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M.S. in Mathematics
Vermillion, South Dakota
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Mathematics at USD is structured to provide a deep understanding of advanced mathematical concepts. The program allows students to choose between a thesis and a non-thesis option, catering to different academic and career aspirations. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for qualifying exams for Ph.D. programs in mathematics, as well as for diverse professional roles. It emphasizes a balance of application, computation, and theory, with particular focus on areas like operations research, computational science, and the development of probabilistic and deterministic models. USD is known for its small class sizes and personalized mentorship from faculty.
STEM-designated: Yes, the M.S. in Mathematics program at the University of South Dakota is STEM-designated. This classification is advantageous for international students, as it allows for an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period in the U.S. after graduation, providing more opportunities for practical work experience in their field.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.S. in Mathematics covers advanced topics essential for both theoretical understanding and practical application. Core courses typically include "Advanced Algebra I & II," "Real Variables I & II," "Complex Variables," "Partial Differential Equations," "Mathematical Modeling," and "Introduction to Topology." Students also engage with courses like "Operations Research" and "Numerical Analysis," balancing pure and applied mathematics. The program emphasizes the development of sophisticated mathematical and statistical models and their implementation, preparing students to tackle complex problems.
Research Focus: The Department of Mathematical Sciences at USD has a strong research focus, with faculty contributing to scholarship in various areas of pure and applied mathematics, statistics, algebra, analysis, and biomathematical modeling. Students in the M.S. program are encouraged to engage in unique research projects, often working alongside professors on topics tailored to their specific interests. Areas of faculty and graduate student research activity include operations research, optimization, bioinformatics, biostatistics, business and financial analytics, and forensic statistics. The thesis option provides a direct pathway for students to conduct and present original mathematical research.
Industry Engagement: USD's M.S. in Mathematics program prepares graduates for roles in various sectors, including business, industry, and government. While specific formal industry partnerships for the graduate program are not extensively detailed, the curriculum's emphasis on applied mathematics, computational science, and modeling equips students with highly sought-after skills in data analysis, optimization, and problem-solving. Graduate teaching and research assistantships are often available, providing valuable real-world experience and professional development. The department also encourages students to join organizations like the USD Math Club, which organizes social events, guest speakers, and field trips to relevant industry sites, fostering networking opportunities.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Mathematics at USD inherently fosters a global perspective by providing students with universally applicable analytical and problem-solving skills. Mathematics is a fundamental language of science and technology, transcending national borders and cultural contexts. The program's focus on advanced topics such as computational science, modeling, and statistical analysis prepares graduates to address complex global challenges in fields ranging from finance and public health to environmental science and engineering. The faculty's international recognition for research and the program's preparation for doctoral studies (which often involve international collaborations) further contribute to a broad, global understanding of the field.
Location
Vermillion, South Dakota
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 12800
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $38
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.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of South Dakota (USD) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden of studying abroad and make quality education at USD more accessible to talented students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: USD awards merit-based scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements, leadership potential, and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships recognize outstanding high school or previous college performance and are renewable for multiple years, provided students maintain satisfactory academic progress.
International Student Academic Scholarships: These scholarships are specifically tailored for international undergraduate students and can cover a significant portion of tuition fees. Eligibility is typically based on a combination of academic excellence and the completion of the admission process by specified deadlines. Many of these scholarships are automatically considered upon application, so no separate application is required.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: For international graduate students, USD provides graduate assistantships and fellowships that offer financial support alongside valuable professional experience. These opportunities often include tuition waivers and a stipend in exchange for research, teaching, or administrative work within the university.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain USD academic departments and colleges offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields of study, such as business, health sciences, or fine arts. These scholarships often reward exceptional talent and dedication within those disciplines.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Mathematics from the University of South Dakota (USD) equips graduates with highly valuable analytical, problem-solving, and quantitative reasoning skills. This advanced degree goes beyond theoretical understanding, providing students with the ability to apply complex mathematical concepts to real-world challenges across various sectors. The demand for professionals with strong mathematical and statistical backgrounds is consistently high, with occupations like mathematicians and statisticians projected to grow much faster than average. This growth is driven by the increasing availability of data and the need for experts to analyze it across diverse fields.
Data Scientist: Leveraging strong statistical and mathematical modeling skills, Data Scientists develop algorithms and build predictive models to analyze large, complex datasets, extracting actionable insights for businesses and organizations in sectors like technology, finance, and healthcare.
Statistician/Biostatistician: Statisticians design studies, collect, analyze, and interpret data to solve problems in various fields, including medicine, public health, social sciences, and engineering. Biostatisticians specifically apply statistical methods to biological and health-related data.
Actuary: Actuaries assess and manage financial risks using mathematical principles, statistics, and financial theory. They typically work for insurance companies, consulting firms, or in corporate risk management departments, designing policies and ensuring financial solvency.
Operations Research Analyst: These professionals use advanced mathematical modeling, optimization techniques, and analytical methods to help organizations make more efficient and effective decisions, often in logistics, supply chain management, or strategic planning.
Quantitative Analyst (Quant): Highly sought after in the financial services industry, "Quants" apply complex mathematical and statistical models to pricing financial derivatives, managing risk, and developing trading strategies for investment banks, hedge funds, and asset management firms.
Applied Mathematician (Industry/Government): Applied mathematicians develop and use mathematical theories and techniques to solve practical problems in engineering, science, business, and government. This can involve modeling physical phenomena, optimizing systems, or analyzing complex data.
Economist: Economists use mathematical and statistical methods to analyze economic data, forecast trends, and research issues related to resource allocation, production, and consumption, often working for government agencies, research institutions, or private corporations.
Software Developer/Algorithm Engineer: With a strong foundation in logic and problem-solving, M.S. in Mathematics graduates can excel in software development, particularly in roles that involve designing and implementing complex algorithms for data processing, scientific computing, or AI applications.
University/College Instructor (Mathematics): Many M.S. graduates pursue teaching careers at the collegiate level, instructing undergraduate mathematics courses, developing curriculum, and mentoring students. This path can also serve as a stepping stone to a Ph.D. and a research-focused academic career.
Research Scientist (Various Fields): The rigorous analytical training provided by an M.S. in Mathematics makes graduates valuable in research roles across diverse scientific and technical fields, including bioinformatics, defense technology, environmental science, and pharmaceutical research, where mathematical modeling and data analysis are critical.
