The Co-Terminal Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics/Master of Science in Applied Mathematics Degree allows you to complete your bachelor's and master's degrees at the same time in as few as five years. This program can potentially reduce the time to earn an M.S. degree by up to at least one year with sufficient AP or transfer credits. You must complete the credit hour requirements for both degrees, but credit sharing up to nine hours is allowed between the two degree programs. Take advantage of advanced or transfer credits when entering Illinois Tech. Instead of graduating from Illinois Tech in four years with only a B.S. degree, you can stay at Illinois Tech and take graduate-level courses that will be counted toward earning a graduate degree. The core and course requirements for each degree program remain the same.
A research–oriented program also is an option, especially if you have taken advanced courses in high school, and are keen on continuing graduate studies. A sample five-year plan is provided below. In the following sample program, it is assumed you take no more than one summer course during the entire program. You may finish earlier if you take more courses during the summer. Participate in research projects conducted in the department, possibly in MATH 491 (undergraduate independent study) and continuing in MATH 591 (M.S. thesis).
The advantages of the co-terminal degree program are:
- Providing opportunities to obtain both B.S. and M.S. degrees within five years, cutting the length of an M.S. degree by up to at least one year.
- Offering chances to link the advanced undergraduate course work with graduate course work.
- Providing research opportunities during early years of study.
- Preparation for a Ph.D. program in Applied Mathematics or Mathematics at an elite graduate school.
- Offering an enhanced academic environment with accelerated learning.
- Simplifying the graduate admission procedure.
Admission
The program is designed for high quality students who are determined to get an advanced degree in Applied Mathematics or Mathematics. As a result, the math course loads are heavy in most semesters. Students satisfying the following requirements are eligible to apply to the B.S./M.S. combined program:
- Have completed four semesters of full-time study in the B.S. program, or have at least 80 credit hours (including transferred credits).
- Have an overall GPA of 3.25 or better.
- Have a GPA of 3.5 or better for math courses.
Applications must be accompanied by an official transcript and three letters of recommendation. At least two letters of recommendation are from departmental faculty members. These two letters shall attest to readiness and probable success in completing the graduate program. GRE scores are not required for this co-terminal degree program. Applications are reviewed and processed by the Graduate Director of the department.
You must maintain a graduate GPA of 3.0 or better in order to continue the combined program. You will obtain two degrees, one is a B.S. in Applied Mathematics and the other an M.S. in Applied Mathematics. Credit requirements of both degrees are subject to credit sharing of up to nine credits as mentioned above.
You may choose to obtain a B.S. only and not complete the requirements of the M.S. Degree. Credit hours in graduate-level math courses will be counted toward the B.S. degree requirements as applied math electives or free electives. You cannot obtain an M.S. degree unless you satisfy the requirements of the B.S. degree and get a B.S. degree in applied mathematics.
Financial Assistance
Research Assistantships may be offered at any time during the program. You will be eligible for all scholarships and financial aid packages for undergraduates, as long as you don't have a B.S. degree. Dean's Fellowship eligibility continue when you have obtained the equivalent credit requirement for a B.S. degree and still have at least 18 credit hours to complete the combined degree program. Furthermore, you can apply for external funding. For example, you can apply for the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Fellowship in your fourth year and fifth year of the five-year program.
Course of Study
Five-year Sample Program
Should a student come in with AP credit for at least MATH 151 (Calculus I), then no summer courses will be required. This is a very common scenario.
Five year B.S./M.S. Co-Terminal in Applied Mathematics Sample Program
| First semester |
Credits
|
|
| MATH 100 MATH 151 CS 115 Humanities 200-level Elective Science Elective |
Intro. to the Profession Calculus I Intro. to Computer Prog. I |
3 5 2 3 3 |
| Totals | 16 | |
| Second semester | ||
| MATH 152 MATH 230 CS 116 PHYS 123 Humanities or Social Sci. |
Calculus II Intro. to Discrete Math Intro. to Computer Prog. II General Physics I: Mechanics |
5 3 2 4 3 |
| Totals | 17 | |
| 1st-year Summer | ||
| MATH 251 | Multivar & Vector Calc. | 4 |
| Totals | 4 | |
| Third semester | ||
| MATH 252 MATH 332 MATH 430 or MATH 454 Minor Subject Science Elective |
Intro. to Diff. Equations Elementary Linear Algebra Applied Algebra or Graph Theory & Applications |
4 3 3 3 3 |
| Totals | 16 | |
| Fourth semester | ||
| MATH 350 MATH 380 Applied Math Elective Minor Subject Humanities or Social Sci. Humanities or Social Sci. |
Intro. Computational Math. Intro. Mathematical Modeling |
3 3 3 3 3 3 |
| Totals | 18 | |
| Fifth semester | ||
| MATH 400 MATH 475 Applied Math Elective Minor Subject Humanities or Social Sci. Humanities or Social Sci. |
Real Analysis Probability |
3 3 3 3 3 3 |
| Totals | 18 | |
| Sixth semester | ||
| Applied Math Elective Graduate Math Course Minor Subject Science Elective IPRO 397 |
3 3 3 3 3 |
|
| Total | 15 | |
| Seventh semester | ||
| MATH 500 MATH 577 Applied Math Elective Applied Math Elective Minor Subject |
Applied Analysis I Computational Mathematics I |
3 3 3 3 3 |
| Totals | 15 | |
| Eighth semester | ||
| Graduate Math Course Graduate Math Course Free Elective Humanities or Social Sci. IPRO 497 |
3 3 3 3 3 |
|
| Totals | 15 | |
| Ninth semester | ||
| Graduate Math Course Graduate Math Course Graduate Math Course |
3 3 3 |
|
| Totals | 9 | |
| Tenth semester | ||
| Graduate Course MATH 591 |
Research and Thesis for M.S. Degree | 3 6 |
| Totals | 9 | |
| Total credit hours | 119 (Undergraduate, 100-400 level) + 33 (Graduate, 500 level) = 152 | |
Useful Links
For general questions about the co-terminal degrees, see the FAQ.
Program Contact
- Professor Igor Cialenco
- Professor Michael Pelsmajer
