Graduate Programs In Mathematics

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Master of Science in Applied Statistics

The University of the Incarnate Word's (UIW) Department of Mathematical Sciences offers a graduate program in applied statistics. The Master of Science in Applied Statistics (MSAS) degree will provide students with a comprehensive study of the theory and application of probability and statistics with specific emphasis in solving practical problems. Students, as part of their study program, will tutor undergraduate students of statistics and work with industry clients on actual projects.

Students completing the degree will be prepared for professional careers as applied statisticians in a variety of fields, such as medicine, biology, banking, insurance, environmental science, and manufacturing.

The E-Cube Statistical Consulting Laboratory and the MSAS program

The UIW Department of Mathematical Sciences has been recognized by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) with a grant to implement a statistical consulting laboratory (the E-Cube lab) into the Master of Science in Applied Statistics program.

As part of the USDA/NIFA grant, the Department of Mathematical Sciences at UIW will recruit a total of 11 students for the cohort that will start the program in fall 2013. This cohort will matriculate through a preparation summer course and the five-semester graduate statistics program that will lead to the award of a MSAS in spring 2015.

One student will receive a full tuition scholarship for each of the five semesters through graduation. The remaining ten students will receive a stipend each of the five semesters. Also, in each academic year, three students will be sponsored to attend national conferences and another four students will be sponsored to attend regional meetings.

The creation of the E-cube lab is in alignment with UIW's strategic goal of improving the quality of the MSAS program and the learning experience through practical application of theoretical knowledge that increases students' education, engagement, and employability (E-Cube).

The MSAS operates in cohorts that start in the fall semester of odd years and it lasts five semesters. However, candidates will be asked to complete a free preparation course during the first summer session prior to the beginning of the program in the fall. Candidates will take an exam at the end of this course. Students who pass this exam will be officially admitted to the program. Students who do not pass the exam will be given a second opportunity.

Students admitted to the program will attend the Tutoring and Teaching workshop prior to the beginning of the fall semester. This workshop will prepare MSAS students to complete the first part of the practicum that consists of tutoring and teaching undergraduate students enrolled in statistics courses during the first two semesters of the program. Tutoring will develop students' ability to clearly and concisely explain complex statistical concepts. This ability will be a valuable asset to students working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, many of whom have a limited knowledge of statistics.

By the end of the first summer session in the program, students will have taken the core courses in probability and statistical theory, statistical methods and design of experiments. Then, in the second summer session, students will attend a workshop on consulting practice where they will learn to work in teams, use problem solving methods, manage projects, communicate with clients, etc. Upon completion of this workshop, students will start the second part of their practicum. Students will be assigned to teams of 2-3 students. Each team then will be assigned to a consulting project that local businesses or government institutions have brought to the E-Cube lab. Students are expected to participate as statistical experts in a team assembled by the client. The objective is to work cooperatively with the client to find a solution that effectively and efficiently addresses the client's problem.

Upon completion of the consulting project, students will write a thesis-like report about their consulting engagement. They will present the outcome of their project to their client and to the Industry Advisory Board, composed of representatives from local and regional businesses and governmental organizations. Consulting will develop the students' ability to communicate with clients, follow a structured approach to problem solving, work in a team environment, communicate effectively, and manage projects, as well as exhibit their abilities to potential employers.

The Department of Mathematical Sciences is committed to the success of the MSAS student. For this purpose, the E-Cube lab director will closely oversee and support student tutoring and consulting activities and student access to statistical software packages needed for course work and consulting. Meetings between faculty and students will be regularly scheduled to review progress and provide advice. Experts in the application of statistical methods will be invited regularly to share their experience and knowledge.

Degree Requirements

Students will complete a minimum of 36 hours of approved graduate coursework toward the Master of Science. Of these, three hours will be credited for structured tutoring of undergraduate students and six hours for working on at least one consulting project.

Core Courses

• Advanced Probability and Statistical Inference I
• Advanced Probability and Statistical Inference II
• Statistical Methods I
• Statistical Methods II
• Design of Experiments
• Categorical Data Analysis
• Practicum (tutoring and consulting)

Elective courses include (but not limited to):

• Survival Analysis and Reliability
• Time Series Analysis and Forecasting
• Multivariate Analysis

Admission Requirements

Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 3.75 or higher do not need to take the general GRE exam to be considered for the program. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.75 are required to take the GRE exam and obtain a minimum combined score for the verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning of 300 before they can be admitted to the program.

The curriculum is designed for those students with backgrounds in mathematics, the sciences, engineering, and business administration.

The prerequisite knowledge consists of the following courses which should be completed prior to start of the proposed program.

• Calculus I
• Calculus II
• Calculus III
• Linear Algebra
• Introduction to Probability and Statistics

Although not required, it is recommended that students have some experience in computer programming (FORTRAN, C, etc.) and use of statistical packages, as well as undergraduate knowledge of general statistical methods and real analysis.

A mandatory free preparation course will be offered during the first summer session for those students pre-admitted to the program. Upon the successful completion of the preparation program, students will be formally accepted to the program.

Contact Information

Department of Mathematics
University of the Incarnate Word
4301 Broadway
CPO 311 San Antonio, TX 78209
Phone: 210-829-3170
Fax: 210-829-3153
E-mail: @uiwtx.edu

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Mathematics with a concentration in Teaching

Admissions requirements

Students applying for degree seeking status must fulfill the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School and the following:

• 18 hours of undergraduate mathematics
• GPA of 3.0 or better in mathematics
• GRE minimum score of 1000 total of Verbal and Quantitative sections
• Letter of recommendation by a professional in the field
• Writing sample submitted with the application
• Teaching experience at the precollege level

Degree Requirements

Mathematics Core (15 Hours)

• MATH 6334 Introduction to Abstract Algebra
• MATH 6338 Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Geom
• MATH 6336 Introduction to Number Theory
• MATH 6332 Introduction to Analysis
• MATH 6355 History of Contemporary Mathematics

Mathematics Teaching Electives (Choose 12 Hours)

• MATH 6370 Content and Pedagogy K-5
• MATH 6372 Integrated Math/Science K-5
• MATH 6375 Content and Pedagogy 6-12
• MATH 6376 Integrated Math/Science 6-8
• MATH 6381 Integrated Math/Science 9-12

Electives (Choose 6 Hours)

• MATH 6385 Instructional Technology
• EDUC 6304 Theories of Learning
• MATH 6348 Intro. to Mathematics Educ. Lit.

• MATH 6390 Capstone in Mathematics Teaching

Total - 36 Hours

Contact Information

Dr. Paul Messina, MA Program Coordinator
Department of Mathematics
University of the Incarnate Word
4301 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 832-5665
messina@uiwtx.edu