Master of Arts in Mathematics

The M.A. in Mathematics at SF State offers students the opportunity to study advanced mathematics under the guidance of a faculty encompassing many different areas of research. Classes are small, usually fewer than 20, and graduate students pursue their own mathematical interests through seminars and research projects with faculty members.

Admission to the program requires an undergraduate degree but not necessarily in mathematics. Many students with minors in math have succeeded in the SF State graduate program.

Successful applicants are expected to have completed three semesters of calculus, linear algebra, and three upper division math courses, including modern algebra and real analysis, with a grade of B or better. However, an applicant may be admitted conditionally on passing any missing course satisfactorily during the first calendar year of study.

The expected completion time for the program is two years. After graduation, students enroll in Ph.D. programs or seek employment in the San Francisco Bay Area's technology and financial industries or at one of California's 110 community colleges.

Applicants educated outside of the United States must have earned a degree or diploma that SF State considers to be the equivalent of a 4-year U.S. bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants who hold a Bologna degree comprised of 180 ECTS may be eligible for admission following comprehensive evaluation of documents.

Students taking the Pierson Test of English (PTE) must post a minimum score of 65. TOEFL - minimum score of 550 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or 80 on the internet-based test iBT; International English Language Testing System (IELTS) as an alternative must obtain a score of 7.0 overall band score.

Priority Deadline for the Fall semester is March 1. Priority Deadline for the Spring semester is October 1.