Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Mathematics

You do not need to be a math major. However, this is a program to prepare students for graduate studies in math and it is integrated with our first year graduate program. Hence a reasonable background in mathematics is a necessary prerequisite for your success. In general, we expect that applicants know calculus and had some proof based math classes.

You do not have to take GRE subject test to apply for this program. However, we plan for you to take it while being at this program. Some graduate schools require you to take the test before you apply there and we would like for you to have options. We will support your preparation for the GRE subject test.

Yes.

• There is no application fee, it is free to apply.
• The tuition rate for the program will be billed at the in-state tuition rate. At least 1/2 of the rate will be covered for students in the program.
• A tuition payment plan is available. Once you register with the payroll office, you can set up a tuition payment plan. There is a small fee for doing monthly payment instead of paying it all at once. Every student in the program qualifies for in-state tuition rate and at least 1/2 of the tuition is covered.

Housing is not provided. You are on your own to find a place to stay. Ames has some specifics since it is a college town. Almost all leases are from August 1 to July 31. If you want to get a shorter lease, be prepared to pay a premium for it. When looking for houses, you may consider looking at CyRide to see bus routes around the town. Getting a place close to some bus route is useful. The buses are free for students. There is no parking next to the building of department. However, there is a commuter lot by the football stadium and a frequent free bus running between the parking lot and the campus. Ames is also quite bike friendly, not during winter, and it is easy to lock the bike at the stands in front of the building. There are no neighborhoods in Ames that one should avoid for safety reasons.

We do not provide relocation assistance or rides to/from the airport. If you fly, the nearest airport is in Des Moines. Executive Express is a shuttle service between Ames and Des Moines or you may contact us and see if we can help with getting to Ames from the airport. Uber is also an option for travel between the airport and Ames.

You get the first pay around Sep 8. You will be paid twice a month. Around 8th and 22nd. In order to get money, you need to go to payroll office (3rd floor of Beardshear Hall) and fill I-9 form by the end of the last Thursday before the classes start.

The stipend for in academic year 2023-2024 was around $21,400, but the exact stipend you will receive may not be known until closer to the start-date of the program.

Your success is our number one priority for you while you are here in this program. We have a commitment to you and your success. Part of you being successful is you being deeply engaged and committed to doing the work. We expect the coursework to be one of the more challenging mathematical experiences that you have encountered. We should be prepared to dedicate a great deal of time to the work. All of that being said, things like taking on jobs while in the program is heavily discouraged. Part of the model that we have created for this postbac program is contingent on folks not taking outside regular job. If this is something that you feel is required for you to do, then we should sit down and discuss your financial situation so that we can make a plan. We do not want your progress, status, or future funding to be negatively affected because of this.

You can pick exactly two classes from the provided list each semester. The fall semester is typically Math 5010 – Introduction to Real Analysis and Math 5070 – Applied Linear Algebra. You cannot take more classes or classes outside of the list. If you are interested in other topics, we can arrange for you to sit in other classes.

Plan to be here the week BEFORE classes start. Check the ISU Academic Calendar for more details. There will be some orientation, paperwork, and training during that week. There will be orientations specific for this program as well as all meetings that include all 1st year graduate students. You will be given exact schedule later. If you want to come earlier, that is perfectly fine but you will need to entertain yourself.

We expect to have 4 to 7 students. The actual number depends on funding and applicant pool.

The teaching assignments are done over the summer. Most students know their assignments during the week before classes start. Sometimes, there might be last minute changes.

No. There will be no research component in the program. The goal of the program is to build a solid foundation for graduate school. Most of the participants end up being quite busy with the two graduate classes and teaching assignments they need to do each semester. The graduate classes often turn out to be more challenging than the students initially expect. You are welcome to attend seminars, and in the spring semester, there is a special semester-long seminar where different faculty talk about their research to first-year graduate students. But you will not be involved in any actual research projects.

Students who continued their education after our postbac program went to the following programs (in alphabetical order).Auburn University (PhD), Iowa State University (PhD, MS), New Mexico State University (MA), Rice University (PhD), University of California, Santa Barbara (MA), University of Cambridge (MS), University of Colorado Denver (PhD), University of Kansas (PhD), University of Vermont (PhD), University of Washington (PhD), University of Wisconsin, Madison (PhD), Washington State University (PhD)

1. Read and write mathematical proofs, producing arguments that are logically and syntactically correct.
2. Develop the ability to teach mathematics by leading recitation sections.
3. Solidify core knowledge in analysis and algebra.
4. Identify preferred areas of specialization in mathematics.