MA Mathematics Course
MA Mathematics or Master of Arts in Mathematics is a two-year long postgraduate programme in Mathematics specialization. This is a programme for students who wish to build a career in statistics, research or teaching etc.
This course tests the mental ability of the individual and any person who has a deep interest in analysing the problems should opt for this programme. MA Mathematics aims to make students prepared for research and analysis of problem and subject.
This is a scientific course and those who love to deal with challenges should pursue this course. Students upon graduation can opt for higher education in the same field such as PhD or MPhil in Mathematics. Other master courses in different Mathematical specializations can also be opted for.
Why study MA Mathematics?
The reasons for choosing MA Mathematics as the programme of choice for a postgraduate degree will vary from candidate to candidate. Some of the reasons why MA Maths should be a career of choice is as follows.
Wide Career Opportunities: An MA Mathematics graduate is able to work in multiple organizations and avenues of the economy. One can work as a teacher or a professor or work in the corporate field as a researcher or as a statistician. A number of organizations, public and private hire MA Maths graduates in various roles.
Gateway to Higher Educational Degrees: Students who opt for higher studies instead of seeking placements have a number of options available. From research-based programmes like M.Phil. or PhD in Mathematics to management courses like MBA. One can also prepare for professional courses like ICWA.
Sharpen Knowledge and Skills: Masters in Mathematics is a course that focuses more on polishing and finessing the knowledge bank of the students. For candidates who are looking to work in the same field, developing an analytical and a result-oriented mindset is useful which can be gained from this programme.
MA Mathematics Eligibility Criteria
- MA Mathematics eligibility criteria differ from college to college. The following points are the general criteria applicable to most institutes.
- Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics as the main subject.
- A minimum aggregate score of 55% and above must have been scored at least at the bachelor’s level from a recognized university in order to meet the college’s cut-offs.
- Some colleges require their candidates to have an honors degree in Mathematics.
MA Mathematics Syllabus
The following table gives a brief insight into the MA Mathematics syllabus of this course. Though mentioned carefully, this is not a strict description and the MA Mathematics subjects can vary from college to college.
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Semester 1
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Semester 2
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Linear Algebra
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Partial Differential Equations
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Modern Algebra
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Differential Geometry
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Elements of General Topology
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Computer Programming
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Numerical Analysis
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Continuum Mechanics
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Ordinary Differential Equations
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Computer Aided Numerical Practical
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Semester 3
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Semester 4
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Graph Theory
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Modern Algebra-Advanced
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Set Theory
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Functional Analysis
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Mathematical Logic
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General Topology
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MA Mathematics Job Prospects and Career Options
After completing MA in Mathematics course, one has the option to either enrol in higher studies in the same field or look for employment opportunities. Graduates with a MA in Maths degree are hired in bank and financial firms, central and state government departments, colleges and universities in teaching roles, research and development etc.
Graduates can expect to earn an average salary ranging between INR 5 to INR 12 LPA. Some of the top hiring companies are Boston Consulting Group, Edward Jones, Intel, Qualcomm and Google. The top profiles of a MA Mathematics graduate are as follows:
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Job Roles
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Description
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Teacher
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Teachers are hired in schools for Mathematics to instruct, create class plans, assign homework, communicate with parents and look after the well being of students.
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Lecturer Assistant
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Lecturer Assistants are hired in universities and institutes to educate undergraduate and postgraduate students. Duties include planning lessons, instructing students, assigning projects and homework, and helping students with their research duties too.
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Statistician
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The primary duty of a statistician is to collect data through questionnaires and surveys, clean up and organise the data and detect trends and relationships within the data.
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Researcher
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A researcher has a similar job description to a statistician. Researchers work with others to collect, organize and analyze data. Researchers can choose to specialize in specific areas like science, sociology etc.
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Accountant
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An accountant works with financial documentation and records of organizations. Duties include researching, collecting and analysing accounting data, working with assets and liabilities and preparing the various financial accounts.
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MA Mathematics Scope
MA Mathematics students are not limited by their career options. If one chooses to enrol in higher studies, a number of programmes are available for which they are eligible. Some such programmes have been described below.
• M.Phil. in Mathematics: M.Phil. in Mathematics is a doctorate level degree which is equal to a PhD in Mathematics. This course can be completed in two years, longer if distance education mode is chosen. Some institutes offer the M.Phil degree along with their PhD degrees. Eligibility criteria for admission, includes master degree in mathematics from a recognized university and admission is conducted through an entrance examination.
• PhD in Mathematics: The highest level of educational degree one can achieve in any field is a PhD. A PhD in Mathematics is an area with less competition which means more employment opportunities. The course duration is anywhere between 3 to 5 years. An entrance test and an interview round is held for admissions. Candidates must have a master degree in mathematics to be eligible.
• Financial courses: MA Mathematics graduates can also opt to sit for financial or accounting competitive examinations like the ICWA. Having a mathematics degree will only add value exponentially to the candidate’s resume during such exams.
Apart from pursuing a career in the job industry with an MA Mathematics, studying any of the above mentioned courses can be considered as one of the beneficial choices. As this will enhance the existing knowledge of the subject and will bring ample advanced opportunities.
The MA Mathematics degree is very useful in obtaining other accounting and statistics degrees, and so on. Many job opportunities in statistics, actuarial sciences, mathematical modelling, cryptography, computer sciences, and other fields open up after successfully completing the degree course.