I want to pursue a master's degree in mathematics. I live in Seoul with my husband so I am looking at online programs. The two programs I am considering are: Emporia State University M.S. Mathematics - Mathematics and Economics | Emporia State University Texas A&M Distance Education at Department of Mathematics, Texas A&M University Emporia does not require the GRE, however Texas A&M does. 1. If a graduate program doesn't require the GRE, does that take away from the validity of the program? 2. Does anyone have experience with either of these universities' distance programs? Is one recommended over the other? 3. I haven't heard of Emporia before, is it a good school?
In my own opinion the GRE means nothing in terms of prestige although in this case I'd say that Texas is the more widely recognized brand. here are some other threads to look at http://www.degreeinfo.com/computer-related-degrees/40907-online-masters-degrees-math-applied-math.html http://www.degreeinfo.com/general-distance-learning-discussions/30856-m-m-s-phd-options-math.html http://www.degreeinfo.com/general-distance-learning-discussions/48103-masters-mathematics.html
Thanks for the reply. For future employment or further academic work, does it matter if the school is a widely recognized brand or not?
There's a primarily but not entirely online Master of Liberal Arts in Mathematics for Teaching available at Harvard.
It might depend a bit on what type of work you'll be seeking but my thought is that it's not all that important. Assuming the two programs are generally identical, I typically lean towards the least expensive option.
Actually, based purely on course titles and impressions, I like Emporia program slightly better. I would be equally impressed by graduates of both. It takes real talent and determination to complete a real Math degree by distance, and both these are real Math degrees. I'm actually not sure I have it in me (anymore), although I do have Math degree already. Great stuff.