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Mathematics

“I enjoyed my time as a graduate student in the WIU mathematics department. I was very satisfied with the courses, professors, and experiences offered. Best of all, I was able to get the job I wanted the moment I graduated.”  – David Miller, MS, 2012

“My experience in the WIU MS program has been challenging and extremely rewarding. My professors have pushed me to gain a deeper understanding of mathematics while providing great support and encouragement to succeed. Overall, it has been a wonderful experience I will never forget, and I am happy I chose to attend WIU.” - Erika Hodgson, MS, 2013

"It was great to have the opportunity to teach and to do research, culminating in a thesis. The faculty and staff are very supportive and, gave me a lot more self-confidence about doing mathematics." - Emrah Gunel, MS, 2012

“Through the program, I gained lot of knowledge in mathematics, as well as in working with software such as Matlab and Mathematica. The faculty members are welcoming and helpful, which makes the program enjoyable. My advice is to not limit yourself to the classroom – also seek out independent study with the faculty. That is when you learn the most! “ – Franck Njeunje, MS, 2013

Students working at computers


The Department of Mathematics at Western Illinois University is committed to fostering a learning community rich in faculty-student interaction, collaboration on research, and promoting among our students an appreciation of mathematics. The Department’s graduate program offers a Master of Science and a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate. The graduate program prepares students for regional and nationwide in-demand professions.

Master of Science in Mathematics

The masters program in the Department of Mathematics provides an alternative to the traditional programs by preparing students who would pursue a career in business, industry, or government, as well as to train mathematicians who would pursue further study towards a doctoral degree. The program offers a sufficiently flexible course structure, built on core courses and a wide range of specialized focus area courses.

MS Program Overview
  • The MS program provides students with solid graduate-level training in the fundamental methods of continuous and discrete mathematics. Both the theoretical framework and the applications of these methods are covered in the core courses.
  • The program also allows students to choose a focus area. The focus is composed of four courses in a single field and helps students gain expertise with key concepts of a field within mathematics, or in a discipline related to mathematics. Diverse options are available for the choice of a focus area, and include: statistics, numerical analysis, the teaching of mathematics, PhD preparation, biology, business, chemistry, computer science, economics, or physics.
  • The program consists of two steps: (1) six courses that lead to a Certificate in Applied Mathematics, and (2) six additional courses that lead to a Master of Science degree in Mathematics.

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Applied Mathematics

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate is designed for graduate-level students who wish to gain proficiency in a broad range of applied mathematics, including applications of mathematics to industry, sciences, finance, computer science, economics, and more. The program provides preparation in applied mathematics, based on sound and rooted theory, thus providing the typical student with the opportunity to pursue and find employment in the professional sector or in education, or to continue further advanced studies. The certificate is designed to be completed within two semesters.

Why Choose Mathematics at WIU?

To prepare to become a computational scientist, statistician, systems analyst, operations research analyst, post secondary teacher, a proficient candidate for a doctoral program in mathematics…

According to the Wall Street Journal, a recently conducted study ranked mathematicians, actuaries and statisticians among the best occupations in the U.S. Various concepts of mathematics are useful to an increasing number of disciplines in which quantification and logical order are essential. The occupational fields open to students who have completed an MS program with a proper selection of focus area include: mathematical analysis in industry or government, teaching, computer-related employment, data analysis and other statistical work, and mathematical aspects of business and finance. The Department provides an option for Teacher Certification (certification as secondary teachers). Requirements are sufficiently flexible to allow for individual interests and specialization based upon career goals.

Our Faculty

The faculty at the Department include: ten graduate faculty and ten associate graduate faculty with PhDs from Cornell University, University of Illinois, Russian Academy of Sciences, Ohio State, and Pennsylvania State University, among other universities.

Graduate Student Achievements (coming soon)

Extracurricular Opportunities

The Department supports a Math Club to unite both graduate and undergraduate math students, to strengthen the relationship between students and professors, to provide information about careers, and to have fun while exploring mathematics.

The department supports a chapter of Kappa Mu Epsilon (KME) through which graduate students may serve as collaborators and mediators in fostering undergraduate research.

Student Colloquia in Mathematics provide students an opportunity to learn about research trends and to present their own research.

Interested students organize study groups for preparing for tests, such as the GRE, GMAT, Putnam, etc.

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  • Degrees Available:
    • M.S.
  • Locations:
    • Macomb
  • Required GPA:
    • Cumulative: 2.75 or
    • Last 2 years: 3.0
  • Admission Requirements:
    • Transcripts
  • Interesting Facts: Fall 2012
    • Currently enrolled: 13
    • International: 8
    • Minority: 0
    • Male: 7
    • Female: 6
    • Students with Assistantships: 12

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