University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez: Department of Mathematics
The Department of Mathematical Sciences is strongly committed to graduate education and research and offers programs of study leading to both the Master in Science, M.S., and the Doctor of Philosophy, Ph.D., degrees. Its programs are designed to prepare students for mathematics careers in the academic and industrial sectors. Our department offers three graduate programs at the Master level: one in Scientific Computing, in Mathematics with concentration in Pure, Applied Mathematics and Statistics, and one in the Teaching of Mathematics at the Pre-University Level.
Programs offered
M.S. program in Mathematics (Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Statistics)
The program has been designed to give the students both depth and breadth in the mathematical sciences, and at the same time expose them to research and training experiences that will prepare them for a variety of jobs in academic as well as non-academic sector. Each concentration area of this program has been designed to ensure that the student has a reasonably deep knowledge in one or more areas of mathematics. The program of study will consist of a coherent collection of disciplinary courses, and a minimum of two out-of-discipline courses to ensure cross-disciplinary breadth. Overall, the chosen program should have a thematic basis reflecting the student's interest and intended career goals.
M.S. Program in Scientific Computing
The purpose of this program is to prepare professionals capable of solving scientific problems that require the use of large scale computations. Typically such problems are found in the numerical simulations of problems arising in scientific and engineering problems. Students are exposed to computational training and research that will prepare them for non-academic jobs and will provide enough theoretical background to pursue advanced studies at the Ph.D. level in Applied Mathematics, Computational Sciences and Engineering or Scientific Computation. The chosen program of study should have a thematic basis reflecting the student's interest and intended career goals, according to the program's philosophy and must ensure that graduates are able to meet the computational challenges they are presented.
M.S. Program in the Teaching of Mathematics at the Pre-University Level
The graduates of this program will be capable in effective teaching of mathematics at the pre-university level and will have the tools to work in projects and extracurricular activities that complement the teaching of mathematics, in agreement with technological and curriculum changes. One of the goals of the program is to form leaders in the teaching of mathematics.
Ph.D. Program in Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE)
This is a joint program with the department of Electrical Engineering. At the present, the program consists of two major areas: Scientific computing, which is an extension of our Master program in Scientific Computing and Computer Engineering. We expect, in the future, to expand these options as well as to include more departments.
Student body profile
Currently the graduate students in the Department of Mathematics at UPRM consist of US and non-US citizens. The students come from Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Honduras, Peru, El Salvador, India, Iran, Virgin Islands and Nigeria. Approximately, 22% of our students are US minority citizens, 27% are female, and from non-US citizen there is a 55% comes from Colombia.
The graduate student’s atmosphere is a cooperative rather than a competitive one. Graduate courses have a very manageable size, which allows for a great interaction between the professors and the students.
Graduate students also socialize between themselves and faculty members by having different activities throughout the year. Some of these include, the International Dinner, in which each person brings a dish from their native country to share; sporting events, and other social gatherings.
Funding opportunities
The financial support usually covers tuition and a stipend. The most common forms of financial support offered by the Department of Mathematical Sciences are:
Teaching Assistantship (T.A.)
Typically this position requires the student to teach two elementary math recitation problem section such as college algebra, pre-calculus, calculus or to assist in a computer laboratory. Due to the small number of teaching positions available these positions are offered on a competitive basis. In order to maintain this position the student must maintain a minimum Graduate Point Average, or GPA, of 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale; moreover the student must perform all his assigned duties, i.e. proctor and grade exams, attend meetings and colloquia, and keep office hours. If the student is unable to meet these requirements, the assistantship can be withdrawn at any time. A student in good standing will be supported for a maximum of four semesters, and in some special circumstances a fifth semester of support could be offered.
Research Assistantship (R.A)
This position is offered by certain professors through their own grants. Requirements and guidelines are specified by each such professor. The student should contact the faculty that he/she might be interested to work with to explore the possibility of obtaining this type of financial support.
Important: foreign students should keep in mind that although the assistantships (if offered) cover tuition and stipend, he/she should have some economical resources upon arrival in order to cover some expenses such as:
- Mandatory medical insurance (approx $ 300.00 per semester)
- Housing and food for a month (approx $ 400.00)
- Books (approx $ 150.00 per semester)
Contact the department for more information:
- Dr. Gabriele Castellini, Coordinator of graduate program
- Dr. Olgamary Rivera, Interim Chair
- Dr. Reyes M Ortiz-Albino, Interim Associate Chair
More information
Contact for more information:
- Gabriele Castellini
Email:
- gabriele.castelliniupr.edu