Doctor of Arts in Mathematics

The Doctor of Arts program in mathematics is designed to prepare the student for a teaching career in institutions of higher learning. The program emphasizes broad competence in mathematics rather than specialization and makes provision for classroom teaching experience.

Admission

Admission to the D.A. program requires the completion of the requirements for a master's degree equivalent to the M.S. in mathematics at Idaho State University with a 3.5 GPA in all graduate work. The aptitude portion of the Graduate Record Examination is required with a minimum score at the 50th percentile. The aptitude percentile is determined by averaging the percentiles of the quantitative, verbal and analytical sections.

Applicants will be selected according to the following criteria:

1. Measure of success in completing the master's program
2. Satisfactory GRE scores
3. Teaching experience
4. Three letters of recommendation
5. Applicant's letter discussing reasons for wishing to pursue this specific program. Residence

   Six semester hours beyond the master's degree may be transferred into the program. Two consecutive semesters of full-time study are required in residence.

   Committees and Advising

   The student will be advised initially by the departmental graduate committee. This group will be the student's temporary advising committee and will assist in the selection of the student's permanent committee who will supervise the remainder of the student's program.

   Requirements

   The program requires coursework, a thesis, teaching internships, and examinations as described below. The program must include a minimum of 48 credits, and at least two 600-level sequences taken in residence. Approval for optional courses is granted by the Mathematics Department Graduate Committee.

   A. Coursework

   1. Mathematics Component

      MATH 625-626	Real Analysis	              6 cr
      MATH 627-628	Complex Analysis	      6 cr
      MATH 631-632	Abstract Algebra	      6 cr
      MATH 671-672	Topology	              6 cr
      

      Twelve additional 600-level Mathematics credits, including one full-year sequence

   2. Interdisciplinary and Applied Mathematics Component

      MATH 550-551 Mathematical Statistics

      Nine additional hours of approved interdisciplinary or applied mathematics coursework

   3. Education Component

      EDUC 676	College and University Teaching, 
                      or an approved related course
      MATH 692	Doctor of Arts Seminar
      MATH 693	Mathematical Exposition
      
      

      An approved course in technical or expository writing

      B. Doctor of Arts Thesis

      The Doctor of Arts Thesis is an expository or research paper in mathematics or mathematics education. Six hours of course credit are given for the completion of the thesis.

      C. Teaching Internship

      Each candidate must complete teaching internships under the supervision of the departmental Graduate Committee. Six hours of course credit must be earned in MATH 700 Supervised Teaching Internship.

      D. Examinations

      1. DA Written Examination: A written comprehensive examination on undergraduate-level mathematics.
      2. Oral Examination: An oral examination on graduate-level mathematics including the four areas of competence described in Section A. above, and the candidate's program of graduate coursework.
      3. Final Examination: The candidate will present to the public a lecture on the candidate's dissertation, and will answer any questions that arise. Following the lecture and question period, the candidate will be examined orally by the candidate's dissertation committee on topics related to the dissertation.