M.Ed. in Special Education
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville offers a Master of Education (M.E...
M.S. in Mathematical Science
Jacksonville, Florida
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The University of North Florida (UNF), located in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, offers a Master of Science (M.S.) in Mathematical Science program that provides advanced education in both theoretical and applied mathematics and statistics. This program is designed to prepare students for diverse careers in data-driven fields, including insurance, data science, and biostatistics, or to serve as a strong foundation for doctoral studies.
STEM-Designated: UNF's M.S. in Mathematical Science program holds a STEM designation, which is a significant advantage for students, particularly international students. This classification by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security acknowledges the program's focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, potentially allowing eligible international graduates an extended period of Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States.
Curriculum: The 30-credit-hour curriculum for the M.S. in Mathematical Science at UNF is structured to provide a blend of practical and theoretical analysis. Students have the flexibility to choose between two concentrations: Statistics or Mathematics. Regardless of the chosen track, students will gain proficiency in essential skills such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis. The program also emphasizes familiarity with industry-standard software like SAS, R, Python, Maple, MATLAB, and Mathematica, ensuring graduates are well-equipped with relevant technical tools. Both thesis and non-thesis options are available, with the non-thesis option requiring comprehensive examinations in core areas.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Mathematical Science program at UNF has a strong research focus, particularly through its thesis option. Students engage in in-depth investigations within their chosen concentration, contributing to new knowledge in the field. Faculty members actively pursue research in various areas of mathematics and statistics, including approximation theory, applied and computational harmonic analysis, big data and mathematical statistics, combinatorics, graph theory, control and optimization, and differential equations. This research emphasis allows students to develop critical research skills and contribute to evolving mathematical concepts.
Industry Engagement: UNF's M.S. in Mathematical Science program is highly attuned to industry engagement, aiming for a high career placement rate for its graduates. The curriculum is designed to impart skills directly applicable to in-demand professions. The program's emphasis on statistical methods and state-of-the-art computer technology, particularly in the analysis of data from real-world problems, directly benefits students seeking careers in finance, investment, insurance, and government sectors. The university's overall commitment to connecting students with practical learning opportunities and fostering partnerships with local businesses further enhances the career readiness of its graduates.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Mathematical Science at UNF inherently fosters a global perspective due to the universal nature of mathematical principles and their widespread application across international industries and research. The program's focus on analyzing and interpreting data from diverse sources, coupled with the use of globally recognized software, prepares students to work in an interconnected world. Furthermore, the ability to address complex mathematical problems, as emphasized in the curriculum, is a universally valued skill that enables graduates to contribute to global advancements in science, technology, and various data-driven fields.
Location
Jacksonville, Florida
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 18803
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $31
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Standardized Test Requirements
- GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Minimum score of 304 required.
The University of North Florida (UNF) offers a variety of scholarships specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals while easing the financial burden of studying in the United States. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievements, leadership potential, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UNF provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic performance, standardized test scores, and extracurricular accomplishments. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically to eligible applicants during the admissions process.
International Student Scholarships: Special scholarships are reserved exclusively for international students. Examples include the International Freshman Scholarship and the International Transfer Scholarship, which reward high-achieving students with financial aid packages that may cover partial to full tuition fees.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited for international students, some need-based financial aid options may be available through private organizations or partnerships coordinated by UNF’s financial aid office. International students are encouraged to explore external scholarship databases for additional funding opportunities.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain academic departments and colleges at UNF offer scholarships targeted to students enrolled in specific fields of study. International students can apply for these scholarships based on their major, research interests, or academic achievements within their discipline.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Mathematical Science from the University of North Florida (UNF) is an excellent pathway to careers that demand rigorous analytical thinking, advanced problem-solving, and sophisticated data interpretation. Graduates from this program are highly sought after across diverse sectors due to their expertise in quantitative methods and statistical analysis.
Actuary: Actuaries are essential in the insurance and finance industries. They use mathematical and statistical models to assess financial risks, calculate premiums, and develop sound financial strategies for insurance companies, pension funds, and other financial institutions. They are highly valued for their ability to quantify uncertainty.
Statistician: Statisticians apply mathematical and statistical theories to collect, analyze, interpret, and present quantitative data. They work in various fields, including healthcare, finance, government, and social sciences, designing experiments, conducting surveys, and extracting meaningful insights from complex datasets to solve real-world problems.
Data Scientist: Data Scientists are experts in extracting knowledge and insights from large and complex datasets. They use their mathematical and statistical skills, often combined with programming (Python, R) and machine learning, to build predictive models, discover patterns, and drive data-driven decision-making for businesses across all industries.
Quantitative Analyst (Quant): Quants primarily work in financial institutions, including investment banks, hedge funds, and trading firms. They develop and implement complex mathematical models and algorithms to price financial derivatives, manage risk, analyze market trends, and formulate trading strategies.
Operations Research Analyst: These professionals use advanced mathematical modeling, optimization techniques, and analytical methods to help organizations improve efficiency, make better decisions, and solve complex operational problems. They are employed in logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, and government to optimize resource allocation and processes.
Financial Analyst: While many financial analysts come from business backgrounds, those with a strong mathematical science degree are highly valued for their ability to perform rigorous financial modeling, analyze investment opportunities, assess market trends, and provide data-backed recommendations for investment and business strategies.
Biostatistician: Specializing in the application of statistics to biological and health-related data, Biostatisticians play a critical role in medical research, clinical trials, and public health. They design studies, analyze data from experiments, and interpret results to advance medical knowledge and public health initiatives.
Cryptographer: Cryptographers are at the forefront of cybersecurity, designing and analyzing secure communication systems and data encryption methods. They apply advanced mathematical concepts, particularly in number theory and abstract algebra, to develop algorithms that protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.
Mathematics Educator/Professor: Graduates with a passion for teaching and a deep understanding of mathematical concepts can pursue careers in academia, teaching mathematics at the university, college, or even high school level. They also have opportunities to engage in mathematical research and contribute to the academic community.
Machine Learning Engineer: Leveraging their strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, and computational methods, Machine Learning Engineers design, build, and deploy machine learning models and artificial intelligence systems. They work across various industries to develop solutions for tasks like predictive analytics, natural language processing, and computer vision.
