DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
FAST-TRACK PROGRAM
[ Ph.D. Program | M.S. Program | Fast-Track Program | Department | UAB ]
[ Application Forms ]

Have you considered mathematics as the foundation of your career? Mathematics is one of the oldest, yet most vital and beautiful of subjects, and is a crucial tool, especially when one considers recent scientific advances. Skill development, calculations, and routine problem-solving are not the heart of mathematics. Current research in mathematics is rich in creative thinking. Mathematicians solve problems by means of clever inspiration and determination, not by rote computations.

If you are intrigued by an intellectual challenge, then UAB has an offer that may interest you. The Mathematics Department has initiated a Fast Track program designed for students who are motivated to pursue advanced mathematical studies. The program navigates the student through an accelerated curriculum that allows one to complete both the BS and MS degrees in four to five years. Students work with graduate faculty members right from the start, and thereby enjoy a wide exposure to various fields of mathematical interest and a hand-on encounter with the methods of mathematical research.

After you finish your degrees, you're well-prepared for continued graduate study in mathematics and the sciences. And if you're interested in pursuing a career in business or industry, the program will help you stand out above your competition.

If you love mathematics, and are capable of dealing with the subject at a high level now, the Fast Track program is for you.

Fast-Track Advantages

Get More Out of College
  1. Fast Track students can earn BS and MS in four years by attending summers.
  2. Be in competitive program with other high achievers.
  3. Be in a department with an international reputation.
Get More After College
  1. Be well prepared for continued graduate study in mathematics.
  2. Acquire math background for professional study in the sciences, medical, and and health-related fields.
  3. Be a step ahead of the competition for math-related jobs in business and industry.
Mentoring and Research
  1. Work one-on-one with research mathematician as mentor right from entry into program.
  2. Work on research projects every term. Work with several mentors over first three years.
  3. Attend state, regional, and national mathematics meetings.
  4. Give talks at mathematics conferences and publish research (as an undergraduate).
Financial Support
  1. Fast Track undergraduate scholarships of $6,500 - $9,000 per year (NSF supported).
  2. Mathematics Department jobs (through College Work Study) for financially needy students, in addition.
  3. Graduate teaching fellowships in the MS program Mathematics of $18,000 per year are possible after the third year.
Automatic Graduate School Admission
  1. Place reserved in the Mathematics MS Graduate Programs for all admitted to Fast Track.
  2. Admission to Graduate School automatically upon application up to one year before BS graduation (good standing required).
  3. Satisfactory performance in Fast Track required.
Master's Degree Choices      After third year, may choose to pursue:
  1. MS in Mathematics
  2. MS in Mathematics with concentration in Biostatistics
  3. Preferred consideration  Biostatistics graduate program
Collateral Support
  1. Study/Office space in Mathematics Department.
  2. Use of Mathematics computer system, usually reserved to faculty and graduate students.
  3. Support for travel to mathematics conferences.
  4. Mailbox in Mathematics Department.
Seminars
  1. Participate in Fast Track Seminar for first three years.
    Work with other Fast Track students on group projects.
  2. After third year, and optionally before, participate in Graduate Seminar (with PhD and MS graduate students).
  3. After third year, and optionally before, participate in Research Seminars (with faculty and PhD graduate students).
Courses of Study
  1. Mathematics major.
  2. Liberal Arts Core Curriculum.
  3. Minor area (can be as strong as a second major, if desired).
  4. University Honors Program option.
  5. Mathematics Honors Program option (might as well).
  6. Take graduate mathematics courses as undergraduate, in third year or earlier.

Entry into the Fast-Track program is highly competitive. The UAB Mathematics Department wants to work with students who have excelled at a rigorous high school curriculum emphasizing mathematics and science. Applicants must show excellence in mathematics in one or more of the following ways: outstanding performance in college-level math courses, success in math competitions and on math teams, excellent math scores on standardized tests required for college admission, or award-winning original math projects.

If you are interested in the Fast-Track Program in Mathematics at UAB, you may download the application forms here. They require the Adobe Reader which may be downloaded here. If you would like the application mailed or if you need more information, please write, call, or email us:

Fast-Track Program Director
Department of Mathematics
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL 35294-1170

Call: (205) 934-2154

Email: fast@math.uab.edu