BS-MS Option in Mathematics

The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers an excellent opportunity for motivated students to earn both a Bachelor and a Master of Science degree in five years. This opportunity requires devoted commitment. By integrating advanced coursework with closely supervised research, the BS-MS program broadens opportunities for students by preparing them for PhD studies and employment. This program offers students a quicker path to complete their targeted MSc degree in mathematics, within one additional year, instead of the current two years after the BSc. Highly motivated students may apply for the BS-MS option after successful completion of 65 CH, however, theycan only join the program after completing a minimum of 80 CH in the Bachelor degree program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students will take upper-level (500) courses at the graduate level, 6 credits of which may count toward both BSc in Mathematics and MSc in Mathematics degrees.

Objectives

1. Make it easier for BSc students to continue their graduate studies.
2. Shorten the study period to earn graduate degrees for outstanding students, as they may be able to complete their MSc degree within one year after the BSc instead of the typical two years in the regular admission route.
3. Foster a tradition of graduate research activity in the Mathematical Sciences Department.

Credit Requirements

After the achievement of the BSc degree, which requires the completion of 120 CH, students can earn MSc degree by completing an additional 30 CH of graduate course work. In BS-MS option, excellent undergraduate students will be allowed to choose up to a total of 6 CH from the 500-level Math Graduate Courses with double counting of such credit hours towards their BSc and MSc degrees. This will allow students to obtain their MSc degree after their BSc by completing the remaining 24 CH of graduate course work. A total of 144 CH will be sufficient for distinguished students to obtain BS-MS degree in 5 years.

General Admission Requirements

1. The applicant may apply for the BS-MS Option after successful completion of 65 CH; however, she/he can only join the program after successfully completing a minimum of 80 CH in the bachelor's degree program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
2. Acceptance of the obligation and responsibility for the graduate study fees.
3. Proficiency in English demonstrated by a score of 6.0 or higher in the IELTS or equivalent.

The Early Admission Procedure

1. Current model study plans for the BSc Mathematical Sciences program average 15-18 CH per semester. Students declaring the intention to pursue the MSc will be advised in the junior and senior years.
2. Students should take 2-4 graduate-level courses in their junior and senior years; 2 of which will be double counted for the MSc degree. Therefore, they may complete the rest of the MSc requirements within 1 additional year after completing their BSc degree.

Academic Advising Guidelines

During the first semester, the BS-MS student will consult with the Graduate Program Coordinator and faculty members to learn about the possible research areas in the Math department. After a probable research area has been pointed out by the student, and mutually agreed to with a faculty member and the Graduate Program Committee, the appointed faculty member will become the student's academic advisor to recommend and then approve his/her courses. The same faculty member may also supervise the student's master thesis.

Probation and Dismissal from the BS-MS Status

All applicable UAEU policies and procedures regarding academic progress of students will apply as relevant for the undergraduate portion of the studies and the graduate portion. For instance, if the BS-MS student cannot maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or more for the graduate, then she/he will be placed on probation with possible dismissal from the MSc eligibility for failing to raise the GPA within the specified number of semesters.

Degree Requirements

Required Credit Hours : minimum 144 hours

BS-MS Courses