Students choosing the Pure Mathematics emphasis in the Master of Science in Mathematics degree work closely with expert faculty to build advanced knowledge and skills for careers in industry, government, and academia.
Required Emphasis Courses
In addition to the core courses, take at least 2 of the following:
- MATH506 – Advanced Algebra (3)
- MATH507 – Advanced Number Theory (3)
- MATH509 – Symmetric Key Cryptography and Cryptanalysis (3)
- MATH512 – Advanced Topology (3)
- MATH522 – Advanced Set Theory (3)
Faculty Expertise
Students who choose this emphasis work with faculty in the Set Theory & Logic group, the Cryptology group, and the Topology & Algebra group to design a customized degree plan. The faculty teach many of the courses in the program, offer mentoring and research opportunities, and advise students in their culminating activity (typically a thesis or project).
Student Highlight: Jacob Miller
Jacob Miller (M.S. in Math, Pure Math Emphasis, 2023) completed the accelerated Master’s program and worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant while researching symbolic dynamics.
Thesis: A Survey of the Classification of 1-Dimensional Shift Systems
Personal Quote: “I really enjoyed my time as a graduate student at Boise State. The department is full of wonderful people; the faculty and staff were always helpful and supportive, and I felt that they truly cared about setting me up for future success. I think the pure mathematics emphasis offers a very good foundation for further research in mathematics. It gave me a solid grounding in the fundamentals but also allowed for some freedom to explore special topics I was interested in. I think the program really gave me the confidence I needed to pursue a Ph.D. and an academic career.
I’m also grateful for the opportunity to work as a teaching assistant in the Math Learning Center. Not only did this provide me with financial stability during grad school, but it gave me a chance to develop my teaching skills in a structured, relaxed environment alongside other grad students. It was a very positive experience that helped me build community and enhanced my learning.”
Next: Ph.D. in Mathematics, University of Idaho