Program Purpose and Objectives

The general objective of the Department of Mathematics at Brigham Young University, as related to the degrees offered by the department, is to teach mathematics and mathematical thinking at the level appropriate to each student. This enables students to employ critical analysis, thoughtful synthesis, logical deduction, and insightful problem solving, not only within mathematics itself but also in a wide variety of natural and man-made situations

MS OBJECTIVES

The Master of Science program is specifically designed to help students as they progress towards becoming independent mathematical thinkers, and participate in advancing the frontiers of mathematical knowledge. The program also prepares students for positions in business and industry that require advanced mathematics skills, critical analysis, thoughtful synthesis, and insightful and independent problem solving.

PH.D. OBJECTIVES

The specific purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy program in mathematics is to prepare students for a career in research and teaching at the university level. It also prepares them for professions that require independent mathematical research, advanced mathematical knowledge, critical analysis, thoughtful synthesis, and insightful and independent problem solving. It gives students an opportunity to become full contributors to the important and exciting process of extending the frontiers of mathematical knowledge.

The underlying philosophy of the program is that graduate-level mathematics is both enabling and ennobling. Mathematical knowledge, logical reasoning, and the ability to solve problems and discover mathematical truths are powerful and important skills that promote student success in a wide range of academic, professional, or business-related careers.

But more importantly, deep and careful mathematical thought expands both the mind and the soul. It increases understanding of many things, both physical and spiritual. Our purpose in this program is to enrich the spiritual and temporal lives of our students by sharing the beauty and power of mathematics with them.

The accomplishment of these objectives requires the students to gain a deep understanding of and appreciation for mathematics, its versatility, depth, and power. They must also understand important ideas of the main mathematical subdisciplines and the relationship of mathematics to other subjects.

Finally, students should be able to work independently, without the direct supervision and guidance of a senior mathematician. The development of this independence is certainly begun at the undergraduate and master’s levels, but for most students it can only be fully achieved at the doctoral level. Although coursework plays some role in the requirements for the Ph.D. in mathematics, the most important element is the dissertation, a significant and substantial work of original mathematical research.

Specific goals of the programs

The specific goals of the MS in mathematics are to help each individual student.

Achieve an understanding of graduate-level mathematics, including several areas such as analysis, algebra, topology, and applied mathematics.
Achieve depth and application in a specialized area.
Develop mathematical research skills.
Develop problem-solving skills applicable to a wide variety of settings.
Learn to communicate complex ideas effectively and demonstrate sound reasoning in both quantitative and qualitative settings.
Acquire the mathematical foundation necessary to enter a variety of opportunities in occupations and further schooling.
Relate knowledge of mathematics and mathematical processes to physical, natural, and social sciences, humanities, and other human endeavors.
Develop a reasoned relationship between secular knowledge and spiritual insight that fosters faith and commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ and leads to lifelong learning and service.

The specific goals of the Ph.D. in mathematics are to help each individual student.

Achieve a broad understanding of graduate-level mathematics, including several areas such as analysis, algebra, topology, and applied mathematics.
Achieve depth and a thorough knowledge of current developments in a specialized area.
Develop mathematical research skills at the doctoral level, discovering significant new results in mathematics or solving outstanding problems.
Develop expository skills that will allow communication of future research results with the academic world.
Learn to communicate complex ideas effectively and to reason soundly in both quantitative and qualitative settings.
Acquire the expertise necessary to continue to contribute to the frontiers of mathematical knowledge.
Relate knowledge of mathematics and mathematical processes to physical, natural, and social sciences, humanities, and other human endeavors.
Develop a reasoned relationship between secular knowledge and spiritual insight that fosters faith and commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ and leads to lifelong learning and service.