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:
- 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 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 II (Mathematics Teaching)
Admission
The M.A.T.H. (Mathematics and Teaching at Hayward) option is available only to holders of teaching credentials, unless special permission is obtained. In order to be admitted to the master’s degree program with “Classified Graduate” status, a student must have completed 24 or more quarter units of acceptable upper division mathematics with an average of “B” or higher. 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 post-baccalaureate 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 of work toward the master’s degree 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.
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.
