Matt Clay
Chair of the Department
309 Science Engineering Building
479-575-5195
Email: mattclay@uark.edu

Andrew Raich
Graduate Coordinator
327 Science-Engineering Building
Email: araich@uark.edu

Department of Mathematical Sciences Website

Degrees Conferred:
M.S., Ph.D. (MATH)

Primary Areas of Faculty Research: Analysis, algebra, geometric topology, numerical analysis, statistics.

M.S. in Mathematics

Prerequisites to Degree Program: Prospective candidates for the Master of Science degree in Mathematics are expected to have completed a program equivalent to that required by the department for a B.S. degree, as set forth in the current catalog of the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. Deficiencies may be removed either by taking the appropriate undergraduate courses or by examination. In addition to the application for admission to the Graduate School and the transcripts required for Graduate School admission, applicants for admission to the degree programs of the Department of Mathematical Sciences must submit a) three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant’s previous academic and professional performance and b) official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (General Test).

The degree of Master of Science is intended for collegiate teachers of mathematics, non-teaching professional mathematicians, and those who desire to continue advanced study.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree: This degree is offered under three separate options: a general option, a computational mathematics option, and a thesis option. The general and thesis options are intended for students who plan to be collegiate teachers of mathematics, continue advanced study in mathematics, or obtain a broad background for preparation as a non-teaching professional mathematician. The computational mathematics option is intended for students who intend to specialize in computational and applied mathematics in preparation for professional employment in an interdisciplinary or computationally intensive environment.

The program of a candidate will be determined in conference with the candidate’s graduate adviser. A comprehensive examination must be passed by each candidate for the Master of Science degree. It should be taken near the end of the last semester of residence. At least four weeks prior to the scheduled date, students must notify the department of their intention to take the examination. No student may take the comprehensive examination more than three times. MATH 504V, MATH 507V, MATH 5013, and MATH 5033 are not applicable to the Master of Science degree in mathematics. The program will include at least two semesters of one-hour credit in MATH 510V Mathematics Seminar.

All candidates must complete a minimum of 32 semester hours of approved graduate course work, including 12 semester hours in mathematics at the 5000-6000 level (excluding MATH 510V). All selected courses are subject to the approval of the Graduate Committee.

Students in the general option may include up to nine semester hours of graduate work in courses outside the department. The comprehensive examination for the general option will be a written exam including material covered in graduate course work.

The candidate for the computational mathematics option must include at least six but not more than twelve semester hours of graduate work in courses outside of mathematics. The comprehensive examination for the computational mathematics option will be similar to the examination for the general option but must include material covered in six semester hours of MATH 5393  (formerly MATH 4353) and MATH 5383 (formerly MATH 4363).

Students in the thesis option must complete 6 semester hours of MATH 610V with the candidate's thesis adviser, which will count toward the 32 semester hours of approved graduate course work.  In addition to a written comprehensive exam, the candidate will be required to complete an oral defense of the thesis.  Reading copies of the thesis should be delivered to members of the Thesis Committee at least three weeks prior to undertaking the final examination.

Students should also be aware of Graduate School requirements with regard to master's degrees.

Ph.D. in Mathematics

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree: Candidates for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy with a major in mathematics will be required to earn not less than 60 semester hours of course credit beyond the bachelor’s degree in mathematics and closely related fields. The number of hours and the courses for each student will be determined by the advisory committee. The candidate must fulfill the course requirements for the Master of Science degree in mathematics.

The basic requirement for the Ph.D. degree is the preparation of an acceptable dissertation. This dissertation must demonstrate the candidate’s ability to do independent, original, and significant work in mathematics. It is required that this dissertation possess the degree of excellence of research papers ordinarily published in the leading mathematical journals.

Students should also be aware of Graduate School requirements with regard to doctoral degrees.

A comprehensive examination is given each year during the weeks preceding the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. This examination is taken by all students in the graduate program who have completed the course requirements for the M.S. degree. The prospective candidate for the Ph.D. will be allowed to take the examination at most three times. A third failure to qualify eliminates a student from the graduate program in mathematics. After qualifying, a candidacy examination will be given covering the intended areas of specialization beyond the level of the qualifying comprehensive examination. It may be repeated once.

Students who wish to specialize in mathematics education must complete four education graduate courses to study quantitative methods in education research and qualitative methods in education research. The recommended courses are ESRM 6413, ESRM 6423, ESRM 6533, and ESRM 6653, although these may be altered depending on the student's previous study of STAT courses. Students must complete 15 hours of independent study in mathematics education to prepare for dissertation research. The areas of this study are: K-14 curriculum; learning theory; art of teaching and teacher education; and assessment and technology. The 15 hours must include a three-hour research project that will result in a pre-dissertation research report.

In addition to extending knowledge by personal reading and research, a doctoral graduate in mathematics will normally communicate knowledge to others. Therefore each student in the Ph.D. program is required to acquire the equivalent of one semester of full-time experience in teaching; this requirement may be fulfilled by part-time experience over several semesters. Typically, teaching assistantship appointments will satisfy this requirement, but other similar experience may qualify as approved by the department.

Graduate Faculty

Arnold, Mark E., Ph.D., B.S. (Northern Illinois University), A.S. (Rock Valley College), Associate Professor, 1993, 1999.
Barton, Ariel, Ph.D., M.S. (University of Chicago), B.S. (Harvey Mudd College), Associate Professor, 2016, 2021.
Bradshaw, Zachary, Ph.D. (University of Virginia), B.S. (Virginia Commonwealth University), Associate Professor, 2017, 2022.
Brewer, Dennis W., Ph.D., M.A. (University of Wisconsin), B.A. (Sterling College), Professor, 1975, 1990.
Chakraborty, Avishek, Ph.D (Duke University), M.S., B.S. (Indian Statistical Institute), Associate Professor, 2014, 2020.
Clay, Matt, Ph.D., M.S. (University of Utah), B.S. (University of Oregon), Associate Professor, 2012, 2015.
Day, Matthew B., Ph.D., M.S. (University of Chicago), B.S. (University of Texas), Associate Professor, 2011, 2016.
Dingman, Shannon Wayne, Ph.D., M.S. (University of Missouri-Columbia), M.S. (Pittsburg State University), Professor, 2007, 2020.
Feldman, William A., Ph.D. (Queen’s University), M.S. (Northwestern University), B.S. (Tufts University), Professor, 1971.
Goodman-Strauss, Chaim, Ph.D., B.S. (University of Texas at Austin), Professor, 1994, 2006.
Harrington, Phil, Ph.D., M.S. (University of Notre Dame), B.S. (Whitworth College), Professor, 2009, 2019.
Harriss, Edmund O., Ph.D. (Imperial College, London), M.M. (University of Warwick), Assistant Professor, 2010, 2022.
Johnson, Mark, Ph.D. (Michigan State University), M.S. (Purdue University), B.S. (City University of New York, Brooklyn College), Professor, 1995, 2015.
Kaman, Tulin, Ph.D. (Stony Brook University), M.S. (Istanbul Technical University), B.S. (Yildiz Technical University), Assistant Professor, 2017.
Luecking, Daniel H., Ph.D., M.S., B.A. (University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign), Professor, 1981, 1990.
Mantero, Paolo, Ph.D. (Purdue University), M.Sc., B.Sc. (University of Genova, Italy), Associate Professor, 2015, 2021.
Miller, Lance E., Ph.D. (University of Connecticut), M.S. (New Mexico State University), Associate Professor, 2013, 2019.
Namakshi, Nama, Ph.D., M.Ed. (Texas State University), B.S. (Angelo State University), Teaching Assistant Professor, 2016.
Niu, Wenbo, Ph.D. (University of Illinois at Chicago), M.S., B.S. (Fudan University, China), Associate Professor, 2015, 2021.
Padgett, Joshua, Ph.D. (Baylor University), B.S. (Gardner-Webb University), Assistant Professor, 2020.
Petris, Giovanni, Ph.D., M.S. (Duke University), B.S. (Universita degli Studi di Milano, Italy), Professor, 1999, 2015.
Raich, Andrew Seth, Ph.D., M.A. (University of Wisconsin-Madison), B.A. (Williams College), Professor, 2008, 2018.
Rieck, Yo'av, Ph.D. (University of Texas at Austin), B.A. (Israel Institute of Technology), Professor, 2000, 2010.
Robinson, Samantha, Ph.D., M.S., B.S. (University of Arkansas), Teaching Associate Professor, Julia A. Hicks Chair, 2015, 2022.
Ryan, John, Ph.D. (University of York), M.Sc. (University of Warwick), B.A. (University of York, Britain), Distinguished Professor, 1990, 2019.
Tipton, John, Ph.D., M.S., B.S., (Colorado State University), Assistant Professor, 2017.
Tjani, Maria, Ph.D. (Michigan State University), M.S. (Purdue University), B.S. (University of Ioannina, Greece), Professor, 2003, 2020.
Van Horn-Morris, Jeremy, Ph.D. (University of Texas at Austin), B.S. (University of Oregon), Associate Professor, 2012, 2018.
Woodland, Janet C., Ph.D., M.A. (State University of New York at Stony Brook), B.A. (King's College), Teaching Assistant Professor, 1993.
Zhang, Qingyang, Ph.D. (Northwestern University), M.S. (Loyola University–Chicago), B.S. (Beijing Normal University), Associate Professor, 2015, 2021.

Courses

MATH 5013. Abstract Algebra with Connections to School Mathematics. 3 Hours.

Basic structures of abstract algebra (rings, fields, groups, modules and vector spaces) with emphasis on rings and fields as generalizations of the ring of integers and field of rational numbers. Graduate degree credit will not be awarded for both MATH 4113 (or MATH 5123) and MATH 5013. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Irregular)

MATH 5023. Geometry with Connections to School Mathematics. 3 Hours.

School geometry from an advanced perspective including conformity to the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. Study will include historical developments and geometry based on transformations of two- and three-dimensional space. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall Odd Years)

MATH 5033. Advanced Calculus with Connections to School Mathematics Teaching. 3 Hours.

Rigorous development of the real numbers, continuity, differentiation, and integration. Graduate degree credit will not be awarded for both MATH 4513 (or MATH 5503) and MATH 5033. Prerequisite: Departmental consent. (Typically offered: Irregular)

MATH 504V. Special Topics for Teachers. 1-6 Hour.

Current topics in mathematics of interest to secondary school teachers. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for degree credit.

MATH 5053. Probability & Statistics with Connections to School Mathematics. 3 Hours.

An advanced perspective of probability and statistics as contained in the high school mathematics curriculum with connections to other components of school mathematics. The content is guided by the content of the high school probability and statistics of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Spring)

MATH 507V. Professional Development for Secondary Mathematics Teaching. 1-6 Hour.

Validated participation in professional development mathematics workshops or institutes sanctioned by national or international educational organizations such as the College Board, International Baccalaureate Program, and the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Prerequisite: Enrollment in Secondary Mathematics Teaching, MA degree program or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

MATH 510V. Mathematical Seminar. 1-3 Hour.

Members of the faculty and advanced students meet for presentation and discussion of topics. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in mathematics or statistics, or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring) May be repeated for up to 3 hours of degree credit.

MATH 5113. Introduction to Abstract Algebra II. 3 Hours.

Topics in abstract algebra including finite abelian groups, linear groups, factorization in commutative rings and Galois theory. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both MATH 4113 and MATH 5113. Prerequisite: MATH 3113. (Typically offered: Spring)

MATH 5123. Algebra I. 3 Hours.

What the beginning graduate student should know about algebra: groups, rings, fields, modules, algebras, categories, homological algebra, and Galois Theory. Prerequisite: MATH 3113, and graduate standing in mathematics or statistics, or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Fall)

MATH 5133. Algebra II. 3 Hours.

Continuation of MATH 5123. Prerequisite: MATH 5123, and graduate standing in mathematics or statistics. (Typically offered: Spring)

MATH 5153. Advanced Linear Algebra. 3 Hours.

Linear functionals, matrix representation of linear transformations, scalar product, and spectral representation of linear transformations. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both MATH 4103 and MATH 5153. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall)

MATH 5163. Dynamic Models in Biology. 3 Hours.

Mathematical and computational techniques for developing, executing, and analyzing dynamic models arising in the biological sciences. Both discrete and continuous time models are studied. Applications include population dynamics, cellular dynamics, and the spread of infectious diseases. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both MATH 4163 and MATH 5163. Prerequisite: MATH 2554. (Typically offered: Irregular)

MATH 5213. Advanced Calculus I. 3 Hours.

The real and complex number systems, basic set theory and topology, sequences and series, continuity, differentiation, and Taylor's theorem. Emphasis is placed on careful mathematical reasoning. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both MATH 4513 and MATH 5213. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall)

MATH 5223. Advanced Calculus II. 3 Hours.

The Riemann-Stieltjes integral, uniform convergence of functions, Fourier series, implicit function theorem, Jacobians, and derivatives of higher order. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both MATH 4523 and MATH 5223. Prerequisite: MATH 4513 or MATH 5213 (formerly MATH 4513). (Typically offered: Spring)

MATH 525V. Internship in Professional Practice. 1-3 Hour.

Professional work experience involving significant use of mathematics or statistics in business, industry or government. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both MATH 405V and MATH 525V. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 3 hours of degree credit.

MATH 5263. Symbolic Logic I. 3 Hours.

Rigorous analyses of the concepts of proof, consistency, equivalence, validity, implication, and truth. Full coverage of truth-functional logic and quantification theory (predicate calculus). Discussion of the nature and limits of mechanical procedures (algorithms) for proving theorems in logic and mathematics. Informal accounts of the basic facts about infinite sets. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both MATH 4253 and MATH 5263. Prerequisite: MATH 2603, MATH 2803, or PHIL 2203. (Typically offered: Fall)
This course is cross-listed with PHIL 5253.

MATH 5313. Partial Differential Equations. 3 Hours.

Laplace's equation, Heat equation, Wave Equation, Method of Characteristics. Prerequisite: MATH 4423, MATH 4513, and graduate standing in mathematics or statistics, or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Fall)

MATH 5323. Partial Differential Equations II. 3 Hours.

Fourier Transforms, Sobolev Spaces, Elliptic Regularity. Prerequisite: MATH 5313 and graduate standing in mathematics or statistics, or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Spring)

MATH 5353. Mathematical Modeling. 3 Hours.

Mathematical techniques for formulating, analyzing, and criticizing deterministic models taken from the biological, social, and physical sciences. Techniques include graphical methods, stability, optimization, and phase plane analysis. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both MATH 4153 and MATH 5353. Prerequisite: MATH 2584. (Typically offered: Irregular)

MATH 5363. Scientific Computation and Numerical Methods. 3 Hours.

An introduction to numerical methods used in solving various problems in engineering and the sciences. May not earn credit for this course and MATH 4353 or MATH 4363. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in mathematics or statistics, or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Fall)
This course is cross-listed with PHYS 5363.

MATH 5373. Finite Element Methods and Solution of Sparse Linear. 3 Hours.

Provides an in-depth understanding of numerical methods for the solution of partial differential equations using Finite Element Methods, Direct and Iterative Methods for the Sparse Linear Systems. Prerequisite: MATH 5393. (Typically offered: Spring)

MATH 5383. Numerical Analysis. 3 Hours.

General iterative techniques, error analysis, root finding, interpolation, approximation, numerical integration, and numerical solution of differential equations. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both MATH 4363 and MATH 5383. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall)

MATH 5393. Numerical Linear Algebra. 3 Hours.

Numerical methods for problems of linear algebra, including the solution of very large systems, eigenvalues, and eigenvectors. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both MATH 4353 and MATH 5393. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Spring)
This course is equivalent to MATH 4353.

MATH 5403. Numerical Linear Algebra II. 3 Hours.

Provides an in-depth understanding of numerical methods for the solution of large scale eigenvalue problems arising in science and engineering applications including theory, implementation and applications. Prerequisite: MATH 5393. (Typically offered: Fall)

MATH 5423. Introduction to Partial Differential Equations. 3 Hours.

Separation of variables, Fourier transform, and Laplace transform methods for the solution of partial differential equations. Topics include Fourier series, Fourier-Bessel series, orthogonal expansions, and the error function. Does not count towards degree credit in MATH. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

MATH 5443. Complex Variables. 3 Hours.

Complex analysis, series, and conformal mapping. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both MATH 4443 and MATH 5443. Prerequisite: MATH 2603 or MATH 2803, and MATH 2584 or MATH 2584C. (Typically offered: Fall)

MATH 5453. Functional Analysis I. 3 Hours.

Banach Spaces, Hilbert Spaces, operator theory, compact operators, dual spaces and adjoints, spectral theory, Hahn-Banach, open mapping and closed graph theorems, uniform boundedness principle, weak topologies. Prerequisite: MATH 5513, and graduate standing in mathematics or statistics, or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Spring Odd Years)

MATH 5503. Theory of Functions of a Real Variable I. 3 Hours.

Real number system, Lebesque measure, Lebesque integral, convergence theorems, differentiation of monotone functions, absolute continuity and the fundamental theorem of calculus L^P spaces, Holder and Minkowski inequalities, and bounded linear functionals on the L^P spaces. Prerequisite: MATH 4523 or MATH 5223 (formerly MATH 4523), and graduate standing in mathematics or statistics, or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Fall)

MATH 5513. Theory of Functions of a Real Variable II. 3 Hours.

Measure and integration on abstract measure spaces, signed measures, Hahn decomposition, Radon-Nikdoym theorem, Lebesque decomposition, measures on algebras and their extensions, product measures, and Fubini's theorem. Prerequisite: MATH 5503, and graduate standing in mathematics or statistics, or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Spring)

MATH 5523. Theory of Functions of a Complex Variable I. 3 Hours.

Complex numbers, analytic functions, power series, complex integration, Cauchy's Theorem and integral formula, maximum principle, singularities, Laurent series, and Mobius maps. Prerequisite: MATH 4513 or MATH 5213 (formerly MATH 4513). (Typically offered: Fall)

MATH 5533. Theory of Functions of a Complex Variable II. 3 Hours.

Riemann Mapping Theorem, analytic continuation, harmonic functions, and entire functions. Prerequisite: MATH 5523, and graduate standing in mathematics or statistics, or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Spring)

MATH 5603. Differential Geometry. 3 Hours.

Topics include: classical differential geometry of curves and surfaces in 3-space, differential forms and vector fields. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both MATH 4503 and MATH 5603. Prerequisite: MATH 2574 or MATH 2574C. (Typically offered: Irregular)

MATH 5703. Topology I. 3 Hours.

An introduction to topology. Topics include metric spaces, topological spaces and general point-set topology, homotopy and the fundamental group, covering spaces, the classification of surfaces. Prerequisite: MATH 4513 or MATH 5213 (formerly MATH 4513), and graduate standing in mathematics or statistics, or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Fall Even Years)

MATH 5713. Topology II. 3 Hours.

The continuation of Topology I. Topics include: advanced homotopy and covering spaces, the Seifert-van Kampen theorem, homology and the Mayer-Vietoris sequence. Prerequisite: MATH 5703, and graduate standing in mathematics or statistics, or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Spring Odd Years)

MATH 5723. Differential Topology I. 3 Hours.

An introduction to the topology of smooth manifolds: applications of the inverse function theorem to smooth maps, Sard's theorem, transversality, intersection theory, degrees of maps, vector fields and differential forms on manifolds, integration on manifolds. Prerequisite: MATH 4513 or MATH 5213 (formerly MATH 4513) and graduate standing in mathematics or statistics, or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Fall Odd Years)

MATH 5733. Differential Topology II. 3 Hours.

The continuation of Differential Topology I, with additional advanced topics. Possible advanced topics may include: Morse theory, de Rham cohomology theory, Poincare duality, Riemannian geometry, and Lie groups and Lie algebras. Prerequisite: MATH 5723 and graduate standing in mathematics or statistics, or department consent. (Typically offered: Spring Even Years)

MATH 5803. Introduction to Point-Set Topology. 3 Hours.

A study of topological spaces including continuous transformations, connectedness and compactness. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both MATH 4703 and MATH 5803. Prerequisite: MATH 4513 or MATH 5213 (formerly MATH 4513). (Typically offered: Irregular)

MATH 599V. Research Topics in Mathematics. 1-3 Hour.

Current research interests in mathematics. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both MATH 499V and MATH 599V. Prerequisite: Departmental consent. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 12 hours of degree credit.

MATH 610V. Directed Readings. 1-6 Hour.

Directed readings. Prerequisite: Departmental consent. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 18 hours of degree credit.

MATH 619V. Topics in Algebra. 1-6 Hour.

Current research interests in algebra. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in mathematics or statistics, or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for degree credit.

MATH 6203. Theory of Probability. 3 Hours.

A rigorous mathematical treatment based on measure theory of the fundamental notions and results of the theory of probability. Topics covered include laws of large numbers, central limit theorems, conditional expectations. Additional topics that may be covered include martingales, Markov chains, Brownian motion and stochastic integration. Prerequisite: MATH 5513. (Typically offered: Fall)

MATH 6213. Mathematical Statistics. 3 Hours.

A rigorous mathematical treatment of the fundamental principles and results in the theory of Statistics. Topics include exponential families of distributions, estimation of unknown parameters, the classical theory of theory of hypothesis testing, Large sample approximations, large sample properties of estimators. Prerequisite: MATH 6203. (Typically offered: Spring)

MATH 659V. Topics in Analysis. 1-6 Hour.

Current research interests in analysis. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in mathematics or statistics, or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for degree credit.

MATH 679V. Topics in Topology. 1-6 Hour.

Current research interest in topology. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in mathematics or statistics, or departmental consent. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for degree credit.

MATH 700V. Doctoral Dissertation. 1-18 Hour.

Doctoral Dissertation. Prerequisite: Doctoral candidacy in mathematics. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for degree credit.