How much does undergrad school matter for math grad school?

[mathematicsma]

I'm sure similar things have been asked before, but this is a little different (I think).
(I don't want to go into academia, and I don't think I'm going to go for a PhD. I think I'm going to try to get a master's in some sort of applied math and work in industry.)
How competitive are math graduate schools?
Also, how much math background will I need?
Thanks. I hope I'm not incurring the wrath of the old-timers here by asking and old question.

 

[mathematicsma]

Anybody? Is there a reason I'm not getting an answer, or does no one know the answer? Thanks

 

[jeffasinger]

I'm not sure how competitive master's programs typically are.
Undergraduate requirements will vary from school to school, and its best to check with the schools you are thinking about applying to.
For a MS in Applied Math, The University of Illinois says:

It is strongly recommended that the entering student has taken at least one course in each of linear algebra, real analysis, probability or statistics, and differential equations and has training in computer programming.

 

[Lateralus.]

Hello mathematicsma,

I think it would be best to contact the universities at which you plan to pursue graduate studies. Graduate programs at universities will be different with regards to their expectations and requirements.

I am sure others here can offer some additional advice, but I think this would be a good start.

 

[Ivpoly]

Math is too huge a field to answer, maybe if you narrow your interests you can get more suitable answers.

You have people who did undergraduate studies in econ, comp sci, physics who pursued a phd in math. As Lateraius said you need to look at programs so you get a feel for their expectations. You have programs that start almsot from scratch in their first year (using Rudin and Herstein) and others who will expect you to come in and hit the ground running.