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Graduate
Overview
The Department of Mathematics offers graduate degree programs leading to the Master of Arts or Master of Science degree in mathematics and the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Mathematics. Students in the master's program can choose from a rich variety of courses in both pure and applied mathematics and statistics. Each master's degree candidate works closely with a professor in writing a research paper or thesis in an area of interest to the student. A double major at the master's level between mathematics and a related discipline is also an option. At the doctoral level, a student may specialize in any one of a large number of fields such as algebra, applied mathematics, combinatorics, differential equations, geometry, numerical analysis, probability, or statistics. Interdisciplinary programs are also available.
The department will be very happy to provide further information. Questions or inquiries may be directed to: Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Mathematics, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901-4408 (phone: 618-453-5302; email: gradinfo@math.siu.edu). Additional information is also available on the department web site at http://www.math.siu.edu.
Faculty and Facilities
The department is committed to providing a challenging and rewarding experience for its graduate students. With over 30 graduate faculty and approximately 33 full-time graduate students, the department offers individual attention and mentoring, strives to establish a friendly, supportive environment, and assists students as much as possible to achieve their professional goals. Graduate students have 24 hour access to the departmental computer lab which has thirty state of the art PCs, all with internet connections. For more computing needs, students can access the university Unix computer servers from the lab. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the department in order to meet the faculty and talk with students currently in the program.
Financial Aid
Nearly all students in the program receive financial assistance, primarily in the form of teaching assistantships which can be extended through the summer. Several fellowships are also available. In order to be considered for a fellowship the applicant must take the GRE exam, and all applicants are strongly encouraged to take the GRE General Test. Teaching assistantships and fellowships both include a tuition waiver. Information on other forms of financial aid such as student loans or work-study programs is available from the Financial Aid Office (phone: 618-453-4334; email: fao@siu.edu).
Location
Carbondale is a small city located in the heart of Southern Illinois. With a population of around 30,000, Carbondale serves as a focal point for many of the region's business, educational, and recreational activities. The university and community host a wide variety of cultural events, including the University Celebrity Series. The Shawnee National Forest, which extends southeast from Carbondale and encompasses over 175,000 acres, affords beautiful scenery and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Natural areas in the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and Giant City State Park are in close proximity to Carbondale. City life in St. Louis is also easily accessible by car, with normal driving time around two hours.