M.A. in English
The MA in English at UCA is a focused program designed to build upon undergraduate know...
M.S. in Applied Mathematics
Conway, Arkansas
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The MS in Applied Mathematics at UCA is structured to provide students with a deep foundation and core competency in at least three sub-disciplines of mathematics, alongside broad exposure to other areas through elective courses. The program is designed to prepare students for careers that involve the application of mathematical and statistical techniques to solve problems in fields such as business, engineering, and planning. Graduates are well-prepared for roles requiring analytic, statistical, and numerical methods, and the program also serves as a strong foundation for those wishing to pursue doctoral studies or teach at the collegiate level.
STEM-Designated: While the search results explicitly confirm STEM designation for other university programs in similar fields (like UMass Lowell's MS in Mathematics and the University of Cincinnati's MS in Applied Economics), the provided information does not directly confirm the STEM designation for UCA's MS in Applied Mathematics. However, given the program's focus on quantitative methods, mathematical modeling, numerical analysis, and statistics, it is highly probable that it is STEM-designated. Prospective international students, in particular, should verify this directly with the UCA Graduate School to understand implications for Optional Practical Training (OPT) extensions.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MS in Applied Mathematics requires either 30 hours (thesis option) or 33 hours (non-thesis option). A minimum of 18 hours must be at the 6000-level. Core courses typically include Mathematical Modeling, Advanced Ordinary Differential Equations, and Numerical Analysis, reflecting the program's applied focus. Elective courses offer flexibility, covering topics such as Ordinary Differential Equations II, Modeling and Simulation, Introduction to Partial Differential Equations, Mathematical Modeling in Biology, Numerical Methods, Probability, Statistical Inference, Regression Analysis, Introduction to Stochastic Processes, Machine Learning, and Time Series and Forecasting. Students must pass two comprehensive exams for the non-thesis option, while the thesis option involves original research and a written thesis.
Research Focus: The MS in Applied Mathematics program encourages students to engage in advanced problem-solving through research in the mathematical sciences, particularly for those pursuing the thesis option. Faculty in UCA's Department of Mathematics are actively involved in research across various areas, including symmetry analysis, PDEs (Partial Differential Equations), numerical analysis, control theory, mathematical modeling, biostatistics, queueing theory, and functional analysis. This provides opportunities for students to collaborate with faculty on cutting-edge research projects, applying theoretical knowledge to practical problems.
Industry Engagement: The program is explicitly designed to prepare candidates for working in business or government agencies, highlighting its commitment to industry relevance. The curriculum's emphasis on applying techniques to solve problems in business, engineering, and planning directly aligns with industry needs. While specific industry partnerships or internship programs are not detailed in the provided snippets, the department's mission includes "serving the university and community by consulting with business and industry," suggesting a general orientation towards practical application and potential collaborations. The skills acquired are directly applicable to quantitative roles in various sectors.
Global Perspective: While the curriculum focuses on mathematical and statistical principles, which are universal, the program inherently provides a global perspective by equipping students with highly transferable analytical and problem-solving skills. These skills are essential in a globalized economy that increasingly relies on data and mathematical modeling across diverse international contexts. The emphasis on applying mathematical techniques to a wide array of problems positions graduates to contribute to solutions that have global implications, fostering a mindset of critical thinking and adaptability relevant to an interconnected world.
Location
Conway, Arkansas
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 11400
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $50
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% 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.
The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students to help make higher education affordable and accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, supporting talented students from around the world as they pursue their degrees.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UCA provides competitive merit scholarships specifically for international students, awarded based on academic achievements such as high school GPA, standardized test scores, and other accomplishments. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are renewable each year, provided students maintain satisfactory academic performance.
International Student Scholarship: The university offers dedicated scholarships for international students, including awards that cover partial tuition fees. These scholarships aim to attract high-performing students globally and promote diversity on campus.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Some colleges and departments within UCA provide scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields of study, such as business, education, health sciences, or the arts. Prospective students are encouraged to inquire about scholarships related to their major.
An M.S. in Applied Mathematics from the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) equips graduates with a powerful combination of advanced mathematical theory, statistical methods, and computational skills. This rigorous training prepares individuals to tackle complex problems and develop sophisticated models across diverse industries, making them highly valuable assets in today's data-driven and technology-reliant economy.
Quantitative Analyst (Quant): Quants are highly sought after in the financial services industry. They use advanced mathematical and statistical models to analyze financial markets, develop trading strategies, manage risk, and price complex financial instruments. This role often involves significant programming and a deep understanding of stochastic processes.
Data Scientist: Leveraging strong mathematical and statistical foundations, applied mathematicians can excel as data scientists. They work with large and complex datasets to extract insights, build predictive models, and develop algorithms that solve real-world problems in various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and retail.
Operations Research Analyst: These professionals use mathematical modeling, optimization techniques, and statistical analysis to improve efficiency and decision-making within organizations. They might work on logistics, supply chain management, resource allocation, or process optimization in industries like manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare.
Actuary: Actuaries assess and manage financial risks, particularly in the insurance and pension industries. They apply mathematical principles, statistics, and financial theory to determine premiums, calculate liabilities, and design insurance products, requiring a strong understanding of probability and financial mathematics.
Statistician: Statisticians design studies, collect, analyze, and interpret data to solve problems in various fields, including medicine, public health, social sciences, and environmental science. Their expertise in statistical inference and experimental design is crucial for drawing valid conclusions from data.
Applied Mathematician (Government/Research): Graduates can work for government agencies (e.g., Department of Defense, NASA, National Labs) or private research institutions, developing and applying mathematical models to solve complex scientific and engineering challenges, often involving simulation, fluid dynamics, or cryptography.
Software Developer/Engineer (with Quantitative Focus): The logical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and computational skills gained in an applied mathematics program are highly valued in software development. Graduates can specialize in areas requiring strong mathematical algorithms, such as scientific computing, machine learning, or artificial intelligence.
Financial Analyst (Advanced/Modeling): While a bachelor's degree might suffice for entry-level financial analysis, an M.S. in Applied Mathematics allows for more advanced roles focused on quantitative modeling, risk assessment, and algorithmic trading within banks, investment firms, and hedge funds.
Research Scientist (Various Fields): Applied mathematicians contribute significantly to interdisciplinary research. They can work as research scientists in fields like biomedical engineering, climate modeling, materials science, or epidemiology, where complex mathematical models are essential for understanding phenomena and developing solutions.
University/College Instructor: For those with a passion for teaching and a desire to remain in academia, an M.S. in Applied Mathematics can qualify individuals to teach mathematics or statistics at community colleges or as adjunct instructors at universities, sharing their expertise with undergraduate students.
