Mathematics

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Undergraduate Information

Mathematics

OFFICE: Geology/Mathematics/Computer Science 413
TELEPHONE: 619-594-6191

Faculty

Emeritus: Carlson, Deaton, Elwin, Garrison, Geveci, Grone, Hager, Hintzman, Hui, Lesley, Lutz, Marcus, McLeod, Nemirovsky, Nower, Pierce, Salamon, Saltz, Short, Smith, Sowder, J., Sowder, L., Thompson, Van de Wetering, Verzi (SDSU-IV), Whitman
Chair: O’Sullivan
Professors: Blomgren, Carretero, Castillo, Dunster, Interlando, Lobato, Mahaffy, O’Sullivan, Palacios, Ponomarenko, Rasmussen, Shen, S.
Associate Professors: Bowers, Gilles, Kirschvink, Nickerson, Shen, B., Zahner
Assistant Professors: Curtis, George, Hong, Luque, O’Neill, Pilgrim, Qin (SDSU-IV), Reinholz, Vaidya

The Majors

Mathematics is the language and instrument for the sciences and technology. It is concerned with a wide range of diverse problems from developing techniques to model real world applications and designing efficient methods for calculating their solutions, to creating new branches of mathematics and theories for as yet unsolved problems. Some students find mathematics stimulating because of its many and varied applications, while others are fascinated and attracted to it for the beauty of its intrinsic order, structure, and form.

Because of its broad scope, degrees in mathematics can prepare students for many different careers and the Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers a variety of such degrees and emphases to provide students with several blends and specialties according to their interests and goals.

Graduates with a mathematics major have many options for either careers in applications, for further study in graduate school, or for teaching. Mathematics majors are important because their training involves quantitative abilities and critical reasoning that many potential employers can utilize. With a minor in an area of applications, graduates are suited for further graduate study in many areas that heavily depend upon mathematical methods and techniques. Graduates with an interest in the more theoretical aspects of mathematics are sought after in many diverse graduate programs from applied and pure mathematics to computer and computational sciences and statistics. Careers in teaching include positions in secondary schools, for which a teaching credential is additionally required, teaching in two year colleges, for which a master’s degree is required, and teaching at the university level, which requires a doctorate degree and involves research and creation of new mathematics.

Impacted Program

The mathematics major and emphases are impacted programs. To be admitted to the mathematics major or an emphasis, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Complete preparation for the major. Refer to the individual program for specific impaction criteria;
2. Complete a minimum of 60 transferable semester units;
3. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.

To complete the major, students must fulfill the degree requirements for the major described in the catalog in effect at the time they are accepted into the premajor at SDSU (assuming continuous enrollment).

Major Academic Plans (MAPs)

Visit http://www.sdsu.edu/mymap for the recommended courses needed to fulfill your major requirements. The MAPs website was created to help students navigate the course requirements for their majors and to identify which General Education course will also fulfill a major preparation course requirement.

Mathematics Placement Assessment

All students who expect to enroll in CS 100 , CS 107 , MATH 105 , MATH 118 , MATH 120 , MATH 124 , MATH 141 , MATH 150 , MATH 210 , MATH 211 , STAT 119 , STAT 250  must satisfy the SDSU Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning Assessment requirement. For MATH 124 , MATH 141 , and MATH 150 , students must also pass the Mathematics Placement Assessment. For MATH 150 , certain prerequisite courses taken at San Diego State University may be used to satisfy the Mathematics Placement Assessment requirement. For MATH 312  and MATH 313 , students must pass the Liberal Studies Mathematics Proficiency Assessment.

Statistics

OFFICE: Geology/Mathematics/Computer Science 413
TELEPHONE: 619-594-6191

Faculty

Emeritus: Burdick, Macky, Park, Romano
Chair: O’Sullivan
Associate Chair for Statistics: Lin
Professors: Fan, Levine, Lui
Associate Professors: Bailey, Chen, Lin
Assistant Professor: Román
Lecturers: Duncan, Noble

The Major

Statistics is the science which studies data - its collection, description, analysis, and interpretation. Almost all modern professions, from economists to engineers and from social scientists to medical scientists, rely on statistics. Statistical methods are used for studying relationships, predicting results, testing hypothesis, and a variety of other purposes.

The Bachelor of Science degree in statistics is designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of probability and mathematical statistics, a complementary knowledge of basic methods for data collection and inference, and practical computing skills to carry out statistical analyses of problems in many different areas of application.

One option within the major allows students with a strong interest in statistical or biostatistical aspects of a particular science to apply courses in that science to their major. This option should provide the interested student with a good background for employment or graduate work in statistics, biostatistics, or in that science. Emphases in actuarial science and data science enable students to pursue further specializations aligned with professional opportunities in these areas.

Statistics is the discipline at the heart of the scientific method of discovery. Statistical principles are used in designing experiments and surveys to collect information, and statistical procedures are applied to summarize information, draw conclusions, and make decisions.

Because of the broad applicability of their training in statistical reasoning and data analysis, undergraduate majors are prepared for careers in diverse fields - such as biotechnology, environmental science, insurance, industrial manufacturing, and market research - in which the need for professionally trained statisticians is great.

Graduates who seek to acquire additional skills in applied or theoretical statistics may also consider programs of advanced study at the master’s or doctoral level. Statisticians with advanced degrees are sought for senior positions in industry and government, as well as teaching positions in secondary schools, community colleges, and universities.

Impacted Program

The statistics major and emphases are impacted programs. To be admitted to the statistics major or an emphasis, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Complete preparation for the major. MATH 150  and MATH 151  must be completed with a minimum grade of C (2.0) and cannot be taken for credit/no credit (Cr/NC);
2. Complete a minimum of 60 transferable semester units;
3. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.

To complete the major, students must fulfill the degree requirements for the major described in the catalog in effect at the time they are accepted into the premajor at SDSU (assuming continuous enrollment).

Major Academic Plans (MAPs)

Visit http://www.sdsu.edu/mymap for the recommended courses needed to fulfill your major requirements. The MAPs website was created to help students navigate the course requirements for their majors and to identify which General Education course will also fulfill a major preparation course requirement.

Graduate Information

OFFICE: Geology/Mathematics/Computer Science 413
TELEPHONE: 619-594-6191

Faculty

Michael E. O’Sullivan, Ph.D., Professor of Mathematics, Chair of Department

Mathematics and Applications

Ricardo Carretero, Ph.D., Professor of Mathematics, Associate Chair of Department (M.S. Dynamical Systems Graduate Adviser)
T. Marc Dunster, Ph.D., Professor of Mathematics, Associate Chair of Department
Peter V. Blomgren, Ph.D., Professor of Mathematics José E. Castillo, Ph.D., Professor of Mathematics (M.S. Computational Science Graduate Adviser)
J. Carmelo Interlando, Ph.D., Professor of Mathematics (M.S. Communication Systems Graduate Adviser)
Joseph M. Mahaffy, Ph.D., Professor of Mathematics (Applied Mathematics Graduate Adviser)
Antonio Palacios, Ph.D., Professor of Mathematics
Vadím Ponomarenko, Ph.D., Professor of Mathematics (M.A. Mathematics Graduate Adviser)
Peter Salamon, Ph.D., Professor of Mathematics, Emeritus
Samuel S.P. Shen, Ph.D., Albert W. Johnson Distinguished Professor of Mathematics
Jérôme E. Gilles, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Mathematics
Stephen J. Kirschvink, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Mathematics
Bo-Wen Shen, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Mathematics
Christopher W. Curtis, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Uduak George, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Youngjoon Hong, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Christopher O’Neill, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Antoni Luque Santolaria, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Naveen K. Vaidya, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Mathematics

Mathematics Education

Chris L. Rasmussen, Ph.D., Professor of Mathematics, Associate Chair of Department, Mathematics Education
Joanne E. Lobato, Ph.D., Professor of Mathematics
Janet S. Bowers, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Mathematics
Susan D. Nickerson, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Mathematics (M.A.T.S. Graduate Adviser)
William C. Zahner, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Mathematics
Mary E. Pilgrim, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Daniel L. Reinholz, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Mathematics

Associateships

Graduate teaching associateships in mathematics are available to a limited number of qualified students. Application blanks and additional information may be secured from the chair of the department.

General Information

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers graduate study leading to the Master of Arts degree in mathematics, the Master of Arts degree for teaching service with a concentration in mathematics, the Master of Science degree in applied mathematics, the Master of Science degree in applied mathematics with a concentration in mathematical theory of communications systems, and the Master of Science degree in applied mathematics with a concentration in dynamical systems. The department also offers the Master of Science degree in statistics and the Master of Science degree in statistics with a concentration in biostatistics (see the Statistics section of this bulletin for a description of the statistics program and courses).

Faculty active in research direct theses and research projects in most general areas of the mathematical sciences: in complex analysis, differential equations, number theory, numerical analysis; in cognitive science, computer education and problem solving within mathematics education; in climate mathematics, computational mathematics, control theory, dynamical systems, mathematics of communication, mathematical physics, modeling and optimization within applied mathematics.

Opportunities for research in mathematics education are available through research facilities in the Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education.

The department hires qualified graduate students as teaching associates. These positions serve as an important stepping stone on the path to a career in the teaching of mathematics at various levels.

Admission to Graduate Study

All students must satisfy the general requirements for admission to the university with classified graduate standing, as described in Part Two of this bulletin.

Students applying for admission should electronically submit the university application available at http://www.calstate.edu/apply along with the $55 application fee.

All applicants must submit admissions materials to SDSU Graduate Admissions.

Graduate Admissions

The following materials should be submitted as a complete package directly to:

Graduate Admissions
Enrollment Services
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA 92182-7416

1. Official transcripts (in sealed envelopes) from all postsecondary institutions attended;
   
   NOTE:
   • Students who attended SDSU need only submit transcripts for work completed since last attendance.
   • Students with international coursework must submit both the official transcript and proof of degree. If documents are in a language other than English, they must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
2. GRE scores (http://www.ets.org SDSU institution code 4682);
3. English language score, if medium of instruction was in a language other than English (http://www.ets.org SDSU institution code 4682).

Advancement to Candidacy

All students must satisfy the general requirements for advancement to candidacy as described in Part Four of this bulletin. In addition, the student must have passed a qualifying examination in some programs.

Statistics

OFFICE: Geology/Mathematics/Computer Science 413
TELEPHONE: 619-594-6191

Faculty

Michael E. O’Sullivan, Ph.D., Professor of Mathematics, Chair of Department
Chii-Dean Lin, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Statistics, Associate Chair of Department
Juanjuan Fan, Ph.D., Professor of Statistics
Richard A. Levine, Ph.D., Professor of Statistics
Kung-Jong Lui, Ph.D., Professor of Statistics
Barbara Ann Bailey, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Statistics
Jianwei Chen, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Statistics
Jorge Carlos Román, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Statistics

Associateships

Graduate teaching associateships in statistics and biostatistics are available and are awarded on a competitive basis by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Application forms and additional information may be secured from the office of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

General Information

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers graduate study leading to the Master of Science degree in statistics. Students may pursue either the general degree or a concentration in biostatistics that emphasizes statistical methods and applications in the biological, health, and medical sciences.

Statisticians and biostatisticians are engaged in the acquisition and use of knowledge through the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data. Today, almost all disciplines - from economics to engineering, from social science to medicine - employ statistical methods. Such methods are essential in studying relationships, predicting results, and making informed decisions in many different contexts. This diversity of application of this field has stimulated the current demand for well-trained statisticians and biostatisticians at all degree levels.

The Master of Science degree provides advanced training, with emphasis on statistical methodology, and prepares students for careers in industry and government as applied statisticians or biostatisticians, or for entry into a doctoral program in statistics or biostatistics.

As part of the degree requirements, graduate students conduct theses or research projects under the guidance of faculty with active research interests in most general areas of probability, statistics, and biostatistics. These research areas include biostatistical methods, survival analysis, mathematical demography, data analysis, inference, stochastic processes, time series, Bayesian statistics, categorical data analysis, statistical computing, non-parametric statistics, sample surveys, multivariate analysis, linear models, experimental design, and clinical trials.

The graduate programs can prepare students for a teaching career.

Admission to Graduate Study

All students must satisfy the general requirements for admission to the university with classified graduate standing, as described in Part Two of this bulletin.

Advancement to Candidacy

All students must satisfy the general requirements for advancement to candidacy as described in Part Four of this bulletin.

Imperial Valley

Faculty

Assistant Professor: Qin

Major Academic Plans (MAPs)

Visit http://www.sdsu.edu/mymap for the recommended courses needed to fulfill your major requirements. The MAPs website was created to help students navigate the course requirements for their majors and to identify which General Education course will also fulfill a major preparation course requirement.

Mathematics Placement Assessment

All students who expect to enroll in CS 100 , CS 107 , MATH 105 , MATH 118 , MATH 120 , MATH 124 , MATH 141 , MATH 150 , MATH 210 , MATH 211 , STAT 119 , STAT 250  must satisfy the SDSU Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning Assessment requirement. For MATH 124 , MATH 141 , and MATH 150 , students must also pass the Mathematics Placement Assessment. For MATH 150 , certain prerequisite courses taken at San Diego State University may be used to satisfy the Mathematics Placement Assessment requirement. For MATH 312  and MATH 313 , students must pass the Liberal Studies Mathematics Proficiency Assessment.

Programs

• Applied Mathematics, Dynamical Systems Concentration, M.S.
• Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Theory of Communication Systems Concentration, M.S.
• Applied Mathematics, M.S.
• Communication Systems Certificate
• Mathematics Minor
• Mathematics, B.A. in Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Mathematics, B.A. in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Mathematics Major In preparation for the Single Subject Teaching Credential With the B.A. Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Mathematics, Emphasis in Applied Mathematics, B.S. in Applied Arts and Sciences
• Mathematics, Emphasis in Computational Science, B.S. in Applied Arts and Sciences
• Mathematics, Emphasis in Science, B.S. in Applied Arts and Sciences
• Mathematics, M.A.
• Single Subject Mathematics Certificate

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