Penn State's MASS program (Mathematics Advanced Study Semesters) is an intensive, semester-long activity for undergraduates recruited from around the country, which is integrated with a summer undergraduate research activity. MASS is designed to provide a unique and mutually reinforcing blend of learning and research activities for its participants. Its goal is to guarantee the successful transition of its participants from undergraduate to graduate study in mathematics.
The main components of MASS are: three custom-designed core courses in topics chosen from algebra, analysis and geometry; individual student research projects; the MASS colloquium - a weekly lecture series by visiting mathematicians and occasionally distinguished Penn State faculty; and a weekly two-hour interdisciplinary seminar run by the director of the MASS program. MASS participants acquire the experience and confidence they need to succeed in graduate school. In this way MASS program will increase the number of students destined for careers in mathematics.
The present project will support the operation of the MASS program for a five year period, and will incorporate the following new elements: the program's size will be expanded and the program will target talented students not previously committed to mathematics with attractive support packages.
