Graduate Admission in Mathematics
We hope that this will answer some of your immediate questions about admission into the MS Program in Mathematics program at CSULA. For any remaining questions, feel free to contact the Mathematics Department by calling (323) 343-2150, or by email at math@calstatela.edu.
How and when to applyYou apply to join the MS in Mathematics program through CSU Mentor. This website handles applications to all of the California State University campuses. It is the most up-to-date source of information about when you can apply and for which quarters. This information changes as frequently the university's financial situation changes. You should be able to apply for Fall quarter admission between October and March. Example: For Fall 2011 admission, apply between October 1, 2010 and March 31, 2011. These dates are subject to change. Admission into other quarters is not certain.
Admission processThe Mathematics Department is not involved in your admission to CSULA as a graduate student. The department has no additional admission requirements beyond those of the university. In particular, the GRE and letters of reference are not needed. The main requirement is that you have a bachelor's degree (not necessarily in mathematics) with a grade point average of 2.5 or better in your last 90 quarter units. Detailed information can be obtained from Office of University Admissions or by calling (323) 343-3901.
Admission to CSULA as a graduate student does not include automatic entry into the mathematics MS program. After admission, you will need to consult with the graduate advisor to choose a program of study for a mathematics MS. If you have a BA or BS in mathematics or "substantially equivalent" background, you will most likely become a "classified" mathematics graduate student, meaning that you are ready to start the 45 units of course work that count towards your MS degree. If your background is not "substantially equivalent" to a BA/BS in mathematics, you will become a "conditional" mathematics graduate student, meaning that you are required to take additional undergraduate mathematics courses before becoming a classified mathematics graduate student.
The graduate advisor makes decisions about your conditional/classified status. As a guide to what is expected for classified status, you could
look in the catalog and see what math courses are required in our BA and BS programs. At a minimum, you should have passed courses similar to these:
Math 206-209 Calculus
Math 255 Linear Algebra
Math 325 Math Notation and Proof
Math 455 Modern Algebra I
Math 465 Advanced Calculus I
plus 20 units of other math courses at 400 level or higher.
Further information can be obtained by contacting the department at (323) 343-2150.
Courses taken elsewhere can count toward your MS degree. Such courses count as transfer credit and are limited to a total of 13 units. Courses taken as prerequisites to the MS degree program do not need to be transferred in and so are not limited this way. You should consult with the graduate advisor to see if courses you have taken, or plan to take, can be transferred to your MS degree.
If, for example, you want to get started on your degree before you are admitted to the university, you can take courses through Open University. Courses taken through Open University can be transferred to your MS degree and but are considered transfer credit and are subject to the 13 unit limit.
Financial aidAll university financial aid programs are administered by the Center for Student Financial Services. The Mathematics Department is not involved. For information on financial aid, see www.calstatela.edu/univ/finaid/index.htm or call the Center for Student Financial Services at (323) 343-6260.
Teaching associatesMany of our graduate students work as Teaching Associates in the department. The pay is approximately $2350 for teaching a 4 unit class. To be a TA, you need to be a classified graduate student making progress towards the degree (by taking classes, for example), and have passed Math 495 (Mathematics Instruction at the College Level). This 2 unit course does not count towards the MS degree. If you already have teaching experience, the Chair or Associate Chair may waive the Math 495 requirement. Hiring decisions for a particular quarter are made by the middle of the previous quarter.
If you wish to apply for a TA position, contact the department by email at math@calstatela.edu.