Prospective Students

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via Cal State Apply.

Recommendation letters are not required, but they can strengthen an application. Letters can be emailed directly to the Coordinator of the Mathematics & Statistics Department Graduate Program, Dr. John Rock, or mailed to the following address:

Application Deadline

Applications are due April 1 in the Spring immediately preceding the Fall term in which you wish to begin the program.

Students may not begin the program in Spring or Summer terms; however, students may take up to 9 units through Open University and have the credit apply towards a master's degree.

Admission Requirements

M.S. in Mathematics

To be considered for admission, students must have completed single and multivariable calculus, introductory linear algebra, an introduction to proof-based mathematics (similar to our MAT 3100), introductory real analysis, and introductory modern/abstract algebra. Students showing great promise but lacking one or more of these courses may be considered for conditional admission. Additional upper-division proof-based mathematics courses with grades of B or higher are strongly recommended.

M.S. in Statistics and Applied Mathematics

To be considered for admission, students must have completed single and multivariable calculus plus lower-division coursework covering linear algebra, differential equations, and elementary statistics or data science. Students showing great promise but lacking one or more of these courses may be considered for conditional admission. Upper-division applied mathematics and statistics coursework with grades of B or higher is strongly recommended. Experience with coding is also strongly recommended.

Admission Procedures

Each application 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. Students must comply with the conditions of admittance within the time stipulated.

Note that recommendation letters, the General GRE, and the Subject GRE in Mathematics are NOT required for admission; however, strong letters of support and significant GRE scores will strengthen an application. Work experience may be taken into account by the graduate committee for credit towards the admission of an applicant.

Teaching Associate Program

Our department offers a Teaching Associate (TA) program.  Applications are due in April in the Spring immediately preceding the Fall term in which you wish to begin the program.  For more details and application information, please see Open Positions.  The application process for the TA program is completely separate from that for admission to the graduate program itself.