Applied Math Graduate Program

The Master of Science in Mathematics with option in Applied Mathematics program trains students in applied math methods with strong emphasis on computational skills. The degree is granted to students who complete 30 units of course work and either pass two comprehensive examinations or fulfill the thesis/project requirement. Typically, the degree is obtained in five semesters.

More information can be found in M.S. in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics option - CSULB Catalog (23-24).

Upon completion of the program, students seek jobs in industry, government, or academia. Some of the graduates continue on for a Ph.D. in other universities.

There are ten full-time faculty members who teach courses in this program. The course titles are:

  • Introduction to Numerical Analysis
  • Intermediate Numerical Analysis
  • Introduction to Partial Differential Equations
  • Fourier Analysis
  • Mathematics of Financial Derivatives
  • Mathematical Modeling
  • Mathematical Optimization
  • Finite Element Method
  • Matrix Method in Data Analysis and Pattern Recognition
  • Applied Analysis
  • Applied Nonlinear Ordinary Differential Equations
  • Partial Differential Equations
  • Advanced Scientific Computing
  • Stochastic Calculus and Applications
  • Calculus of Variations
  • Numerical Analysis
  • Numerical Solution of Partial Differential Equations
  • Numerical Linear Algebra
  • Advanced Mathematical Modeling

Degree Plan

Graduate students have the following options:

  • Thesis Option
  • Comprehensive Exams Option

Thesis Option

For the Thesis Option you need your thesis proposal to be approved by Applied Math Committee using the following procedure:

  • Find your thesis advisor amongst Applied Math faculty
  • Compile your thesis proposal that includes:
    • Title
    • Abstract
    • Committee (three faculty members including your thesis advisor and at least one additional applied math faculty member)
  • Schedule your thesis proposal presentation (15 minutes) with the Applied Math Committee. If you already have made some progress, you may include it in your presentation. Your presentation must include:
    • Objective: formulate your thesis problem in rigorous mathematical terms and state your goals.
    • Methodologies: state mathematical methods that you will be implementing/analyzing in order to achieve your objective.
  • Submit your approved thesis proposal along with your graduate progress report and file your advancement with grad advisor.

Comprehensive Exams Option

For the Comprehensive Exams Option you need to decide which (Numerical Analysis, PDEs, and ODEs) of two subjects you will be taking and take those courses prior to taking the exams. See Comprehensive Exam Preparation for more information.