Skip to main content
  • Admissions
  • Academics
  • Research
  • Illinois State University Home
  • Student Life
  • Athletics
  • About
Masters

Mathematics

  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Graduate
  4. Mathematics

Overview

Because student needs and interests vary, there is flexibility in the Mathematics master's degree program at Illinois State University. In addition to allowing students to get a strong general background in mathematics, our program allows students to concentrate in:

  • secondary mathematics education
  • preparation for teaching at a community college level
  • preparation for continuing on to a Ph.D. program in mathematics or mathematics education, or computational or applied mathematics

A master's degree requires either 32 credit hours without a thesis, or 30 credit hours with a thesis.

In addition to offering our traditional master's degree program in mathematics, we also provide options for an online/hybrid master’s degree in mathematics program that is offered synchronously in the evenings and summer to accommodate teachers’ schedules.

A sample plan of study for the online/hybrid master’s degree in mathematics is available on the Department of Math website.

Please see the Graduate Catalog for additional requirements and information.

  • Graduate Student Admissions
  • Course Requirements (Catalog)
  • Meet Our Faculty
  • Our Community

Point of Pride

Graduate students in the Department of Mathematics who demonstrate academic leadership, promise, and strong character can apply for the Mathematics Master's scholarship award.

Graduate Advisor

Dr. Craig Cullen
(309) 438-7867
Stevenson 331C

Schedule a Visit

Discover what life as an Illinois State graduate student is like.

Register for a Graduate Student Visit

How to Apply

University Admission Requirements

A student applying to this program must:

  • Have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so by the time of program matriculation.
  • Submit unofficial transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. The unofficial transcript should be easily readable and clearly indicate degree(s) awarded, courses and course grades for each term.
  • If admitted, official domestic transcripts can be emailed from the university to GraduateAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, Graduate School, 208 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 4040, Normal, IL 61790-4040.
  • If admitted, official international transcripts can be emailed directly from the international institution to InternationalAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, International Admissions, Campus Box 6180, Normal, IL 61790-6180.

International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the Graduate School Admission Requirements.

Additional Program Admission Requirements

To be considered for this program, you must meet the following requirements.

GPA

You must have a minimum 2.8 GPA (on a scale in which an A is a 4.0) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate work.

The Grade Point Average (GPA) of all undergraduate credentials earned in the United States that are used for graduate degree admission evaluation is calculated by the last 60 hours of undergraduate work. International credentials are evaluated by using cumulative GPA (CGPA) in lieu of the GPA from the last 60 hours of undergraduate work.

Mathematical Background

You’ll need a minimum of the following mathematics courses:

  • three semesters of Calculus
  • one semester of Linear Algebra
  • four quantitative courses about the Calculus/Linear Algebra level (such as advanced mathematics, finance, statistics, economics, etc.)

If your transcripts do not clearly show you have this background, please explain in your statement of purpose.

Resume

Upload your resume or C.V. in the application system.

Statement of Purpose

The system will ask you to upload a statement of purpose. Include the following information:

  • Your interest in pursuing a graduate degree in mathematics from Illinois State
  • How your academic and professional goals align
  • What you hope to achieve as a graduate student in mathematics

If your background is not in mathematics, please explain in your statement.

Letters of Recommendation

Submit the name and email address for a letter of recommendation. If you’re applying for a graduate assistantship and/or partial tuition waiver, you’ll need two letters of recommendation.

Letters will be uploaded by the individuals writing them.

Letters should address your academic ability and your ability to communicate mathematics.

GRE

  • Applicants must submit official GRE scores if GPA is below a 3.2 cumulative. Use institutional code 1319 to submit your GRE scores to Illinois State. 
  • Applicants who have a GPA of 3.6 cumulative or above will automatically receive a waiver of the GRE requirement.
  • For applicants with a GPA between 3.2 and 3.6, a GRE waiver petition must be submitted to demonstrate academic excellence. The petition should include unofficial transcripts and a resume that provides evidence such as major GPA, peer-reviewed publications, grants, awards, and other relevant achievements that show potential success in the program.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall (August) Term — July 1
  • Spring (January) Term — October 1
  • Summer (May/June) Term — April 1

Apply Now

Graduate Assistantships

The University provides graduate assistantships as a means of financial support. They are intended as a way to facilitate a student's progress to degree while providing important professional development.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an assistantship a student must, generally,

  • be admitted unconditionally as a degree-seeking student into a graduate academic program, or have a minimum of 120 undergraduate hours if in an integrated degree program
  • be in good-standing
  • be enrolled full-time (typically at least 9 credit hours during the fall or spring semesters, or at least 6 hours during the summer session).

Benefits

Graduate assistants receive

  • monthly wages paid in the form of either a stipend or an hourly wage
  • a waiver for 100% of tuition during a semester of appointment
  • a waiver for up to 12 credit hours of tuition for the summer term immediately following a fall or spring appointment

Costs & Funding

See Student Accounts for information on tuition and fees. Funding for graduate students is available from several different sources. Students who have been admitted from contiguous states including Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin will receive in-state tuition.

I Want to Learn More

Request Information Form

Loading form...

Contact Information

  • Mathematics
  • (309) 438-7007
  • Stevenson 313
  • College of Arts and Sciences

Commonly Used Links

Illinois State

  • Milner Library
  • Technology Support Center
  • Maps and Directions
  • Search/A-Z
  • Academic Calendar
  • Safety and Security
  • Download ISU Mobile Apps

Students

  • My.IllinoisState.edu
  • Student Jobs
  • Catalog
  • Canvas
  • Undocumented Students, DACA, or Dreamers
  • Veterans and Military Services

Alumni

  • Alumni Association
  • Redbird Gear
  • Events
  • Magazine
  • Traditions

Faculty and Staff

  • Work at Illinois State
  • iPeople
  • Email and Office 365
  • Center for Integrated Professional Development
  • Shared Governance and Administration

© 2025 Illinois State University, Normal, IL USA | Contact Us

Privacy Statement | Cookie Statement | Identity Standards | Appropriate Use Policy | IBHE Online Complaint System | ISU Complaint Resolution | Accessibility | CARES Act Reporting

  • I. S. U. Facebook
  • I. S. U. Twitter
  • I. S. U. Instagram
  • I. S. U. Youtube
  • I. S. U. LinkedIn
  • I. S. U. TikTok
Closing menu Closing Menu
  • Close Menu
  • My
  • Contact
  • A to Z
  • Admissions
  • Academics
  • Research
  • Student Life
  • Athletics
  • About Us
  • Apply
  • Visit

Getting Started

  • Incoming Freshman
  • Transfer Students
  • Graduate Students
  • International Students
  • Out of State Students
  • Military Veterans
  • Returning to ISU
  • Homeschooled Students

Non-traditional

  • En Español
  • Undocumented Students
  • Visiting Students
  • Second Bachelor's Degree
  • Parents and Families
  • Academics Overview
  • Academic Support
  • Majors
  • Minors
  • Graduate Programs
  • Pre-Professional
  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Research Overview
  • Milner Library
  • Redbird Scholar
  • Student Life Overview
  • Housing
  • Dining
  • Student Organizations
  • Athletics Overview
  • GoRedbirds.com
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Administration
  • Our Community
  • Metrics of Excellence
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Traditions
  • Facility and Space Use
  • Learn How to Apply
  • What You Need Before You Apply
  • Deadlines
  • Fee and Waiver
  • Check Your Application Status
  • Disciplinary and Criminal Activity Disclosures
  • International Application Information
  • Schedule a Visit
  • Department Meetings
  • Driving Directions
  • Open House
  • Group Visits

University Resources

  • My Illinois State
  • Map
  • News
  • Events
  • Giving
Closing menu Closing Menu