Cal Poly’s M.S. in Mathematics immerses students in both pure and applied math. Faculty research interests include areas such as analysis of PDEs, ODEs and dynamical systems, climate and fluid modeling, discrete mathematics, topology, geometry, operator theory, abstract algebra, and mathematics education. Master’s degree recipients will find themselves with a rigorous background in mathematics and the ability to solve a variety of problems, both practical and theoretical. Graduates typically work in industry, teach at the community college level, or enroll in mathematics Ph.D. programs. Students have the opportunity to teach during most terms to help defray the cost of tuition and engage in paid summer research projects. Students must pass two qualifying exams in undergraduate algebra and analysis for which there is a support courses in the fall to help prepare students for these exams.
The Applied Mathematics Specialization is a hybrid program of pure and applied mathematics, emphasizing marketable skills. Students who complete a master’s degree at Cal Poly are well-prepared for jobs in industry, further graduate work at a Ph.D. institution, or teaching at a community college.