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Department of Mathematics & Statistics College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics

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Graduate Program

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers a 2-year MA program with a traditional core of Real Analysis and Abstract Algebra courses together with a range of electives in mathematics and statistics. The program prepares students with skills to be successful in pursuing a career in teaching, a PhD in mathematics, or jobs in government or industry.

Why Earn a Masters Degree in Mathematics at Sac State?

A Masters degree can be both an end and a beginning. At Sacramento State, earning your Masters degree in Mathematics develops core knowledge and abilities to help you in whatever you do in the future, while also allowing you the opportunity to carve out specific skills for your specific next step.

We're cognizant of this important role a Masters degree can play. That's why we've created and curated a list of classes that has a strong core that is applicable to most everyone's next step, with a variety of electives to allow each student to help them take a step forward in their unique journey. See the "Our Courses (and Why)" below for more about our classes we offer (and why!).

Beyond classes, however, there are other ways for students to be developing important skills while earning a Masters degree. Plus, the campus is gorgeous and the city is vibrant. We give some more details now about the unique aspects surrounding our Master degree program at Sacramento State and why we think it's great.

What do we love about our program?

  • Supportive and present faculty that have a WIDE range of interests: Our faculty LOVE to teach and mentor. They are welcoming and there to support you throughout the entire program. Not only that but we have faculty passionate about all sort of research areas, and also pedagogy, statistical consulting work, outreach, and more! It is not uncommon for graduate students to engage in research with our faculty. If you have an interest, there is a good chance one of our faculty members may share it. If you don't then this is a great place to find one!
  • You learn algebra and analysis: Abstract Algera and Real Analysis are hallmark topics in mathematics and foundational. These constitute our core coursework and are the basis of our comprehensive examination. We want you to leave with the confidendence that you truly understand these subjects and could thrive using them, be it for a PhD, teaching with confidence, or simply knowing that if you are needed to learn hard material and demonstrate applying it that you can do it!
  • The program and department has energy. New classes and seminars are in development for the program, which is exciting. There are a variety of active student clubs (Math Club, SIAM, Women in STEM, etc.), student government positions are available, and reading groups are common (often including over the summer). Meanwhile, the department houses colloquium talks and other interesting speakers' series, an integratoin bee, a building and estimathan night, and even a calculus carnival!
  • In-person courses and comprehensive exam: We understand many students seek online courses or options other than an exam as a culminating experience. However, we're proud of the knowledge you gain in our program, the friendships and networking you encounter, and the confidence you gain in mastering our program learning outcomes. We are there to help support you through this journey, and we believe you will be happy you did it.
  • Opportunity to teach one's own class (or work in the Math Lab). Many students are pursuing this degree to become teachers and we know that. Most all of our graduate students can (if they desire) have the opportunity to be the instructor of their own class. This allows students to gain real-world college teaching experience while also earning some money. Meanwhile, many of our graduate students take on shifts in our department's Math Lab. Here, they can earn some money and reinforce their undergraduate mathematics skills while helping develop the next wave of mathematics majors.
  • Our location: Being housed along a river in the State's Capital has perks. Sunny weather, sure, but also a great location for pursuing careers in teaching, government, industry, or as a steping stone for pursuing a Phd.

Our Courses (and Why)

Click the links for the the catalog list of mathematics courses, the statistics courses, and the required program courses.

The core of our 30-unit program consists of two sequential classes in Abstrac Algebra (Math 210A/B) and Real Analysis (Math 230A/B). Why? We believe a strong foundation in these two areas sets you up for a lot. For example,

  • Critical thinking and learning skills. It's what employers want. You learn the skills and demonstrate the ability to learn dense and difficult material and work with it. Your next step may not even require specific math, but it likely may require these important skills.
  • Confidence and knowledge of foundational mathematics. Abstract Algebra and Real Analysis are a staple to PhD programs and pull the strings behind K-14 mathematics courses. Most undergraduate experiences provide some learning around these topics, but not necessarily as a 'masters level.' We want out graduatesto leave our program with a strong foundation to put this knowledge to use. This includes the ability to thrive in PhD programs where these subjects are often the primary hurdles toward the degree and teach community college courses and K-12 mathematics material with a deep command of the material.

Outside of our core, students in our program must take at least four approved additional graduate level mathematics or statistics courses. Currently, these consits of Theory of Numbers (Math 202); Probability Theory (Stat 215); Topology (Math 220); Complex Analysis (Math 234); Applied Functional Analysis (Math 241); and Lie Theory (Math 248). And more courses are in development! Among other things, these courses allow students to develop skills for their next step. For example,

  • Develop knowledge in important topics. For students wanting to teach at a community college, Stat 215 may be a great choice to develop skill to position you to be able to teach a statistics course with confidence. Student curious about pursuing a PhD may find Math 248 to be an excellent tour of advanced mathematics with active research. Each elective has strengths for supporting our students with a variety of goals.
  • Develop breadth. A hallmark of mathematics is developing skills that can be applied with new subjects of study. Having such diverse elective courses means students can gain experiences in learning and mastering different topics, while recognizing and leaning on what remains similar.

Finally, up to 6-units can be taken from a variety of different forms of coursework. These includes

  • Independent Study courses. With Math 299 and Stat 299 students can explore topics not found in courses and/or pursue research projects with faculty members.
  • Select undergraduate courses. Some undergraduate courses can be taken and applied for these unit. This helps develop a student's mathematical breadth.

We also have a Culminating Experience (Math 500) course to aid in preparing for the comprehensive exam.

Over the academic year 2025-26 our department is working on creating new courses and seminars for the program, so stay tuned!

Propsective Students

Interested in learning more about the MA in Mathematics program? Much of this process is administrated by the Office of Graduate Studies, or the California State University system as a whole. Here you will find some links with more information on different parts.

Application Process

  • Click here for admission procedures and requirements.
    • Note: While coursework in Abstract Algebra and Real Analysis are required, conditional admittance can be issued with deficiences. This means you can be admitted to the program without having already completing all of these required courses, but will be required to complete the required missing coursework while in the program.
  • Click here for admissions information and application deadlines. (Look for Mathematics.)
    • Note: Applications are run through the Office for Graduate Studies via Cal State Apply. See the last link for an application guide and Cal State Apply FAQs.
    • Typically, the Mathematics MA applications are due annually in early Spring for admissions to that Fall semester. We do not have Spring admissions.

Application Process FAQs

Question: It's the end of Fall semester and my classes haven't finished. Should I apply now, or wait until grades have been posted to apply?

Answer: Wait until grades have been posted. This is especially true if you are enrolled in any of the courses surrounding Abstract Algebra or Real Analysis.

Question: Do I need a letter of recommendation, personal statement, or GRE scores to apply?

Answer: No, you don't need any of these things. Moreover, they will not be considered. During the application process you need only submit all (unofficial) transcripts. If you are accepted, then you will be asked to submit the official transcripts later.

Question: Are there any Teaching Assistantships or anything to fund me?

Answer: Click the following link for some information about financial aid for graduate students. The department does typically employ some graduate students as Teaching Assistants or Graduate Assistants. However, we can not guarantee such positions and they do not cover tuition and fees.

Additional questions?

Don't hesitate to reach out to the graduate coordinator (krauel@csus.edu) with any additional questions.

Current Students

Have you just been admitted? Look forward to emails form the graduate coordinate with more information. In the meantime, expect an orientation the first week before school!

Currently a student? Here is a snapshot of what you may want to be doing, and some other options with how to spend your time.

Completing your degree

  • Our 2-year suggestion, which certainly doesn't apply to everyone, is the following:
    • Fall #1: Take Math 210A and another graduate elective. Recommended advising.
    • Spring #1: Take Math 210B and two additional graduate electives. Mandatory advising.
    • Fall #2: Submit your ATC Form! Take Math 230A and two additional graduate electives. Recommended advising.
    • Spring #2: Submit your Application for Graduation Form! Take Math 230B and another graduate elective. Take and pass the comprehensive exam. Mandatory advising.
  • Specific electives to take, and even different time frames, will depend a lot on what you plan to do next (including not knowing). Talk with the graduate coordinator for guidance with these decisions.

Outside of your degree

  • Teaching. Keep your eyes out for a message seeking Math 12 instructors! Typically Fall we have a ton of section availability, with Spring more limited.
  • Research. Take a look at our Faculty research interests and recent happenings in the department. Don't forget, you can use Math or Stat 299s to pursue something!
  • Social. Math Club, serving as a graduate rep for student government, the Rock Wall and weight lifting on campus. These are just some of the things you can do to stay active with peers. Beyond that, the department hosts three amazing events each year: A Building Party and Estimathon; an Integration Bee; and the Calculus Carnival.
  • Outreach. There are a number of opportunities for you to engage in outreach through our department. Contact the graduate coordinator if you are interested.

Contact

Please contact the graduate coordinator (krauel@csus.edu) with any additional questions.