Mathematics, M.S.

Offered by: College of Science, Mathematics and Statistics Department

www.csupomona.edu/~math

Alan Krinik, Interim Chair
John Rock, Coordinator, Graduate Program

There are four emphases for the Master of Science in Mathematics. The Pure Mathematics emphasis is for individuals whose principal interest is in pure mathematics. It is intended for students who are interested in further graduate study. The Applied Mathematics emphasis is intended for students who wish to learn the applications of mathematics, in particular with a goal of working in industry. This program is also appropriate for the individual seeking the community college teaching credential. The Statistics emphasis is for students interested in working in the statistics field. The Mathematics Education emphasis is intended for students interested in teaching at the secondary and post-secondary level, particularly those interested in mathematics education as a profession.

Admission to the Program

An applicant for admission should have completed a baccalaureate degree program in mathematics comparable to that offered at this university or a baccalaureate degree in a related field with at least 20 quarter units of upper-division courses in mathematics. Students whose undergraduate degree is in a field other than mathematics will generally find it necessary to follow a program of additional preparation before undertaking graduate work in mathematics. Applicants for the Pure Mathematics emphasis must have course work which includes MAT 314 , MAT 315 , MAT 417 , MAT 418  and MAT 428  (or their equivalent). Applicants for the Applied and Statistics emphases must have course work which includes MAT 314 , MAT 315 , MAT 417  and MAT 428  (or their equivalent). Work experience, as well as undergraduate course work, may be taken into account by the Graduate Committee for credit towards the admission of an applicant.

An upper-division grade point average of at least 3.0 is required for admission as an unconditional graduate student in mathematics. Each applicant will be considered by the departmental graduate committee and recommended for admission on the basis of all evidence applicable to the student’s admission. An applicant not meeting the minimum standards of the department may be admitted as a conditional student, if space is available. The student must comply with the conditions of admittance within the time stipulated.

Student Program

The student’s program will be based upon his/her undergraduate preparation, current interests in mathematics, occupational and professional goals. During the first quarter of residence, each unconditional graduate student will prepare a contract in consultation with the graduate coordinator. This will define all courses and requirements which the student must fulfill to earn the degree. Once approved by the College of Science and verified by the Graduate Studies Office, the study list may be amended only by petition, as outlined in the appropriate sections of this catalog.

Advancement to Candidacy

Advancement to candidacy is required of all students who register for MAT 696  (thesis) or MAT 697  (comprehensive exam). In order to advance to candidacy, a student must:

1. Have an overall GPA of at least B (3.0);
2. Satisfy the GWT requirement;
3. Satisfy all requirements stipulated by the graduate coordinator at the time of admission;
4. Have a contract approved by the graduate coordinator and the Associate Provost;
5. Complete at least 6 courses which appear on the student’s contract, 4 of which must be at the 500 level; and
6. Have at least a B (3.0) average on contract courses taken.

Requirements

1. Pure Mathematics Emphasis: Either a thesis (three units) and directed readings (two units), or a comprehensive exam (one unit) is required. Those students who take the comprehensive exam must complete at least 45 units of acceptable graduate work in the master’s degree program. At least 36 of these units shall be in courses at the graduate level. Those students who write a thesis must complete at least 45 units (which includes the five units of thesis and directed reading) of acceptable graduate work in the master’s degree program. At least 33 of these units shall be in courses at the graduate level.
2. Applied Mathematics Emphasis: At least 45 units of acceptable graduate work must be completed in the master’s degree program. At least 33 of these units shall be in courses at the graduate level. A thesis (three units) and directed readings (two units) are required.
3. Statistics Emphasis: At least 45 units of acceptable graduate work must be completed in the master’s degree program. At least 33 of these units shall be in courses at the graduate level. A thesis (three units) and directed readings (two units) are required.
4. Mathematics Education Emphasis: At least 45 units of acceptable graduate work must be completed in the master’s degree program. At least 33 of these units shall be courses at the graduate level. A thesis (3 units) and directed readings (2 units) are required.
5. No more than 13 units of acceptable graduate credit may be transferred from another graduate institution. No more than 13 units taken through Extended University (400- level only) may be used on a contract. No more than 13 units of acceptable graduate credit may be petitioned by an undergraduate student. A total limit of 13 transfer, Extended University, or units petitioned for graduate credit may be included on a master’s contract. The stipulated time limit of 7 years applies to all of the above.
6. A grade-point average of at least 3.0 shall be maintained in all course work taken to satisfy the degree requirements, as well as in all courses taken at Cal Poly Pomona postbaccalaureate which number 300 or more.
7. The candidate must be enrolled in the university during the quarter of graduation.