Master's Coursework (Plan I and II)

We offer two distinct pathways to earn a Master’s degree in Mathematics:

  • Plan I (Thesis)
  • Plan II (Comprehensive Exam)

Both options require a total of 36 units of graduate and upper-division coursework, with at least 20 units in graduate-level mathematics courses. This includes:

  • 20 units of core courses
  • 16 units of electives

Under Plan I, students must complete a thesis. Under Plan II, students fulfill the Comprehensive Examination requirement by passing two of the three Preliminary Examinations in Analysis, Algebra, and Topology.

An official copy of the degree requirements, approved by the Graduate Council, is available on the Graduate Studies program webpage.

For course names and descriptions, refer to the General Catalog.

General course syllabi are available HERE.

Course Requirements (Plan I and II)

Core Courses (20 units)

  • MAT 201A – Analysis
  • MAT 201B – Analysis
  • MAT 250A – Algebra
  • MAT 250B – Algebra
  • One of the following:
    • MAT 201C – Analysis
    • MAT 215A – Topology
    • MAT 239 – Differential Topology

Elective Courses (16 units)

  • All 200-level non-core math courses are eligible
  • Not more than 6 units from MAT 280
  • Not more than 9 units in research seminars (290, 299 or equivalent)
  • 300-level courses do not count toward the degree

Research Units

  • Students may take MAT 299 units for research with faculty.
  • Not more than 9 units in research seminars (290, 299 or equivalent) may be used to satisfy the 36-unit requirement 

English Language Requirement

Students without prior degrees from an English-language institution or proof of proficiency (e.g., TOEFL) must complete required English courses. These do not count toward graduation units.

Special Requirements – Teaching Skills

  • MAT 390 (Teaching Assistantship Training) is required for Teaching Assistantship positions in the Department of Mathematics but does not count toward degree units.

Enrollment & Grading Policies

  • Full-time students must enroll in 12 units per quarter, including coursework, research, and seminars.
  • Courses used to fulfill program requirements must be letter graded, unless listed as S/U-only.
  • UC regulations limit enrollment to:
    • 12 graduate-level units (200-level) per quarter
    • 16 combined units (100, 200, 300-level) per quarter

Plan I: Thesis Requirement

Students pursuing the M.A. under Plan I must complete a scholarly thesis that demonstrates theoretical depth and academic rigor. In consultation with their major professor or thesis advisor, the student nominates two additional faculty members to serve on the Thesis Committee. Specific expectations for the thesis include:

i) Thesis Scope & Formatting

  • The thesis must reflect scholarly research in a theoretical area of mathematics
  • It should be rigorous in design, methodology, and analysis, though not as extensive as a Ph.D. dissertation
  • Formatting guidelines and length expectations vary by subfield; students should consult their Thesis Advisor for guidance

ii) Committee Approval

  • The thesis topic must be approved by all committee members when they agree to serve
  • A joint meeting between the student and committee members should be held at this time
  • To fulfill degree requirements, all committee members must sign the thesis title page

iii) Review Timeline

  • Committee members are expected to review the thesis within four weeks of receiving it
  • If the thesis is deemed unacceptable, the committee may recommend disqualification to the Dean of Graduate Studies

iv) Exit Seminar

  • Students are encouraged to present a 50-minute public seminar on their thesis topic
  • Following the presentation, the committee may hold a private discussion with the student

v) Filing Requirements

  • The thesis must be filed in a quarter during which the student is registered or on filing fee status
  • Preparation instructions and filing deadlines are available from Graduate Studies and listed in the UC Davis General Catalog and the Class Schedule and Registration Guide
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for the M.A. degree to be awarded

Plan II: Comprehensive Examination Requirement

The comprehensive examination is a written test that covers material from both advanced undergraduate and graduate courses. It consists of three parts:

  • Analysis – based on MAT 201A & 201B
  • Topology – based on MAT 215A & MAT 239
  • Algebra – based on MAT 250A & 250B or MAT 150A/B/C

Passing Requirements

To fulfill the exam requirement, students must pass two out of the three parts.

  • You may attempt any or all sections, and have unlimited attempts within the designated time frame.
  • All students must be registered or in filing fee status when taking the exam.
  • Examination results must be submitted to Graduate Studies via the Master's Report Form.

Timing

The exam is administered twice a year:

  • Before Fall Quarter begins
  • After Spring Quarter ends

Outcome Deadline

  • Students must pass two parts of the exam by the end of their 6th quarter of study.
  • Failure to meet this requirement results in recommendation for disqualification from the program to the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Exam Creation & Administration

  • The Graduate Program Committee (GPC) oversees all aspects of the exam:
    • Designing exam content
    • Administering and evaluating results
  • Instructors from the previous academic year contribute questions and assist in grading.