Mathematics Combined Program

The combined bachelor’s-master’s program in Mathematics is an accelerated program designed specifically for students who have displayed academic excellence as undergraduate Mathematics majors.

Qualified students will take up to 9 credits of graduate-level (5000-6999) coursework during their junior or senior year. During their final semester for the baccalaureate degree, students can apply to the MS in Applied Mathematics program and, if admitted, can complete the remaining 21 credits of graduate coursework for the master’s degree with one additional year of study. This program will allow students to move more efficiently through two degrees and thereby jump-start professional development. Graduates from this program will be well prepared to pursue a PhD in Mathematics or a related field; to seek a teaching position at the post-secondary level; or to pursue any number of careers that require problem solving, critical thinking, or research skills.

Who is eligible?
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Applicants must at least be in their junior year (by credits) and pursuing a BA or BS degree in mathematics, in addition to satisfying the following criteria:
- Overall GPA of at least 3.2.
- Major GPA of at least 3.4.
- A grade of B or better in Differential Equations (MAP 2302), Linear Algebra (MAS 3105), and Mathematical Foundations (MHF 2191).
How do you apply?
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To apply, a student must
- Email their intent to apply for entrance into the Combined Program to the Graduate Program Coordinator (mathgradcoordinator@fgcu.edu). Include their student ID number in the email.
- Have a minimum of 2 recommendation letters supporting their entrance into the Combined Program emailed to the Graduate Program Coordinator. The letters should address the student’s readiness to succeed in mathematics coursework at the graduate level.
A committee of three will review application materials and make a decision regarding acceptance into the Combined Program. Applicants will be notified of the decision via email by the Graduate Program Coordinator.
What happens next?
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Once accepted into the Combined Program, students are required to meet with the Graduate Program Coordinator (in person or virtual) each semester within the first 6 weeks of the term to review their progress, develop a plan and receive approval to register for 1-2 specific graduate courses the following semester. Students can only be enrolled in graduate courses by the Graduate Program Coordinator.

Up to 9 graduate credits (3 courses) can be taken and will double-count as free electives towards the undergraduate degree.
- A grade of B or better must be earned in at least two required courses in the MS Applied Mathematics program.
- A grade of B- or better must be earned in any MS Applied Mathematics restricted electives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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- When should I apply for the Combined Program?
  - The earliest students can apply is during the semester the student expects to meet all requirements for acceptance into the program.
- Can I only apply once for the Combined Program?
  - No. A student can apply every semester they are eligible to gain entry into the program.
- Can scholarship funds (such as Bright Futures) be applied towards graduate courses?
  - Yes, scholarships can be applied towards the graduate courses while pursuing an undergraduate degree. The Graduate Program Coordinator needs to complete a form to notify the Financial Aid Office so that they apply the scholarship money appropriately. Please notify the Graduate Program Coordinator if this situation applies to you. If the Graduate Program Coordinator is not informed, then the student may receive a letter notifying them that the scholarship cannot/will not be used towards the graduate courses. If this happens, inform the Graduate Program Coordinator so that they submit the form to rectify the situation.
- Does acceptance into the Combined Program guarantee a master's degree upon graduation?
  - No. Acceptance into the Combined Program only allows students to take graduate courses for credit towards their undergraduate degree. Students that want to pursue a master's degree still need to apply for entrance into the MS in Applied Mathematics program during their final semester, and be accepted into the graduate program, to continue working towards the master's degree.
- Once I am admitted into the Combined Program, do I have to go to FGCU's MS in Applied Mathematics graduate program?
  - No. While the faculty in the Mathematics Department would love to continue helping students along on their mathematics journey, Combined Program students are welcome to pursue graduate studies elsewhere after earning their baccalaureate degree.
- If I am admitted into the Combined Program, am I required to take graduate courses every semester?
  - No, you will not be required to take a graduate course every semester; however, it is encouraged that students will strive to pursue the maximum 9 graduate credits prior to graduation. Students in the Combined Program are expected to make the best decisions for themselves with respect to their time, strengths, and course load and, as such, can earn their baccalaureate degree with fewer than 9 graduate credits.
- If I want to pursue my MS after finishing my BA or BS degree, do I need to start the semester following graduation?
  - No. Students can decide what is best for them. If a student needs or want to take some time off from school, prior to starting the masters program, they can do so. However, it is recommended that the gap between finishing the baccalaureate degree and beginning the masters degree should not be more than two years.
- How do I decide which graduate courses to take?
  - Students in the Combined Program are required to discuss with the Graduate Program Coordinator which graduate courses they are interested in taking. The Graduate Program Coordinator is aware of which courses require certain undergraduate courses per colleague recommendations. As such, the Graduate Program Coordinator will be able to confirm student readiness or make suggestions for other courses that the student is likely to succeed in at that point in time.
- How many graduate credits can be counted towards my baccalaureate degree?
  - Up to 9 credits can be double counted. They would count as free electives towards the BA or BS degree.