Integrated BS to MS Program in Mathematics

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The integrated BS to MS program in Mathematics allows students to begin earning credit towards a master’s degree while still pursuing undergraduate studies. Students entering CSU as a freshman would be expected to complete both degrees in 9 to 11 semesters and acquire at least 144 semester hours out of which at most 9 hours would have been courses that were counted towards both degrees.

Student advising and planning begin at the inception of their declaration to major in mathematics, but they are admitted to the integrated degree program only after completing at least 60 hours of college-level courses applicable toward a baccalaureate degree in mathematics. Applications are processed by the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. Eligible transfer students may concurrently apply for the baccalaureate degree and the integrated MS program.

Eligibility

To enroll in the program, the applicant must:

have at least 60 hours of college-level courses which are applicable toward a baccalaureate degree in mathematics completed with a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
have completed the calculus sequence and introduction to differential equations.
have an average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in all mathematics courses applicable toward a baccalaureate degree in mathematics.
submit at least two letters of recommendation from mathematics faculty
attesting to the applicant’s aptitude to go through a rigorous study program and evaluating his/her probably success in completing the program.
submit a personal statement which includes a description of a difficult and challenging situation that had a direct impact on the applicant’s academic progress; his/her coping mechanisms and support structures.

Standards

All requirements for the bachelor’s degree must be met within four to six long semesters of admission to the program. Approved semester-long leaves of absence are not included in this range.
All requirements for the master’s degree must be met within five to seven long semesters of admission to the program. Approved semester-long leaves of absence are not included in this range.
Dual-eligible courses. Up to nine hours of mathematics courses at the 4000-level taken in the program with the consent of the Graduate Advisor can be dual- counted toward both BS and MS degrees provided both degrees are completed in the stipulated time frame and a grade of at least a B is earned in each course. Independent study, internships, or courses credit given by exam cannot be used for dual-eligible credit.
Students must complete or have completed at matriculation to the program MATH 4410 (Introduction to Real Variables) and MATH 4250 (Introduction to Modern Algebra) with grades of B or better in each.

Additional Program Requirements

A maximum of 18 hours earned as an undergraduate can be applied to the MS degree. These 18 hours consist of the dual-counted course (<= 9 credit hours) and the 5000-level course hours earned as an undergraduate.
Of the 4000-level courses taken in undergraduate student status, only the dual- counted hours can be applied for the master’s degree (additional 4000-level courses taken in graduate status may be applied to the master’s degree. No more than 12 hours of 4000-level courses, including the dual-counted hours, can be applied to the MS degree; other restrictions apply).
In the integrated program, no 5000-level course taken can be substituted or used to fulfill a requirement for the bachelor’s degree. An undergraduate thesis cannot be substituted for the graduate research project or thesis requirement. However, subject to the approval of the Graduate Advisor, research begun as an undergraduate can be continued as a graduate student that will lead to a MS research project or thesis. In order to be applied for MATH 5990/5995 credit, such continued research must be a substantial extension of undergraduate research.