¼ªÏé·»

• Our faculty are engaged in cutting edge research in a wide range of fields within mathematics and statistics, with funding from NSF, Simons Foundation, NASA, DoD, and industries.
• Over 40% of our graduates continue their studies at leading Ph.D. programs. Other students obtain employment in business and industry; or teaching positions at community colleges.

Why ¼ªÏé·»?

A Quality Education:

• Our established options in Mathematics and Applied Mathematics have a proven track record of student success.
• Our newly introduced Statistics option provides students with training to meet the growing demand for statisticians in industry and academia.
• Graduate students may take elective courses from ¼ªÏ鷻’s undergraduate Data Science minor.Ìý
• The master’s thesis requirement provides research opportunities with established mathematicians, often leading to published results.

ÌýA Stimulating and Nurturing Environment

• Our department has an active research program, including a Colloquium series and three active Research seminars (in Algebra and Number Theory, Applied Mathematics, and Statistics).
• Our Industrial Math Group provides career assistance, including access to a network of academic and industrial partners who hire mathematicians and statisticians for summer intern and entry level positions.
• All graduate courses are offered in the evening to accommodate working students.

ÌýFinancial Support

• We offerÌýTeaching AssociateÌýandÌýGraduate AssistantÌýpositions to qualified graduate students.
• SeveralÌýtuition fee waiversÌýare awarded annually to high achieving current and incoming students.
• A limited number of paidÌýResearch AssistantshipsÌýare available to students who are working with Professors on research projects.

1. Required Core (15 units)

ÌýMATH 501 Topology (3 units, offered every Fall)

ÌýMATH 552 Real Analysis (3 units, offered every Spring)

ÌýAnalytic FoundationsÌý(3 units) Select one of the following courses:

• MATH 541 Theoretical Statistical Inference (3 units, Fall) ***
• MATH 550 Calculus on Manifolds (3 units, Fall) *
• MATH 592A Topics in Applied Mathematics (3 units, Spring) **

ÌýLinear/Algebraic MethodsÌý(3 units)ÌýSelect one of the following courses:

• MATH 540 Regression Analysis (3 units, Spring) ***
• MATH 560 Abstract Algebra III (3 units, Spring) *
• MATH 581 Numerical Methods for Linear Systems (3 units, Spring) **

Advanced Analytic MethodsÌý(3 units)ÌýSelect one of the following courses:

• MATH 543 Multivariate Statistics (3 units, Fall) ***
• MATH 582A Topics in Numerical Analysis (3 units, Fall) **Ìý
• MATH 655 Complex Analysis (3 units, Spring) *

* Students in Option I will normally take MATH 550, MATH 560 and MATH 655.

** Students in Option II will normally take MATH 581, MATH 582A and MATH 592A.

*** Students in Option III will normally take MATH 540, MATH 541 and MATH 543.

2. Electives (15 units)

ÌýElective units should support the program of study and be selected in consultation with the graduate coordinator. Up to 9 units may be taken in departments outside of Mathematics with prior approval of the Graduate Committee. A maximum of 9 units of 400-level courses may be applied toward the 31 unit degree.

3. Culminating Experience (1 unit)

ÌýChoose one of:

• MATH 697A Directed Comprehensive Studies (1)
• MATH 698A Thesis or Graduate Project (1)Ìý

Total Units Required for the M.S. Degree: 31

Comprehensive Exam or Master’s Thesis:Ìý

For their Culminating Experience, a student must successfully complete one of the following:

Comprehensive Examination:ÌýThis two-part examination will be based on the students’ required courses. Students in Option I must take Algebra and either Analysis I or Analysis II. Students in Option II must take Analysis I and one other exam excluding algebra. Students in Option III must take Probability/Statistics and Analysis I.

Comprehensive exams are given in the following areas:

• Algebra (material from MATH 462, MATH 460 and MATH 560)
• Analysis I (material from MATH 501 and MATH 552)
• Analysis II (material from MATH 550 and MATH 655)
• Numerical Analysis (material from MATH 581 and MATH 582)
• Applied Functional Analysis (material from MATH 680A/B)
• Probability/Statistics (material from MATH 540 and MATH 541)

Master’s Thesis:ÌýIn addition to submitting a written thesis, each student must prepare an oral thesis defense to be presented to their thesis committee.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

The University requires that applicants for the graduate program have an undergraduate degree with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. In addition, the Mathematics Department requires a GPA of 3.0 or higher in all undergraduate work. The Mathematics Department also requires applicants to have grades of B or better in the following upper-division mathematics classes:

• Advanced Calculus (equivalent to ¼ªÏé·» Math 450A)
• Advanced Linear Algebra (equivalent to ¼ªÏé·» Math 462)

Students who do not meet these requirements may still be considered for admission. If admitted, students who do not have a B or better in Advanced Calculus (MATH 450A) and Advanced Linear Algebra (MATH 462), will be required to pass MATH 450A, or MATH 462, or both, with a grade of B or better during the first year of enrollment in the program.

Applicants with undergraduate degrees in fields outside the Mathematical Sciences may also be considered, provided they have successfully taken a significant number of lower and upper division Mathematics courses.Ìý

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

To apply for the Graduate Program, separate applications are required to the University and to the Department of Mathematics.Ìý

1. Applications to the University are submitted atÌý. This portion of the application requires official transcripts.

2. Applications to the Department require the following materials:

• This departmental application form:Ìý
• Two letters of recommendations, which can be sent by email toÌýGraduate Coordinator

The deadline for applications to begin in the Fall semester is July 1. The deadline for applications to begin in the Spring semester is November 1.

• Our Programs:
  Ìý
  1. Q:ÌýWhat kinds of degrees are offered?
     
     A: We offer three options for Master of Science degrees: Option I ( Pure Mathematics), Option II (Applied Mathematics), and Option III (Statistics).
  2. Q:ÌýAt what point must I choose between Options I, II, or III? Can I change my option later?
     
     A: You need to choose an Option on application. You may later request to switch to a different Option by contacting the Graduate Coordinator for a Change of Objective Form.
• What will I need to do to complete a degree?
  Ìý
  1. Q:ÌýHow many courses and which ones do I need to take to complete the program?
     
     A: See above for full details. In summary, you need 31 units, consisting of 10 courses of 3 units each, and a 1-unit course that represents the successful completion either of the comprehensive exams (Math 697A) or a master's thesis (Math 698A).
  2. Q:ÌýCan I take undergraduate courses while working on my master's degree?
     
     A: Yes, you may count up to three approved 400-level courses as electives in your master's degree program. These courses are: MATH 440A, 440B, 450B, 455, 460, 463, 480, 481A, 481B, 482.
  3. Q:ÌýDo I need to pass comprehensive exams to graduate? Do I need to write a thesis?
     
     A: You need to either pass two comprehensive examsÌýorÌýwrite and defend a master's thesis.
  4. Q:ÌýWhat do the comprehensive exams cover?
     
     A: There are six available comprehensive exams:
     Ìý
     1. Algebra (material from Math 462, 460, and 560)
     2. Analysis I (material from Math 501 and 552)
     3. Analysis II (material from Math 550 and 655)
     4. Numerical Analysis (material from Math 581 and 582)
     5. Applied Functional Analysis (material from Math 680 A/B)
     6. Probability and Statistics (material from Math 540 and 542)
     
     Option I students taking comprehensive exams must take Algebra and either Analysis I or Analysis II. Option II students taking comprehensive exams must take Analysis I and one other exam excluding Algebra.
  5. Q:ÌýHow often are the comprehensive exams offered each year?
     
     A: They are given twice per year, in each semester.
  6. Q:ÌýI am an international student. Is there a language proficiency requirement needed to complete the degree?
     
     A: In order to apply, you must meet the University's English Language requirements, which are describedÌý. The Mathematics Department has no additional requirements.
  7. Q:ÌýHow long does it take to complete the program?
     
     A: Normally, it takes about two years for a full-time student to complete the program. A part-time student will typically take three years.
  8. Q:ÌýIs there a time limit for completing the degree?
     
     A: You have seven years to complete the degree.
• Cost:
  Ìý
  1. Q:ÌýHow much are the tuition and fees?
     
     A: See information about tuitionÌýhere.
  2. Q:ÌýWhat financial support is available?
     
     A: You may apply for financial aid directly from the University, as describedÌýhere. Also, the Math Department offers employment as a Teaching Associate to eligible students. You may indicate your interest in a TA position on your departmental application form.
• Qualifications Needed to Apply:
  Ìý
  1. Q:ÌýDo I need to have a bachelor's degree in mathematics to apply?
     
     A: You need a bachelor's degree, but not necessarily in mathematics. Regardless of your undergraduate major, you need to have completed sufficient coursework in mathematics, as described in the next FAQ.
  2. Q:ÌýWhich courses do I need to have completed before applying?
     
     A: To be fully ready for the MS program, you need to have completed coursework equivalent to the following ¼ªÏé·» courses: Calculus and Advanced Calculus (MATH 150A, 150B, 250, 450A), Differential Equations (MATH 351), Probability (MATH 340), Linear and Abstract Algebra (MATH 262, 360, and 462), and a course on Logic and Proofs (MATH 320). It is possible to be admitted if you lack the equivalent of MATH 450A and/or MATH 462. In this case, you will be admitted to ¼ªÏé·» and required to pass the necessary course(s) with a minimum grade of B. Because we regard them as an entrance requirement, taking MATH 450A or MATH 462 as a graduate student will not count as among the 10 3-unit courses required for your degree.
  3. Is there a minimum GPA requirement to apply?
     
     The University hasÌýÌýfor all students, regardless of major.Ìý
     
     In addition to the University requirements, the Mathematics Department requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all undergraduate work. Furthermore, the Mathematics Department requires that you have obtained a grade of B or better in Advanced Calculus and Advanced Linear Algebra (equivalent to ¼ªÏé·»'s MATH 450A and 462, respectively). If you fail to meet this requirement, you may still be admitted, and asked to take the necessary course during your first year in the program. (See the previous FAQ).
  4. Q:ÌýI am an international student. Is there a language proficiency requirement needed before applying? Do I need to take the TOEFL? or the IELTS or PTE?
     
     A: In order to apply, you must meet the University's English Language requirements, which are describedÌý. The Mathematics Department has no additional requirements.
• Application Procedures:
  Ìý
  1. Q:ÌýWhat items are needed in a complete application?
     
     A: All applicants need to submit two applications: one for the University, and one for Math Department.
     
     The University application is done with the onlineÌýÌýsystem.ÌýSee alsoÌýÌýof procedures for more detail. For further requirements for international students, see the next FAQ.
     
     To complete the Mathematics Department application, please fill out the application form:ÌýÌý

     The form is on our old website. Please open the link below in a new tab to complete the form. Once the form is completed, close the tab to return to the current site.ÌýÌý

     The two letters of recommendation can either be sent via email by their author directly to theÌýGraduate Coordinator.
  2. Q:ÌýI am an international student. Is there anything else I need to do to apply?
     
     A: The University has additional requirements and procedures for international applicants, which are described at theÌý. The Mathematics Department has no additional requirements for international applicants.
  3. Q:ÌýCan I use a letter of recommendation from a non-professor? For example, from my supervisor at work?
     
     A: Yes, but it is to your advantage to have at least one of your letters address your intellectual abilities relevant to the study of mathematics.
  4. Q:ÌýDo you require a personal statement? Where should I submit that?
     
     A: A personal statement is optional. However, if there are special circumstances in your background that you feel we should be aware of, please feel free to include a statement with your departmental application.
  5. Q:ÌýAm I required to take GRE?
     
     A: No.
  6. Q:ÌýWhat is the latest date that I can apply if I want to begin the program in a particular semester?
     
     A: The application deadline for the Fall semester is July 1.ÌýThe application deadline for the Spring semester is November 1.Ìý
• Finding out whether you have been accepted:
  Ìý
  1. Q:ÌýI submitted my application some time ago, and I have not heard anything. What should I do?
     
     A: Contact theÌýGraduate Coordinator.
• I have been accepted. What do I do next?
  Ìý
  1. Q:ÌýOnce I accept your offer of admission, what do I do next?
     
     A: Contact theÌýGraduate Coordinator.
  2. Q:ÌýI am admitted to begin in a particular semester. Can I postpone my admission to a later semester?
     
     A: Possibly, but this is an issue that you will have to take up with ¼ªÏé·»'s Office of Admissions and Records.
  3. Q: Can I take a semester off in the middle of my program?
     
     A: Yes. Graduate students in good standing may take a two semester leave of absence. If you take leave for a longer period, you must reapply to the University.

Producing documents with mathematical content can be a challenging task due to the large number of special characters required. The package LaTex provides an excellent way of doing this, and is the standard method of typesetting used by mathematicians worldwide. This program is freely available and can be downloaded for any platform. LaTex is also the preferred way to produce ¼ªÏé·» Master's Theses. To do so, you should obtain a copy of the class file ¼ªÏé·».cls, which automatically produces a document which adheres to campus guidelines. This file can be obtained by contacting theÌýGraduate Coordinator.Ìý