Degrees and Credit
Degrees
Through the Graduate College of the University of Illinois, the Department of Mathematics offers programs of study in three different curricula: Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, and the Teaching of Mathematics. These programs lead to the following degrees:
- the Ph.D. in Mathematics (Code: 10KS0439PHD)
- the Master of Science (Code:10KS0439MS)
- the Master of Science in Applied Mathematics (Code: 10KS0327MS, for Actuarial Science option: 10KS0328MS)
- the Master of Science in the Teaching of Mathematics (Code: 10KS0290MS)
Degree choice is made the last time a student registers, before the degree is to be conferred. At that time candidates must indicate on their program request form the degree or certificate for which they are a candidate: Ph.D. or MS; and the curriculum in which they will graduate.
Grades and Credit
Graduate students should enroll for credit in 400- or 500-level mathematics courses. Courses taken below the 400-level cannot be counted for graduate credit (with an exception in the Actuarial Science option). To remain in good standing a candidate for a Master's degree must maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) and a candidate for the Ph.D. must maintain a GPA of at least 3.25. A student's GPA is computed in the following way.
| Letter Grade | Grade Points |
| A+ | 4 |
| A | 4 |
| A- | 3.66 |
| B+ | 3.33 |
| B | 3 |
| B- | 2.66 |
| C+ | 2.33 |
| C | 2 |
| C- | 1.66 |
| D+ | 1.33 |
| D | 1 |
| D- | 0.66 |
| F | 0 |
Although A, B, C, and D are passing grades, no course in which a student has earned a D may be applied to a master's degree and only one unit of C (or C+ or C-) may be used.
Degree Programs in Mathematics and Applied Mathematics
Students should arrange a conference with the Director of Graduate Studies to discuss their degree program soon after arriving on campus. This conference is important in order that students understand what deficiencies they have, if any, select courses that are appropriate for their degree objective, and avoid loss of credit by not duplicating courses previously taken. Any student who wants to write a Master's thesis should consult with the Director of Graduate Studies.