Mathematics (M.S.) 45 units
Program Description
The Mathematics Department offers graduate study leading to the degree of Master of Science in Mathematics. The goal of the faculty is to provide excellent instruction in advanced mathematics and to maintain a supportive environment for graduate students. Students who complete the program should be equipped for careers in community college teaching or positions in industry that require knowledge of mathematics beyond the undergraduate level. The M.S. degree in Mathematics can also serve as preparation for advanced study toward a Ph.D. degree in mathematics or a related field.
Our program features small classes that allow for close contact between students and faculty. Many graduate classes are offered in the late afternoon or early evening, making it possible for working students to attend. Courses toward the M.S. degree may also be taken during the summer quarter. Students may begin their studies in any one of the four quarters.
Students interested in the M.S. degree program in Mathematics should speak with the Mathematics Graduate Coordinator.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students who graduate with an M.S. in Mathematics will be able to:
- apply the fundamental definitions and theorems of pure mathematics;
- apply the fundamental definitions and theorems of applied mathematics;
- apply advanced techniques of mathematical analysis;
- apply techniques of advanced algebra;
- apply advanced techniques of geometry and topology;
- use mathematical algorithms.
Career Opportunities
A number of former Cal State East Bay students currently hold positions as community college mathematics teachers. Others have found the M.S. degree in mathematics to be an ideal preparation for further studies at doctorate-granting institutions and have continued by working towards a Ph.D. degree in mathematics or a related field such as operations research, physics, or economics. A number of these alumni are now professors at four-year institutions. Still others are in mathematics-related careers in industry.
Faculty
The faculty of the Mathematics Department hold doctorates in a wide variety of areas of specialization and offer courses encompassing a broad range of pure and applied mathematics, including standard graduate mathematics courses as well as courses in new areas. Areas of emphasis include numerical analysis, pure and applied algebra, differential equations, real and complex analysis, topology, geometry, mathematical optimization, computer simulation, probability, statistics, and selected topics in applied mathematics.
Special Features
Each quarter, a limited number of teaching positions are available to qualified graduate students. These positions, which generally involve teaching one lower division mathematics course per quarter, provide valuable experience, especially for those who intend to become community college teachers. The department also employs qualified students as paper graders.
Mathematics students have access to modern computer equipment, including various mathematical software packages.
The CSUEB Mathematics Club is open to all interested students. This club features lectures by students and faculty and offers a variety of social activities.
Scholarships
Each year the department awards a number of scholarships for the subsequent year. Scholarship applications may be obtained from the department office during the winter quarter.
Admission
To enter the program with “Classified Graduate” status, a student must have completed a course in computer science and at least 36 quarter units of acceptable upper division mathematics, statistics, or computer science courses with a grade point average of “B” or higher. Included among these units must be courses in:
- Analysis
- Abstract algebra
- Linear algebra theory
- Differential equations
A student may enter the program with “Conditionally Classified Graduate” status while making up course or grade point deficiencies. Units taken to meet course deficiencies may not be applied toward the master’s degree, and no more than 20 quarter units taken while in “Conditionally Classified Graduate” status may be applied to the degree.
A “Conditionally Classified Graduate” student who has no course deficiencies, a “B” or higher average in at least 12 quarter units of post baccalaureate study, and has satisfied the University Writing Skills Requirement, should petition the department graduate coordinator for a change to “Classified Graduate” status.
Advancement to Candidacy
A student with “Classified Graduate” status may apply for Advancement to Candidacy after completing at least 16 quarter units towards the master’s degree with a “B” or higher average, including at least two 6000-level mathematics courses with a “B” or higher average.
Before being Advanced to Candidacy, a student’s complete course of study must be approved by the Mathematics Graduate Studies Committee. In particular, approval must be obtained for any course(s) taken outside the Mathematics Department.
Upper Division Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics Courses Acceptable for M.S. in Mathematics
- Upper division and graduate computer science courses may be used with the approval of the Mathematics Graduate Studies Committee.
- Other upper division mathematics courses may be used with the approval of the Mathematics Graduate Studies Committee.MATH 4012, MATH 4013, MATH 4014, or MATH 4030 will not be approved.
Option Requirements (45 units)
To complete the M.S. in Mathematics students must pursue one (1) of the three options available: (See the Errata chapter of this catalog for minor changes to this section)
Students who intend to become community college teachers or go on to further graduate study should select Applied Mathematics or Pure Mathematics options.
