Welcome to the Mathematics Department Graduate Program at the University of North Dakota . Our faculty have research interests in pure and applied mathematics, statistics, and mathematics education. The department offers courses leading to the Master of Science and Master of Education degrees with a major in mathematics. A graduate minor in statistics is also available. The atmosphere in the department is friendly and supportive, and our graduate program is the right size to allow us to provide individual attention to every student. Our graduates have been successful in completing PhD programs at other institutions as well as in finding jobs in industry or the public sector, depending on their interests. This web site has more information about our department and program, as well as links to further information about UND and Grand Forks . If you still have questions, feel free to contact me and I'll do my best to answer them.
Contact Information: Dr. Richard Millspaugh, Phone: (701) 777-2882, E-mail address: richard_millspaugh@und.nodak.edu
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Frequently Asked Questions
- As a mathematics graduate student, what kind of learning atmosphere will I find in the department?
- What can I do with a graduate degree in mathematics?
- What kind of financial support is available?
- What is involved in being a graduate teaching assistant?
- Do I need previous teaching experience to qualify for a graduate teaching assistantship?
- What is the general atmosphere of the department like?
1. As a mathematics graduate student, what kind of learning atmosphere will I find in the department?
All of our graduate students are masters students, and the total number is low—usually 10 to 12. The student/faculty ratio of the department is generally smaller than 1. This means you will find a close, friendly learning environment where masters students are highly valued and are able to receive individual attention throughout their programs. Class size for our graduate courses is usually 5 or less. Back to FAQs
2. What can I do with a graduate degree in mathematics?
A graduate degree in mathematics can open the door to a wider range of job options than a bachelors degree alone, and in some settings a graduate degree automatically translates to a higher salary bracket. However, not all of our students have a specific career goal in mind when they arrive; many are attracted mainly by the opportunity to study mathematics more fully. Some students go on to doctoral programs in mathematics, while others find jobs in industry or the public sector—for example with insurance companies, at financial institutions, or in government or education. For further information about career opportunities for mathematics graduates, visit MAA Math Careers and AMS Early Careers . Back to FAQs
3. What kind of financial support is available?
Primarily, financial support is offered in the form of graduate teaching assistantships. Most of our students are supported, typically for the full length of their programs (two academic years). Support usually consists of a stipend, health insurance benefits, and waiver of tuition for all courses in a student's program of study. The stipend amount for most recipients in 2009 will be just under $12,000 per academic year, which is reasonably sufficient to live in Grand Forks . For further information about financial assistance, visit the UND Graduate School web site . Back to FAQs
4. What is involved in being a graduate teaching assistant?
In most cases, appointment as a graduate teaching assistant is classified as half-time (50%) employment. The usual requirements are to teach two lower-level undergraduate courses per semester (normally, College Algebra) . Graduate teaching assistants ordinarily assume full teaching responsibilities: they prepare and give lectures; develop and grade homework assignments, quizzes, and exams; and help students inside class and during office hours. They are an integral part of the department's academic mission. Back to FAQs
5. Do I need previous teaching experience to qualify for a graduate teaching assistantship?
No. You will be provided with the orientation you need to get started, along with ongoing supervision and support to help you develop and enhance your teaching skills. And of course, you will learn by doing. A graduate teaching assistantship is much more than a financial support opportunity—it is a chance to acquire valuable professional experience and work skills that are transferable to many occupations. Back to FAQs
6. What is the general atmosphere of the department like?
In the sense that people are always busy working and learning, the atmosphere is a serious one, but the environment is friendly and supportive. Graduate students play a vital role in our academic activities and are an integral part of our group, which along with faculty also includes an experienced and knowledgeable professional staff. The relatively small size of our department means that everyone knows each other, and the physical layout of the facilities leads to frequent occasions for interaction. Graduate students are assigned cubicles in a shared environment near the department office. We all use a common multipurpose room that functions as a lounge with a small kitchen, where people get together over coffee, lunch, or occasional home-baked treats. We have an annual picnic each fall as well as a get-together at the end of each semester.
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