Department of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Engineering Technology

Program Description

The Department of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Engineering Technology offers a Master of Science Degree in Mathematics with Concentrations in Applied Mathematics, Remote Sensing, Mathematics Education, and Community College Teaching. The program provides a broad base of formal course work and research in mathematics, and it requires students to complete a thesis or action research project. The Applied Mathematics concentration provides the depth required for preparation for further graduate studies or careers in industry. The Remote Sensing concentration provides instruction in active and passive remote sensing techniques and applications. In order to satisfy the thesis requirement, students may select expository or original research topics in mathematics education or in pure or applied mathematics, including investigations involving statistics or computer applications. Individuals pursuing the Mathematics Education concentration must have a current “A” teaching license issued by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The Mathematics Education concentration instills the pedagogical content knowledge required for teaching at the secondary level. Graduates of the Mathematics Education concentration will emerge with an advanced “M” license and will be equipped with the tools necessary to serve as leaders in the evaluation of curricula and in the development and implementation of professional development programs. The Community College concentration provides the content and pedagogical knowledge necessary to teach at the community college level. Graduates will be well-versed in educational research methods and assessment techniques. The selection and completion of a thesis or action research topic will be overseen by a faculty advisor together with a thesis committee. A total of 36 credit hours is required to complete the degree. The program is designed for completion in four to six semesters, depending on whether or not students enroll full-time.

Educational Objectives

The Master of Science Program in Mathematics at Elizabeth City State University is designed to provide the breadth of exposure in mathematics and to enhance the intellectual attitudes and the analytical skills needed for the comprehension, appreciation, creation, application, and teaching of mathematics. The program will provide students with an opportunity for utilizing technology to improve learning mathematics, for exploring connections between various areas of mathematics, for developing good mathematical skills, for developing independent and group learning skills, and for researching best practices in teaching and learning mathematics. The structure of the program will offer graduates significant training for careers as mathematical scientists in business, government, and industry.

Admission Requirements

A Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution in mathematics, or a relate field (such as computer science, statistics, science, engineering, or education with a minor in mathematics); undergraduate preparation should include the equivalent of Calculus III, Linear Algebra, and Statistics;
A minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or a 3.0 average for the last four semesters (60 credit hours) of study for the bachelor’s degree. Applicants may be admitted without reference to their baccalaureate record if they earned at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA in a master’s degree program completed at an accredited college or university or if they earned at least a 3.3 cumulative GPA for at least 12 credit hours of a master’s or doctoral degree program;
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) is recommended, but not required;
$30 non-refundable application fee;
Typewritten one-page expository description of student’s educational preparation, research interest, and experience, if any, and career aspirations;
Two sets of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended and official indication of graduation (if not in English, certified English translations must be included);
Three Graduate Recommendation Forms in sealed envelopes;
Copy of TOEFL score, if applicable (original should be sent from testing agency); and
Completed ECSU health form

Course Load

Nine (9) semester hours are required for full time status.

Transfer Credits

No more than six (6) graduate credit hours may be transferred from other institutions.

Time Limit

The program is designed for completion in four to six semesters, depending on the number of credits taken per semester. However, the degree program must be completed within six successive calendar years. Programs remaining incomplete after this period are subject to cancellation.

Thesis/Action Research Requirements

Students will choose a faculty member (with the approval of the Coordinator of Graduate Program) in his or her area of interest to direct development of the thesis or action research project. The thesis/action research project topic selection and completion will be directed by the faculty advisor and three faculty members – two within the department and one outside the department. The thesis will be defended at an open seminar and approved by the thesis committee.

Grade Requirements

Students must earn a 3.0 overall grade point average in graduate coursework in order to graduate. Students are limited to a total of two C’s in their graduate coursework. Any student earning three C’s will be dropped from the program.

Degree Requirements

The degree requirements are:

Complete a minimum of 36 hours of graduate credit applicable to the program:
Complete a thesis; and
Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0

For more information, please contact:
Dr. Julian A. D. Allagan, Graduate Program Coordinator
Campus Box 951
1704 Weeksville Rd.
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Phone: 252.335.3509
Fax: 252.335.3487
adallagan@ecsu.edu

Academic Catalog