BS+MS 4+1 program in Mathematics and Mathematicla Sciences

Graduate School
1

<p>First please allow me to summarize myself as briefly as possible:</p>

<p>I am a math major and I currently have a 4.0 GPA in math classes and a 3.83 general GPA. I came to college with 27 transfer credits from High School as a result of AP/IB classes. As a result, I could see myself graduating in 3 years without any problem. I posed the question here in CC and everyone told me that staying a fourth year would be best since it would strengthen my application as well as give me a more broad background on mathematics before going to grad school.</p>

<p>I analyzed this and it made sense so I decided to stay one more year and in that last year I was planning on taking grad level classes.</p>

<p>However, I was discussing this with a friend and he told me that since im going to be done with the BS required courses in 3 years and then on the 4th I was going to take grad level classes, why not get into the BS+MS 4+1 program that my university offers. (BS in Mathematics and MS in Mathematical Sciences). Also, given my transfer credits from AP/IB classes this program will reduce to actually be a 3+1 program in which in 4 years I will receive a BS and MS.</p>

<p>I got a couple questions:</p>

<p>My ultimate plan is to go to grad school to do a phd in pure math. Does the fact that the MS is in math sciences hurt me in any way? Most people go the BS -> phd route so I dont see how a MS can hurt in any way but im just asking.</p>

<p>Is there any drawback to this kinds of BS+MS programs that I may not be aware of?</p>

<p>What is your opinion on my situation specifically?</p>

<p>I would really appreciate any input in this issue!</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

2

<p>I don't see it can hurt you in all honesty. Taking masters level courses is a great idea, so why not get the masters.</p>

<p>The only thing I could see possibly becoming a conflict is when you enter a PhD program, the whole issue of "waiving" the masters level courses and perhaps jumping right into the qualifying exams. If you got your masters from a school with a well known math program, you should be able to do this, but if you went to a school, for example, only offering a masters and no PhD in math, then they might want to see further evidence of your level of mastery. The reason being, they might want you to take their courses at their levels.</p>

<p>Overall, I don't think it would hurt you, no, not at all.</p>

3

<p>SBUMathgrad's advice is good. I know of several cases where students holding an MS have applied to and been accepted to PhD programs. "Jumping ahead" once you get into your PhD program will likely be a matter of passing some written exams, which you may have to study for the summer before (since core curricula vary from university to university), but the grad courses you take in your fourth year should prepare you well for this.</p>