Master’s Degree in Pure or Applied Mathematics (Thesis Track)

Deep mathematical thinking is a highly sought-after professional asset: it enables precise analysis, understanding of complex systems, and effective decision-making even under conditions of uncertainty. It is therefore no coincidence that mathematics graduates are in demand across a wide range of fields, and every professional environment readily recognizes the value of an analytical ability grounded in solid theoretical knowledge.

Against this background, the Master’s degree in Mathematics (with thesis) at Bar-Ilan University is designed to deepen mathematical training and to prepare the next generation of researchers and applied scientists. The program combines advanced theoretical research with applied thinking, enabling students to develop mathematical knowledge that leads to creativity, inquiry, and the development of new tools.

The Department of Mathematics at Bar-Ilan University is among the leading research centers in Israel. Its activities include several active research institutes, regular research seminars, and visits by researchers from Israel and abroad. Research areas include, among others, algebra, analysis, combinatorics, probability and statistics, geometry, cryptography, and applied mathematics.

The achievements of the academic faculty, including prestigious awards and competitive research grants, reflect the high academic standard of the program and the rich learning and research environment in which the program operates.

The program is intended for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in exact sciences —mathematics, computer science, engineering, physics, or bioinformatics — seeking to deepen their mathematical training and to subsequently pursue academic research paths or highly mathematical roles in development, algorithmics, and data science.

Alongside its high academic level, the department is characterized by a supportive atmosphere and close personal interaction between students, lecturers, and faculty members. This enables close academic mentoring, advancement of outstanding students, and addressing challenges throughout the course of study.

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What are the career and employment opportunities?

The research-oriented and mathematical training you will gain in the program enables graduates to integrate into academic and professional tracks that require the ability to construct, analyze, and apply complex mathematical models.

Academic Research

Continuing to a PhD in mathematics or related fields
Working as research assistants at universities or research institutes

Development, Algorithmics, and Data Science

Developing algorithms and mathematical models
Math-intensive roles such as Data Scientist / Data Analyst
Joining research and development (R&D) teams in technology companies

Finance, Engineering, and Interdisciplinary Fields

Quantitative analysis (Quant)
Developing models in risk, optimization, and forecasting
Working with mathematical models in life sciences, bioinformatics, and medicine

How is the Study Program structured?

The Master’s program in Mathematics with a thesis comprises 29 credits and allows students to design a customized research-oriented study track.

The program includes:

Six core courses for the master’s degree
Research seminar
Elective courses totaling 9 credits
Writing a research thesis under the guidance of an academic advisor

What courses are included in the degree?

The core courses are divided into five clusters, as listed below.

A. Algebra and Geometry

88-813 Commutative Algebra
88-815 Non-Commutative Algebra
88-825 Algebraic Geometry 2
88-854 Lie Algebras and Lie Groups

B. Analysis

88-831 Complex Analysis
88-833 Functional Analysis
88-835 Harmonic Analysis

C. Topology and Geometry

88-821 Algebraic Topology 2
88-826 Differential Geometry 2
88-8520 Smooth Manifolds and Lie Groups

D. Applied Analysis

88-900 Mathematical Methods for Differential Equations
88-902 Numerical Methods and Scientific Computing
88-809 Dynamical Systems
88-784 Optimization

E. Probability and Statistics

88-962 Probability and Stochastic Processes
88-7750 Statistical Theory and Inference (Intended for students who have not taken the course 88775 Statistical Theory)
88-779 Random Graphs and Networks

Students may freely choose courses. Those intending to continue in theoretical mathematics are encouraged to focus mainly on clusters A, B, and C; those planning to pursue research in applied mathematics are encouraged to focus on clusters D and E.

Course selection should be made in consultation with the advisor, or (before choosing an advisor) with the departmental academic advisors.

A research proposal must be submitted by the end of the first semester of the second academic year. It is recommended to choose an advisor as early as possible and to submit the proposal by the end of the first academic year.

Course selection is carried out in consultation with the advisor or the departmental advisors, according to the research direction. During the studies, students will be required to submit a research proposal and advance in writing the thesis. Continued registration in later years is contingent on research progress and approval by the department head.

In addition, students are required to take basic courses in Jewish Studies and in English, according to the regulations of the Graduate Studies Committee.

What practical experience is included in the degree?

The practical experience in the master’s degree in Mathematics (with thesis) focuses on advanced research work and a gradual deepening of independent academic activity, under close academic supervision and through integration into the department’s research environment.

During the studies, among others, the student will:

Participate in research seminars, practice critical reading of advanced papers, and present research ideas in mathematical discussions.
Work continuously with an academic advisor—from formulating a research question to writing the thesis.
Be exposed to active research in the department, including meetings with visiting researchers and activities in the research institutes.
In the relevant track, integrate computational, statistical, and programming tools that connect theoretical mathematics with applications.

The research work throughout the degree simulates the nature of academic and professional activity in research and development fields, providing practical experience in independent work and in dealing with complex problems.

What are the admission requirements?

A relevant Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics (major or extended major).
A minimum GPA of 84 in the bachelor’s degree.
Applicants with a strong mathematical background who do not meet the minimum requirement may be admitted subject to completion of prerequisite courses.
The scope and content of the prerequisite courses will be determined by the department advisor.
Admission and continuation of studies are contingent upon meeting the academic requirements and making satisfactory progress in the research work.

How can you contact us?

Interested in learning more about the Master’s Program in Pure or Applied Mathematics (Thesis Track)?

Program Advisor:

Prof. Shimon Brooks

To schedule a meeting, please contact: brookss@math.biu.ac.il

Graduate Programs Coordinator:

Yael Madar – yael.madar@biu.ac.il

Phone: 03-5318408