • MA-121 and MA-122, or MA-115 (Calculus I)
  • MA-123 and MA-124, or MA-116 (Calculus II)

Interdisciplinary Program in Computational Science

Computational Science is an emerging field in which sophisticated computational techniques are used to build models and solve problems related to science and engineering. It complements existing theoretical and experimental approaches and may be thought of as a new mode of scientific inquiry.

At Stevens, undergraduates may study computational science through an interdisciplinary program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Computational Science with a specialization in an area of science or engineering. The current specializations are:

  • Computational Chemistry
  • Computational Mechanics
  • Computational Oceanography
  • Computational Physics
  • Computer Vision and Computer Graphics
  • Cybersecurity
  • Environmental Systems

The program consists of the science curriculum core courses and technical electives. The technical electives are divided between foundation courses in mathematics and computer science, and application courses in the student's area of specialization. An important part of the program is a project or research problem to be done in the senior year. Each student must choose one of the application areas listed above prior to preparing his/her study plan. Each student's study plan reflects his/her interests and aspirations, and is made up by the student, working with a member of the Supervisory Committee. Potential students are encouraged to consult members of this committee for further information.

The link to the computational science curriculum on the right-hand side of this page shows a recommended study plan including the core and foundation courses. Electives for specific application areas are discussed below. Courses need not be taken in exactly the order listed in the curriculum.

Supervisory Committee

  • Michael Bruno, Ocean Engineering
  • Wayne Carr, Physics
  • Robert Gilman, Mathematics
  • Sophia Hassiotis, Civil Engineering
  • George Kamberov, Computer Science
  • Khaldoun Khashanah, Systems and Enterprises
  • Yi Li, Mathematics
  • Patrick Miller, Mathematics
  • Chris Search, Physics
  • Knut Stamnes, Physics
  • David Vaccari, Environmental Engineering
  • Susanne Wetzel, Computer Science

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Computational Science Application Areas

Application areas correspond to the research interests of the faculty associated with the program and are subject to change. Sample selections of application courses are given below. An additional sixth application course will be chosen with the consent of the advisor. MA 441 Introduction to Mathematical Analysis and MA 442 Real Variables are strongly recommended for students considering graduate school in any field. Note that 600-level courses require special permission. For further information about an application area, consult the faculty advisor for that area.

Computational Chemistry (Professor Mansfield)

  • CH 243 Organic Chemistry I
  • CH 322 Theoretical Chemistry
  • CH 421 Chemical Dynamics
  • CH 498 Chemical Research I
  • CH 499 Chemical Research II

Computational Mechanics (Professor Hassiotis)

  • E 126 Mechanics of Solids
  • CE 345 Modeling and Simulation
  • CE 373 Structural Analysis
  • MA 498 Senior Research Project I

one of the following:

  • CE 613 Matrix Analysis of Structures
  • CE 623 Structural Dynamics
  • CE 681 Introduction to Finite Element Methods

Computational Oceanography (Professor Bruno)

  • E 126 Mechanics of Solids
  • CE 342 Fluid Mechanics
  • OE 526 Computer-Aided Naval Architecture
  • OE 648 Numerical Hydrodynamics
  • MA 498 Mathematical Research I

Computational Physics (Professors Stamnes and Carr)

  • PEP 497 SKIL V
  • PEP 498 SKIL VI
  • PEP 538 Introduction to Mechanics
  • PEP 542 Electromagnetism

one of the following:

  • PEP 520 Computational Physics
  • PEP 575 Fundamentals of Atmospheric Radiation and Climate

Computer Vision and Computer Graphics (Professors Dinh, Kamberov, and Oliensis)

  • CS 437 Interactive Computer Graphics
  • CS 498 Computer Science Research I
  • CS 499 Computer Science Research II
  • CS 558 Computer Vision
  • CS 638 Interactive Computer Graphics II

CyberSecurity (Professors Wetzel)

  • CS 334 Automata and Computation
  • CS 498 Computer Science Research I
  • CS 499 Computer Science Research II
  • CS 668 Foundations of Cryptography
  • CS 693 Cryptographic Protocols

Environmental Systems (Professor Vaccari)

  • EN 345 Modeling and Simulation
  • EN 375 Environmental Systems
  • EN 541 Fate and Transport of Environmental Contaminants
  • MA 498 Mathematical Research I

one of the following:

  • MA 499 Mathematical Research II
  • EN 571 Physiochemical Processes for Environmental Control

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Graduation Requirements

The following are requirements for graduation of all science and engineering students and do not carry academic credit. They will appear on the student record as pass/fail.

Physical Education (P.E.) Requirements

All students must complete a minimum of four semester credits of Physical Education (P.E.). A large number of activities are offered in lifetime, team, and wellness areas.

All PE courses must be completed by the end of the sixth semester. Students can enroll in more than the minimum required P.E. for graduation and are encouraged to do so.

Participation in varsity sports can be used to satisfy up to three credits of the P.E. requirement.

Participation in supervised, competitive club sports can be used to satisfy up to two credits of the P.E. requirement, with approval from the P.E. Coordinator.

English Language Proficiency

All students must satisfy an English Language proficiency requirement.

Graduate Programs

Admission Criteria and Application Requirements

Applications to all graduate programs, degree and certificate, must be prepared and submitted according to the Stevens Office of Graduate Admissions regulations. Instructions and forms may be found on the Graduate Admissions web site (www.stevens.edu/graduate/). Notice that the procedure is different for domestic and international applicants. The following sections describe requirements specific to graduate programs in the Department of Mathematical Sciences.

Master Degree and Certificate Programs

Adequate undergraduate preparation for admission to any master degree or certificate program includes analytic geometry and calculus, elementary differential equations, one semester of linear algebra, and one semester of probability or probability and statistics. It is possible to be admitted with the requirement that you make up a deficiency in preparation. Applications to any master degree or certificate program should include

  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts and diplomas. For non-English speaking institutions, these documents must be accompanied by a certified English translation
  • GRE General Test scores (not required for certificate programs)

Doctoral Program

Admission to the doctoral program requires the preparation specified above. If your goal is a Ph.D., you should apply directly to the doctoral program and not to a master's program. In order to receive full consideration, applications to the Doctoral Program should be received by February 15 for admission in the Fall Semester, and October 15 for admission in the spring semester. Because of constraints due to course scheduling, admission for the spring semester is not always feasible and may depend on the student’s preparation. In addition, financial aid is usually not available for students admitted in the spring semester. Applicants requesting financial aid should apply by February 15 and clearly state that such aid is being requested.

Applications to the doctoral program should include the following items, all of which enter into the Graduate Program Committee’s evaluation of applicants:

  • A personal statement that, in a succinct manner, describes the student's mathematical background and interests, motivation and goals for pursuing a Ph.D. degree, and how the student's mathematical interests align with the research strengths of the department faculty. This should not exceed two pages.
  • Official transcripts and diplomas. For non-English-speaking institutions, these documents must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
  • Letters of recommendation: at least two; at most, four.
  • GRE General Test scores (Math Subject Test recommended).
  • TOEFL score for international students. The TOEFL score is particularly important if the student wants to be considered for a Teaching Assistantship (see the section on Teaching Assistantships).

Financial Aid

The Department supports a limited number of Ph.D. students through teaching assistantships which entitle the recipients to a salary and a waiver of their tuition costs. Teaching assistants are considered for renewal each year, depending on the student’s progress towards graduation and performance evaluations as a teaching assistant. Save for exceptional cases, Teaching Assistantships are normally not granted for more than five years and are usually available only for students entering in the Fall. In any case, applications should be received by the deadlines mentioned above under the heading Admission Criteria.

Students who wish to be considered for a Teaching Assistantship beginning their first year should mention this in their Personal Statement. Students with prior teaching experience are encouraged to submit additional documentation that addresses their teaching skills, such as letters of recommendation, evaluation forms, teaching awards, etc. However, no teaching experience is required for an incoming student to be considered for a Teaching Assistantship.

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Master of Science - Applied Mathematics

This program provides a background in mathematical techniques which are useful in solving practical problems in science and engineering. You are encouraged to include courses from other departments in your program of study.

The program requires 30 credits (10 courses) of coursework. You may transfer up to one-third of this amount from outside Stevens. If you know the material in one of the required courses, you may substitute another course. In both cases, you will need the approval of a department advisor. All elective courses must be chosen with the consent of a department advisor.

Core Courses
MA 547 Advanced Calculus I or MA 635 Real Variable I
MA 552 Linear Algebra
MA 611 Probability
MA 615 Numerical Analysis I
MA 649 Differential Equations I
MA 681 Functions of a Complex Variable I

Typical Electives
MA 548 Advanced Calculus II
MA 627 Combinatorial Analysis
MA 650 Intermediate Partial Differential Equations
MA 653 Numerical Solutions of Partial Diff. Eqs.
CE 519 Advanced Structural Analysis
CE 601 Theory of Elasticity
CS 580 The Logic of Program Design
CS 590 Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms
ME 674 Fluid Dynamics
PEP 520 Computational Physics

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Master of Science - Mathematics

A master’s degree in mathematics requires 30 credits of coursework, including the following core courses:

Core Courses
MA 552 Linear Algebra
MA 605 Foundations of Algebra I
MA 611 Probability
MA 635 Real Variables I
MA 651 Topology I
MA 681 Functions of a Complex Variable I

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Master of Science - Stochastic Systems

This program focuses on analysis and optimal decision-making for complex systems involving uncertain data and risk. The program includes courses in statistics, stochastic processes, stochastic optimization, and stochastic optimal control theory. Applications to financial systems, network design and routing, telecommunication systems, medicine, actuarial mathematics, and other areas are discussed. Students are encouraged to apply the techniques they learn to problems derived from their professional work and interests.

Ten courses are required for the degree; six are core courses. Elective courses are chosen with the consent of the student's academic advisor.

Core Courses
MA 547 Advanced Calculus or MA 635 Real Variables I
MA 611 Probability
MA 612 Mathematical Statistics
MA 623 Stochastic Processes
MA 629 Convex Analysis and Optimization
MA 661 Stochastic Optimal Control and Dynamic Programming

Typical Electives
MA 615 Numerical Analysis I
MA 630 Numerical Methods of Optimization
MA 641 Time Series Analysis I
MA 662 Stochastic Programming
MA 655 Optimal Control
CS 652 Reliability Theory
MA 632 Game Theory
MA 720 Multivariate Statistics
MA 712 Mathematical Models of Risk

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Graduate Certificate Programs

The Mathematical Science department offers a number of graduate certificate programs. Each program consists of four courses, including one elective chosen with the consent of the departmental advisor. Most courses may be used toward a master's degree, as well as for the certificate.

The admissions requirements for certificate programs are described above. The course requirements are listed below.

Applied Statistics
MA 552 Linear Algebra
MA 611 Probability
MA 612 Mathematical Statistics

Typical Electives:
CE 679 Regression and Stochastic Methods
MA 641 Time Series Analysis I
MGT 718 Multivariate Analysis
MGT 730 Design and Analysis of Experiments

Stochastic Systems
MA 611 Probability
MA 623 Stochastic Process
MA 629 Convex Analysis and Optimization

Typical Electives:
MA 612 Mathematical Statistics
MA 630 Numerical Methods of Optimization
MA 661 Stochastic Optimal Control and Dynamical Programming
MA 662 Stochastic Programming

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Doctoral Program

The primary requirement for a doctoral degree in mathematics is that you produce a dissertation containing an original and significant result in mathematics. You will work under the guidance of a faculty advisor who is an expert in your area of research.

Preparation for dissertation work includes both courses in mathematical fundamentals and practice in communicating mathematics orally and in writing. The courses you take will not necessarily include everything you will need to know. As a doctoral student you will be expected to learn some mathematics on your own outside of class. Seminars afford a means to that end. They can be organized informally among students or more formally with a faculty advisor. Seminars of the latter type may be taken for academic credit. Students are encouraged to identify subjects they would like to study and to seek out faculty advisors.

Degree Requirements

A total of 84 credits. At least 48 must be course credits and at least 30 must be research credits. Incoming students who have already taken graduate classes elsewhere (e.g., for a master's degree) may have a maximum of 30 credits transferred. Transfer credit will be determined by the Department?s Graduate Program Committee.

The following courses or their equivalents are required.

  • Ma 605-606 Foundations of Algebra I-II
  • Ma 611 Probability
  • Ma 615 Numerical Analysis I
  • Ma 629 Convex Analysis and Optimization
  • Ma 635-636 Real Variables I-II
  • Ma 649 Differential Equations
  • Ma 651 Topology I
  • Ma 681 Functions of a Complex Variable I
  • General Exam. This is a written exam covering analysis, complex variables, and algebra. A detailed description of the subjects covered, as well as suggested references, are available from the Mathematics Department. This exam is offered twice a year, at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. The General Exam should be taken before the student has accumulated 30 credits beyond the bachelor?s degree or within the first year of study at Stevens. One failure of the General Exam is allowed. A second failure will result in the students being dropped from the Ph.D. program. After passing the General Exam a student is officially recognized as a Ph.D. Candidate.
  • Ph.D. Candidacy Presentation. After the General Exam, the student will choose a thesis advisor in the area of his/her special interest. The Graduate Program Committee can provide help and advice with this important choice. In collaboration with the thesis advisor, the student will compose a plan of study in the field of interest and present this plan to the Graduate Program Committee.
  • Dissertation Advisory Committee. Within six months of becoming a doctoral candidate, the student needs to select a thesis advisor and agree upon a research topic. The thesis advisor will request that the Department Director nominate members of the Dissertation Advisory Committee. The dissertation committee is composed of at least four persons, one of whom must be a Stevens professor from another department or program. It is permissible and desirable to have as a committee member a highly qualified person from outside Stevens. The chair or co-chair must be a tenure track, full-time professor or professor emeritus, and all members of the committee must hold Ph.D. degrees. A Doctoral Dissertation Advisory Committee Nomination form is completed and submitted to the Dean of Graduate Academics for approval. Usually, the student's thesis advisor serves as Chair of the Dissertation Advisory Committee. The student and the dissertation committee must meet at least once a year and report to the Dean of Graduate Academics that the meeting was held.
  • Dissertation. The final and most important step of the Ph.D. program is writing a dissertation of publishable quality. This will embody the results of the student's original research in mathematics, and the dissertation will be presented by the student at a public defense. If the suitably appointed Dissertation Committee approves the defense, the student will be recommended to the Office of Graduate Admissions for the Ph.D. degree.

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Mathematical Sciences Department

Alexei Miasnikov, Director