Mathematics, M.S. Program
Program Description
The Mathematics Department offers graduate study leading to the degree of Master of Science in Mathematics. The department prides itself on providing excellent instruction in advanced mathematics and maintaining a supportive learning environment for graduate students. Students in the program will be exposed to the fundamental areas of pure and applied mathematics and have the opportunity to explore specialized areas in depth. The completed program prepares students for careers in community college teaching, positions in industry that require knowledge of mathematics beyond the undergraduate level, as well as for advanced study toward a Ph.D. degree in mathematics or a related field.
The M.S. program features small classes that allow for close contact between students and faculty. Students interested in the M.S. degree program in Mathematics should speak with the Mathematics Graduate Coordinator.
Career Opportunities
A graduate degree in mathematics provides preparation for a broad range of careers including in academia and teaching, engineering, business, computing and management. An excellent resource can be found at the Mathematical Association of America Career Profiles web page. Many graduates of Cal State East Bay’s M.S. program hold positions as community college mathematics professors. Some graduates have continued their studies at doctoral granting institutions by working towards a Ph.D. degree in mathematics or a related field such as operations research, statistics, physics, or economics. Still others have used their skills in careers in the local tech industry.
Admission Requirements
To enter the program with “Classified Graduate” status, a student must have completed undergraduate classes equivalent to the following CSU East Bay courses:
- Math 130, 131, 230 (Calculus Sequence)
- CS 101 or Math 305 (Introduction to Computer Programming)
- Math 215 (Linear Algebra)
- Math 285 (Introduction to Differential Equations)
- Math 300 (Introduction to Advanced Mathematics)
- Math 310 (Linear Algebra Theory and Applications)
- Math 320 (Algebra 1)
- Math 330 (Analysis 1)
with a grade point average of 3.0 (“B”) or higher.
Applicants must write a statement of purpose explaining their reasons for wanting to obtain the master of science degree.
Student Standing and Progress Toward the Degree
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. A “Conditionally Classified Graduate” student who has no course deficiencies should petition the department Graduate Coordinator for a change to “Classified Graduate” status.
A student with “Classified Graduate” status may apply for Advancement to Candidacy after completing at least 16 semester units towards the master’s degree with a 3.0 (“B”) or higher average.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with an M.S. in Mathematics from Cal State East Bay will be able to:
- Evaluate and create proofs in graduate-level mathematics using the fundamental definitions and theorems.
- Create solutions to problems using techniques in graduate-level mathematics.
- Communicate graduate-level mathematics effectively.
Mathematics Degree Requirements (30 units)
Required Courses
Twenty (20) units are required from the following:
The following three (3) courses are required:
Elective Courses
A maximum of 8 units of coursework from the following electives may be counted toward the master’s degree:
- Any graduate course in Mathematics
- Graduate level courses with advanced mathematical content with the approval of the Mathematics Graduate Committee.
Capstone Requirement
The following capstone for 2 units is required to complete the program requirements:
Other Graduate & Post-Baccalaureate Degree Requirements
In addition to departmental requirements, every student must also satisfy the University requirements for graduation as described throughout this catalog. These include the 70% unit residence requirement; the five-year rule on currency of subject matter; the minimum number of units in 600-level courses; the “C” minimum grade for each graduate course; and the 3.00 cumulative grade point average.
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