Graduate math degree?

Question

This question is primarily addressed to people that have completed an MS in Math. I would like some advice.

I am starting my MS in Math next fall. I'm an engineer by profession but have decided I want to teach junior college math, therefore I need a graduate math degree.

I loved the math required for my BS and MS engineering degrees because I could see the direct application of it. From what I understand, a graduate math degree requires several courses in theoretical math like topology which involve solving proofs. I was never very good at this, in fact I barely got through high school geometry. Is there a course or something I could take that would help me with this challenge?

Answer 1

Graduate work in mathematics is all about the proofs. There is no way around it.

Have you thought about an MS in statistics instead? Where there will be some theory -- you can take more applied courses.

Alo, ther are some places where you can get an MS in applied math.

Answer 2

I know you are looking for answers from people who have completed an MS in math, but I am close to completing mine, so I thought I would give you some insights.

My background was in business, finance and statistics, and I did not have an undergraduate degree in math before I started on my MS program. But there were two undergraduate courses I took before I started that helped me a lot with proofs: advanced calculus and abstract algebra.

There are undergraduate courses that deal specifically with helping students gain familiarity with proofs. They might be called "transition to higher mathematics" or something like that. But I think the best way to go is with advanced calculus and/or abstract algebra. In these courses you get a lot of practice working with proofs, but you are able to do it at the undergraduate level.

Some of the courses at the graduate level involve intensive work with proofs. Real Analysis (graduate level) is an example. Abstract algebra and topology are others. I took some of those, and found that I had to just dig into it, and solve as many proofs as possible. I am not sure any other courses could have prepared me for it. The good news is that professors in these courses know the material is hard, and they do try to help.

If you go the traditional algebra / topology / analysis sequence that a pure mathematician has to go through, you will end up taking as many as six or more of these courses.

But there are other paths for you, particularly if you want to teach at a junior college (most MS programs will let you do one of these options, or others, as an alternative to a pure math track):

1. You can emphasize mathematics education, in which case you might take a graduate algebra course, and then select a grouping of less intensive courses. Or more preferrably,

2. You might emphasize applied math, and take graduate differential equations, graduate applied analysis, graduate level discrete math, and then undergraduate abstract algebra.

I would recommend one of these two options, as either one will serve you just as well as the pure math track in teaching at a junior college. Think of it this way: in a junior college you will need to be able to teach remedial math, college algebra, discrete math, calculus 1-3, linear algebra and differential equations. You should be able to do that after a good program with an applied math emphasis.

You do not have to go with an overload of theory (proof oriented) courses unless you plan to pursue a pure math Phd (which you would need in order to teach math at a four-year college or university).

Incidentally, the following book outlines the material that graduate students are generally assumed to know:

All the Mathematics You Missed [But Need To Know For Graduate School], Thomas Garrity, Lori Pedersen

http://www.amazon.com/All-Mathematics-You-Missed-Graduate/dp/0521797071/sr=8-1/qid=1169701772/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-2192952-8019152?ie=UTF8&s=books