Mar 28, 2024  
2015-2016 CSU East Bay Catalog 
    
2015-2016 CSU East Bay Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Mathematics, Pure Mathematics Option, M.S.


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Program Description


The Mathematics and Computer Science 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:

  1. apply the fundamental definitions and theorems of pure mathematics;
  2. apply the fundamental definitions and theorems of applied mathematics;
  3. apply advanced techniques of mathematical analysis;
  4. apply techniques of advanced algebra;
  5. apply advanced techniques of geometry and topology;
  6. 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 and Computer Science 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.

Options


There are three options available. Option I emphasizes coursework drawn from fundamental branches of mathematics: algebra, topology, and real and complex analysis. Option II, Mathematics Teaching, is intended for those who hold secondary teaching credentials and who intend to pursue a career in secondary education. Option III, Applied Mathematics, is designed to expose students to various aspects of applied mathematics, while allowing some coursework in “pure” mathematics as well. Students who intend to become community college teachers or go on to further graduate study should select Option I or Option III.

Option I (Pure Mathematics)


Admission

To enter the program with “Classified Graduate” status, a student must have completed at least 36 quarter units of acceptable upper division mathematics 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 be admitted to the program with “Conditionally Classified Graduate” status while making up course or grade point deficiencies. Units taken to meet any 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 postbaccalaureate study, and has satisfied the University Writing Skills Requirement, should petition the graduate coordinator for admission to the master’s degree program with “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 toward 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 graduate study must be approved by the Mathematics Graduate Studies Committee.

Degree Requirements


The following departmental requirements must be satisfied:

A. The following four courses (or their equivalents) must be completed, either as an undergraduate or as a graduate student:


B. The 45 quarter units applied to the degree must include:


1. At least 24 quarter units of 6000-level courses

At least 24 quarter units of 6000-level courses, of which at least 20 quarter units are mathematics courses. Credit will be given for the seven M.A.T.H. courses (MATH 6015 -MATH 6065 , and MATH 6899 ), only with the permission of the Mathematics Graduate Committee.

2. At least two of the following four courses:

C. A comprehensive examination must be passed


A comprehensive examination must be passed. Details are available in the department office and on the department website

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.

Other Degree Requirements


In addition to departmental requirements, every student must also satisfy the university requirements for graduation which are described in the Graduate Degree Information  chapter in this catalog. These include the 32-unit residence requirement, the five year rule on currency of subject matter, the minimum number of units of 6000-level courses, the 3.00 grade point average, and the University Writing Skills Requirement. For information on meeting the University Writing Skills Requirement, see the Testing Office website at www.csueastbay.edu/testing or call 510.885.3661.

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