Program highlights
- Small class sizes. We keep class sizes small to foster 1:1 mentorship relationships between students and our renowned faculty – accomplished scholars who are passionate about research and student success.
- Graduate assistantships. The Department of Mathematics and Statistics funds approximately 55 teaching assistantship positions that are awarded on a competitive basis. There are roughly 20 new openings a year. The typical stipend is $14,000. A school-supported Summer Head Start Program eases the transition for new math GAs.
- Peer mentoring program. Graduate students taking on instructor roles in undergraduate courses become better teachers through a collaborative community of peer mentorship. The program provides teaching observations, direct constructive feedback and small group meetings.
- Career development. Connect with our expansive mathematics alumni network of successful professionals in academia, technology, finance, government, consulting and more. They can provide mentorship and career advancement opportunities.
Demand for mathematicians and statisticians is expected to increase 11% over the next decade – far faster than average.
Career opportunities
A Master of Arts (M.A.) in mathematics with a specialization in mathematics opens the door to a variety of rewarding career paths across education, industry, government and research. The M.A. often focuses more on theoretical understanding, analytical skills and broad-based mathematical knowledge compared to more application-heavy degrees. But it still offers excellent flexibility in the job market.
Graduates have valuable, highly transferable skillsets.
- In academia, an M.A. in mathematics can qualify graduates to teach lower division at the college level.
- In finance, insurance, manufacturing and research organizations, graduates can use mathematical theories to analyze data, solve complex problems and create predictive models.
- In logistics, transportation, healthcare and national security, mathematicians with this degree may use mathematical optimization and statistical analysis to help improve efficiency and decision-making.
- Pure math principles like number theory and algebra are also directly applicable to modern encryption techniques, so graduates may also opt for work in cryptography.
And because mathematical thinking is the foundation for innovation itself, our graduates possess invaluable skills for roles that haven’t even been invented yet.
Many of these roles come with the advantage of high earning potential, particularly in data-focused and analytical careers. This graduate degree in mathematics also offers a solid foundation for doctoral studies.
Career paths
- Postsecondary math educator
- Mathematical analyst
- Operations research analyst
- Data analyst
- Cryptographer
- Government researcher
- Economist/financial analyst
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Average median salary for mathematicians is 90% higher than the median average for all occupations in the U.S
– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Curriculum
A Master of Arts in mathematics with a specialization in mathematics can prepare graduates for direct entry into careers in business, industry, government and education OR for advanced degrees in mathematics, statistics, computer science or operations research.
Core coursework for this specialization includes completion of a two-semester sequence in algebra and a two-semester sequence in real analysis. In total, students complete at least 30 semester hours of approved graduate-level coursework in mathematics and statistics – 18 hours of which must be at the 6000 level or higher.
Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA to graduate. Admission to the BGSU mathematics Ph.D. program requires a minimum graduate-level GPA of 3.2 on a 4-point scale.
Culminating experience
Students must complete a master’s thesis (counting for up to six credit hours) OR pass written comprehensive examinations.
Sample courses
- Algebra I & II
- Real Analysis I & II
- Advanced Calculus
- Introduction to Complex Analysis
- Applied Probability
- Statistical Consulting
- Biostatistical Methods
- Stochastic Processes
- Problems in Mathematics and Statistics
- Overview of Collegiate Mathematics Teaching
The Master of Arts in mathematics with specialization in mathematics is part of the Department of Math and Statistics in the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences.
Updated: 11/25/2025 02:13PM