PURE MATHEMATICS (MS)
Engage in the theory and elegance of pure mathematics
Deepen your understanding of classic theorems and structures, on your own schedule. DePaul’s master’s in Pure Mathematics is one of the few evening programs of its type offered in the Chicago area. Focus your research in areas such as
- Algebra (Representation theory, Lie theory, Hopf algebras and quantum groups)
- Analysis (Harmonic, Fourier and functional analysis; Operator algebras; Spectral geometry)
- Combinatorics
- Dynamical systems
- Number theory
- Probability theory
The program is intended for students who will pursue a PhD in Mathematics or a closely related field, or those who wish to teach mathematics at the community college level. It can be completed in two years by taking two classes per quarter (with the option of summer quarter), or in one year (with the option of summer quarter) by taking three classes per quarter. Classes are offered in the evening on the Lincoln Park Campus.
For international students: this is a STEM-designated program, which can qualify you to extend your post-graduation stay in the United States.
Request More InfoAdmission EventsApply
Study in a center for mathematics
Chicago is home to numerous math-related events, institutes and organizations, including DePaul’s own research seminars as well as the annual Chicago Symposium Series and American Women in Mathematics. You’ll have countless opportunities for learning, professional development and networking.
Application Deadlines
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Admission Requirements
Submit an online application, official transcripts and proof of required undergraduate coursework.
Required Courses
You’ll complete 48 quarter hours of coursework and pass two comprehensive examinations in Algebra and Analysis.
6th
DePaul’s mathematics department is ranked 6th in Illinois by College Factual.
100%
of Pure Mathematics graduates were employed, continuing their education or pursuing other goals within six months of graduation.
Nationally recognized faculty
Associate Professor Christopher Drupieski has been recognized for his work with the prestigious Collaboration Grant for Mathematicians from the Simons Foundation. Christopher and his coauthor have worked for several years to understand support varieties, which are mathematical objects that lie at the interface between algebra and geometry. “The most exciting advances in mathematics usually come about in situations like this,” he said, “where there is an interplay between seemingly different branches of knowledge.”
“In addition to mathematic-specific skills, I honed more widely applicable skills such as analytic thinking, project management and creative problem solving. My education led me to question my work and think more critically about processes. Every professor seeks to enable your personal goals, and the program provides the freedom to focus on what you find most important through independent studies and elective courses.”
Matt (MS ’19)
Actuarial Analyst, Allstate
Alumni Network
Graduates of the master’s in Pure Mathematics have gone on to pursue their PhDs at institutions such as the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, City University of New York, University of Iowa and University of Victoria, and have taken jobs at the American Institutes for Research, City Colleges of Chicago and DePaul University.
Scholarships
The Department of Mathematical Sciences hires graduate students as Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) to conduct recitation sections in algebra and calculus. Additionally, a limited number of tuition waivers are awarded each year on a competitive basis. Learn more about the financial aid and scholarship opportunities available to you.
Pure Mathematics Admission Requirements
???To be eligible for admission into the master's program in Pure Mathematics, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or a related field from a regionally accredited college or university. For full admission, applicants must have already completed the following undergraduate-level coursework:
- Two semesters (or three quarters) of single-variable calculus
- One semester (or two quarters) of multivariable calculus
- A course in logic and proofs
- A course in linear algebra
- A course in abstract algebra
- A course in real analysis
Applicants who have not yet completed one or more of the listed prerequisites may be admitted on a conditional basis while they complete the prerequisites at DePaul as undergraduate non-degree seeking students. Interested students should contact the Pure Mathematics program director Yevgenia Kashina (ykashina@depaul.edu) to discuss their options.
Application Instructions
To apply, submit the following:
- A completed application
- Official transcripts detailing coursework from all previous institutions attended.
- International students should also see the International Student Admission Process page for more information.
Application materials can be submitted through the online application or by email to graddepaul@depaul.edu. Additionally, official electronic transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution and can be emailed to gradtranscripts@depaul.edu?. Unofficial transcripts can be submitted for the application review. Official transcripts will be required upon admission. For international transcripts, follow the instructions on the International Student Admission Process page; do not send international transcripts directly to DePaul. Please make sure your name is on all documents.
Transcripts and other required credentials can also be mailed to:
The Office of Graduate Admission
College of Science and Health
DePaul University
2400 N Sheffield Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
Detailed application instructions are posted on the CSH Graduate Admissions page.?
International Admission
English Proficiency
International student applicants must submit proof of English language proficiency in order to be reviewed for admission. The College of Science and Health accepts scores from the TOEFL, the IELTS and the Duolingo English Test (DET) as proof of English proficiency. Students who have previously earned an undergraduate or graduate degree in a country where the official native language is recognized as English may be exempt from the English language proficiency requirement.
To be considered English language proficient, the College of Science and Health requires a score of at least 80 on the iBT TOEFL with a minimum score of 17 on each section, or at least 6.5 on the IELTS or at least 110 on the DET.
Applicants whose English language proficiency scores are below the stated minimums but who otherwise meet all admission requirements may be granted conditional admission until they demonstrate English proficiency by completing DePaul's English Language Academy program. Requirements for conditional admission are posted on the International Admission website.?
For additional information for international students, please visit the International Student Admission Process page or contact the Pure Mathematics program director Yevgenia Kashina (ykashina@depaul.edu).
Degree Requirements
Course Requirements
At least 48 quarter hours of graduate level work in mathematics and passing two comprehensive examinations in Algebra and Analysis.
Core Courses
Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
---|---|---|
MAT 470 | ADVANCED LINEAR ALGEBRA | 4 |
MAT 471 | GROUP THEORY | 4 |
MAT 472 | FIELDS AND GALOIS THEORY | 4 |
MAT 473 | RINGS AND MODULES | 4 |
MAT 434 | TOPOLOGY | 4 |
MAT 435 | MEASURE THEORY | 4 |
MAT 436 | FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS | 4 |
MAT 437 | COMPLEX ANALYSIS | 4 |
Elective Classes
Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
---|---|---|
Select 16 quarter hours from the following: | 16 | |
MAT 451 |
PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS I | |
MAT 452 |
PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS II | |
MAT 453 |
PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS III | |
MAT 481 |
FOURIER ANALYSIS AND SPECIAL FUNCTIONS | |
MAT 482 |
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS | |
MAT 484 |
MATHEMATICAL MODELING | |
MAT 485 |
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS I | |
MAT 486 |
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS II | |
MAT 494 |
GRAPH THEORY | |
MAT 498 |
PROBLEM SOLVING IN MATHEMATICS | |
MAT 596 |
ADVANCED TOPICS IN ALGEBRA | |
MAT 597 |
ADVANCED TOPICS IN ANALYSIS | |
MAT 598 |
ADVANCED PROBLEM SOLVING IN ALGEBRA AND ANALYSIS | |
MAT 595 |
GRADUATE THESIS RESEARCH (may be repeated up to a maximum of 8 credit hours total) |
?With program director's written approval two of the elective courses can be substituted with graduate courses in other areas, such as Computer Science, Physics, or Mathematical Education.
Content displayed from this DePaul University catalog page.