The accelerated master’s program allows students to begin working toward a master’s degree in mathematics while still finishing a bachelor’s degree. This is informally known as a “4+1” program, meaning that it can allow you to complete a bachelor’s degree in four years and a master’s degree in one additional year.

The requirements for earning a master’s degree are as follows:

• Complete at least 45 credit hours in graduate‐level classes (500 and above), at least 30 of which are in math. You must have a GPA of 3.25 or better in all graduate classes, and 3.00 or better in all 600‐level graduate classes.
• Complete at least three of the sequences below, at least one of which is at the 600‐level:
  • Math 513, 514, 515 (Introduction to Analysis)
  • Math 531, 532, 533 (Intro to Topology & Intro to Differential Geometry)
  • Math 544, 545, 546 (Introduction to Abstract Algebra)
  • Math 647, 648, 649 (Abstract Algebra)
  • Math 634, 635, 636 (Algebraic Topology)
  • Math 637, 638, 639 (Differential Geometry)
  • Math 616, 617, 618 (Real Analysis)
  • Math 616, 672, 673 (Theory of Probability)
  • Math 607, 607, 607 (Applied Mathematics)

Note that the 500‐level classes above are 4 credits each, while the 600‐level classes can be taken for either 4 credits or 5 credits each.

Starting at the time when you are formally enrolled in the accelerated master’s program (typically at the beginning of your fourth undergraduate year), you will be allowed to enroll in 500‐level and 600‐level classes and to count up to 16 credits from these classes simultaneously toward your bachelor’s degree and your master’s degree. For example, you would be allowed to take Math 513‐514‐515 in your last undergraduate year, count it toward the departmental and university requirements for a bachelor’s degree in math, and start your fifth year with one sequence and 12 graduate credits already completed.

Course Prerequisites

If you are applying for the accelerated master’s program, you should make sure that you will have the prerequisites that you need for you to take the required sequences. For example, if you intend to take the Abstract Algebra sequence in your master’s year, then you should make sure that you are on track to complete the Introduction to Abstract Algebra sequence (at either the 400‐level or the 500‐level) by the end of your bachelor’s degree.

The Differential Geometry, Theory of Probability, and Applied math sequences are only offered every other year, so if you are interested in any of those sequences, you should be aware of the schedule.

Application Requirements

You may apply for the accelerated master’s program at any time during your final year as a UO math major, or during the spring or summer before your final year as a UO math major. You must have:

• Completed 316‐317 or 391‐392 or 347‐348 or other math courses of comparable level of sophistication.
• A GPA of 3.0 or better in math classes at the 300‐level and above.
• A letter of support from one Math Department faculty member.

To apply, please email Graduate Coordinator, Amy Massoud, including your student ID number and the name of the faculty member who will be writing you a letter of support. Please ask that faculty member to email their letter to Amy Massoud, as well.  Applications to enter the accelerated master’s program in the fall should be received by the end of July.  Applications to enter the program in the winter or spring should be received by Week 5 of the preceding term.

To earn the Master’s degree, you must fulfill all of the course requirements and conditions, and meet with the chair of the Master's Degree Subcommittee before the end of the second week of the term the degree is to be received in order to verify that the requirements have been met.

For more information, view the Graduate Student Handbook.