🚀 go-pugleaf

The Alaska Summer Masters Program in the Mathematical Sciences

The Department of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Alaska
Fairbanks invites inquiries regarding an anticipated summer Masters
Degree program in the mathematical sciences.  We have combined several
modest innovations to produce a very impressive advanced degree in
mathematics which addresses many recently expessed concerns about our
ailing system of science and mathematics education.

First:  It's a summer program.  The program is primarily intended to
allow secondary mathematics teachers with strong backgrounds the
opportunity to continue their education in mathematics without
jeopardizing or terminating their teaching careers.

Second:  It's a serious mathematics degree.  The program will not
cover some topics normally found in conventional degrees in quite the
same depth or with quite the same 'PhD preparation' emphasis. 
However, the substitutions are all from areas within the mathematical
sciences and more than make up for the omission of a few proofs in
advanced topics.  In particular, there is no 'education' content as
such.

Third:  The degree will have innate value.  Typically, masters degree
programs in mathematics cover the basic material expected of
candidates for the PhD  -  i.e., an MS or MA in mathematics is a
milepost rather than an end onto itself.  We have designed a program
that in no way compromises this role as conduit to the PhD degree. 
However, we have incorporated elements of logic, history,
applications, computer science and probability and statistics to make
this a well rounded degree.  The focus is on development of
mathematical scholars rather than just providing training in the core
advanced subjects.

Fourth:  The degree is offered in Alaska.  Need we say more? 

As mentioned, this is an anticipated program.  At this point its
initiation depends upon funding by the National Science Foundation's
Teacher Preparation and Enhancement Division or overwhelming response
to announcements such as this.  If NSF decides to fund the program,
most of the costs to participants will likely be eliminated.  Without
NSF support, participants would have to figure on the cost of four
summer vacations in Alaska plus something in the neighborhood of $2000
each summer for university related expenses for non-residents. 
Compared to two year programs elsewhere, that's a bargain.   

For more information or specific questions, please contact me
via email (ffls@acad3.alaska.edu) or write to:

Dr. Larry Santoni
University of Alaska
Department of Mathematical Sciences
Fairbanks, Alaska 99775

In either case, please include a mailing address so we will have a
permanent address on file and so that we can send you a printed
announcement and other information as events unfold.