Online M.S. in Mathematical Sciences
Learn to utilize mathematics in scientific applications.
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Request InfoMathematical Sciences, M.S. Overview
Broaden your knowledge by studying the applications of mathematics and statistics with the University of West Florida’s Master of Science in Mathematical Sciences. Our program is ideal for professionals pursuing career advancement, doctoral study, a teaching career or government positions. Expert faculty share their experience and provide opportunities for you to get involved in primary research.
To help you reach your goals without sacrificing your current commitments, all classes for the master’s in mathematical sciences are offered at 4 or 6 p.m. Central Standard Time during fall and spring semesters. These courses are synchronous, using free conference software, and you will have one-on-one communication with faculty and classmates.
In this degree program, you will also have considerable flexibility to direct your coursework. Beyond a core of just six credit hours, you can choose from a variety of courses in statistics, pure mathematics, and applied mathematics. Become a contender in your desired career field by tailoring your curriculum to suit your goals. Complete the M.S. with either a thesis or non-thesis track.
Note: This is a synchronous course delivery program, meaning that students are required to attend live lectures on specific dates and times via the University’s free video-conferencing service.
Candidates for This Program Include:
- Students who hold a bachelor’s in mathematics, statistics or related fields who wish to broaden their knowledge
- Those seeking advanced careers in science, business, industry or government
- Future high school or community college teachers
- Those who plan to pursue doctoral studies
You Will Be Able To:
- Understand the theories behind mathematical processes
- Connect mathematics to scientific computing, finance or data science
- Analyze data using statistical methods and state-of-the-art computer technology
Courses and Requirements
The master’s in mathematical sciences program requires a core of 6 credit hours. Whether you choose the thesis or the non-thesis track, you will choose 18 credit hours of department-approved electives that will help you direct your curriculum toward your career goals. If choosing the non-thesis track, you will complete additional courses in mathematics research, statistics research or a capstone project.
- MAS 5145 - Matrix Theory
3.0 Credit Hours
Matrix Theory
Canonical forms of matrices, similarity, quadratic forms.
- STA 5326 - Statistical Inference
3.0 Credit Hours
Statistical Inference
This course is an advanced course in mathematical statistics. It is more theoretical than an applied statistics course and takes a mathematical approach to problem solving. Some theorems will be proved. There will be some "real world" applications of the theory.
All students will take and pass two comprehensive examinations coverings these core courses.
- MAS 5145 - Matrix Theory
Department-approved 5/6000-level electives. (18 credit hours)
- A maximum of 9 credit hours may be at the 5000-level
Choose one of the following: (6 credit hours)
- MAT 6971 - Thesis
1.0-6.0 Credit Hours
Thesis
Graded on satisfactory / unsatisfactory basis only. Permission is required.
- STA 6971 - Thesis
1.0-6.0 Credit Hours
Thesis
Graded on satisfactory / unsatisfactory basis only. Permission is required.
Department-approved 5/6000-level electives. (18-21 credit hours)
- A maximum of 9 credit hours may be at the 5000-level
Choose one of the following:
Mathematics Research (6 credit hours)
- MAT 6903 - Mathematics Research 1
3.0 Credit Hours
Mathematics Research 1
This course will give students the opportunity to engage in group and independent research projects. Research topics and materials vary according to instructor with the thrust being applied or theoretical mathematics. Technical reports and oral presentations will be expected of each student. Students must have completed 15 hours of graduate course work in the program and have maintained at least a 3.0 GPA. Students must also commit to both fall and spring sections of the course.
- MAT 6904 - Mathematics Research 2
3.0 Credit Hours
Mathematics Research 2
This course will give students the opportunity to engage in group and independent research projects. Research topics and materials vary according to instructor with the thrust being applied or theoretical mathematics. Technical reports and oral presentations will be expected of each student. Prerequisite: MAT 6903
Statistics Research (6 credit hours)
- STA 6912 - Statistics Research 1
3.0 Credit Hours
Statistics Research 1
This course gives students the opportunity to engage in group and independent research projects. Research topics and materials vary according to instructor. Technical reports and oral presentations are expected of each student. Students must have completed 15 hours of graduate course work in the program and have maintained at least a 3.0 GPA. Students must also commit to both fall and spring sections of the course.
- STA 6913 - Statistics Research 2
3.0 Credit Hours
Statistics Research 2
This course gives students the opportunity to engage in group and independent research projects. Research topics and materials vary according to instructor. Technical reports and oral presentations are expected of each student. Prerequisite: STA 6912
Capstone Project—Choose one of the following (3 credit hours)
- MAT 6910 - Capstone Projects in Mathematics
3 Credit Hours
Capstone Projects in Mathematics
This course will give students the opportunity to engage in group and independent research projects. Research topics and materials may vary according to the instructor with the thrust being applied or theoretical mathematics/Statistics. Technical reports and oral presentations will be expected of each student.
- STA 6950 - Capstone Projects in Statistics
3 Credit Hours
Capstone Projects in Statistics
This course will give students the opportunity to engage in group and independent research projects. Research topics and materials vary according to the instructor with the thrust being applied or theoretical Statistics. Technical reports and oral presentations will be expected of each student.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the University of West Florida’s online master’s in mathematical sciences program, you must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Other criteria for successful admission include:
- An institutional undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on the last 60 hours of coursework in the baccalaureate degree.
- B.S. in mathematics or related field
If an applicant does not meet the above requirements, they may be considered for conditional admission. Please contact the department for more information.
How to Apply
To apply for admission to this program, you first need to submit an application for graduate admission (plus a $30 application fee) and be accepted for admission to the University of West Florida. Review application deadlines. In addition, you must:
- Submit official transcripts confirming a bachelor’s degree from an institution whose accrediting agency is included on the list of UWF approved accrediting agencies
Have questions about this program or the admissions process? Contact our graduate admissions team at gradadmissions@uwf.edu.
Costs & Financial Aid
| Component | Cost | Total* |
|---|---|---|
| In-State Tuition | $384.60 per credit hour | $11,538.00 |
| In-State Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to 6) | $384.60 per credit hour | $9,230.40 |
| Full Out-of-State Tuition | $1,044.24 per credit hour | $31,327.20 |
| 90% Out-of-State Tuition Waiver | $478.83 per credit hour | $14,364.90 |
Tuition waivers cover up to 90% of the non-resident portion of your tuition and are available to non-Florida residents (including international students) admitted to online campus programs and registered for online courses in active pursuit of that degree or certificate. You must pay all other assessed tuition and fees. Review Tuition Waiver Information to learn more.
Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. This program takes up to 24 months to complete, depending on transfer credits.
Refer to UWF Cost of Attendance Estimates and Financial Literacy for more information on UWF costs and financial aid.
* Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Alabama Differential Out-of-State Tuition
Residents of Alabama are eligible for Alabama Differential Tuition, a reduced out-of-state tuition rate. For more information and to verify residency status for tuition purposes, new undergraduate students should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and new graduate students should contact the Graduate School. Current enrolled students should contact the Office of the Registrar.
Active Duty Military
All active-duty members of the U.S. military who are residing or are stationed outside the state of Florida shall have all (100%) out-of-state fees waived by the university. Contact the Military & Veterans Resource Center to apply for the Active Duty Military Out-of-State Waiver.
UWF Short-Term Financial Assistance
The University of West Florida provides eligible students with an alternative to paying the full amount of tuition at the beginning of each term in the form of an installment payment plan or a short-term loan.
Military Students
UWF is a Military FriendlyⓇ School proudly serving active-duty U.S. military members and veterans. As UWF has been a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program since 2011, you could be eligible to receive free tuition with your military benefits.
See How We Can Serve YouFinancial Aid
Funding your college education should not empty your wallet. We offer various financial aid options for our online students, including loans, scholarships and grants for degree-seeking students.
Learn More About Financial AidCareer Outcomes
Upon completion of our M.S. in Mathematical Sciences, you can pursue a variety of careers with desirable salaries and growth potential.
* Salary and job outlook information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Operations Research Analysts
Operations research analysts help organizations make better decisions and solve problems. Using organizational information and worker input, they use those sources alongside statistical analysis, predictive modeling and more to advise decision-makers. Operations research analysts earn a median annual wage of $84,810, and job growth is projected to increase 25% by 2029.
Mathematicians and Statisticians
These employees apply math and statistics to solve problems for their employers. They could design surveys, polls or other data-gathering initiatives, and then analyze that data. Ultimately, mathematicians and statisticians make data-driven recommendations for improvement. In 2018, mathematicians and statisticians made a median annual salary of $101,900. Job opportunities are expected to grow 30 percent through 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.
High School Teachers
High school teachers prepare their students for colleges, universities, trade schools and future employment. They develop lesson plans, teach classes, grade assignments, assess behaviors and strengths, supervise students and collaborate with other teachers. Usually, high school teachers have a specialty in one or more subject areas. These teachers made a median annual salary of $60,320 in 2018, and jobs are expected to grow 4 percent through 2028.