Bachelor’s-to-Master’s in Mathematics (includes Statistics)
Bachelor’s-to-Master’s Programs are linked bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in which the two degrees are conferred sequentially. Students entering the BA-to-MA in Mathematics program elect one of two options: mathematics or statistics. Both options emphasize breadth of coverage of basic topics of current general importance, as opposed to narrow specialization. The objective of the program in statistics is to train general practitioners capable of making immediate contributions in industry, the medical sciences, government, or private educational and research institutions.
Students in this bachelor’s-to-master’s program must complete all bachelor’s degree requirements before enrolling as master’s students, although they may take graduate courses while enrolled as undergraduates. Students must register for and earn a minimum of 24 units while enrolled as master’s students. Students may apply up to 8 units (500 level or above) from the undergraduate degree to the master’s degree, subject to any conditions described below. For this bachelor’s-to-master’s program, the bachelor’s degree is conferred by the College of Arts & Sciences and the master’s degree is conferred by the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. Students should consult with the Financial Assistance office to learn how entrance into this bachelor’s-to-master’s program might impact their financial aid.
Learning Outcomes
Students who pursue the BA in Mathematics, Pure Track, will:
- Demonstrate a mature understanding of single and multivariable calculus up through and including differential equations and of linear algebra.
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of the concept of mathematical proof and be able to present a rigorous proof of basic theorems.
- Demonstrate breadth of understanding of the core areas of pure mathematics.
Students who pursue the BA in Mathematics, Applied Track, will:
- Demonstrate a mature understanding of single and multivariable calculus up through and including differential equations and of linear algebra.
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of a variety of techniques used in modern applied mathematics.
- Demonstrate depth of understanding of two core areas of applied mathematics.
Students who pursue the BA in Mathematics, Statistics Track, will:
- Understand fundamental concepts and develop analytical skills associated with classical statistical methods.
- Demonstrate a mature understanding of the theoretic underpinnings of statistics including probability theory, and at least one of the areas of mathematical statistics and stochastic processes.
- Demonstrate a breadth of knowledge in topics related to advanced statistical theory and practice.
The learning outcomes for the MA portion of the program are to some extent determined by the student. Some students may wish to strengthen their background in anticipation of applying for admission to doctoral programs, others may be seeking enhanced credentials for a career in secondary school instruction, and yet another cohort may simply be indulging a love of mathematics or statistics, treating themselves to one more year before going off to medical school or heading in some other direction. The MA program can accommodate all of these students and many others.
Requirements
Students in the BA-to-MA program in Mathematics (includes Statistics) must complete all the requirements for the BA in mathematics. Students choosing the mathematics option for their MA must also complete all the requirements for the MA in mathematics and pass the corresponding comprehensive exam. Students choosing the statistics option for their MA must also complete all the requirements for the MA in statistics and pass the corresponding comprehensive exam.
Students may apply up to 8 units from the undergraduate degree toward the MA. However, courses that fulfill the requirements for the mathematics major may not be counted toward the MA; students must take elective courses beyond the BA requirements to count them toward the MA. Courses taken for the MA portion of the BA-to-MA program must be passed with a grade of B– or above.
Admission
Information about application requirements and deadlines for bachelor’s-to-master’s programs can be found at the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences’ Bachelor’s-to-Master’s Programs web page.
Potential applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, they must have completed at least two mathematics or statistics courses at the 500 level or above, and those courses must be relevant to the MA track they are applying for (mathematics or statistics). As part of the application, two letters of recommendation from faculty must be provided. For students in the mathematics MA option, one of these must be from the student’s proposed mentor for their MA expository paper (i.e., comprehensive exam), and that letter must discuss the subject of the expository paper.
Additional Information
- It is possible to complete the BA portion with a different track relative to the choice of MA option. For instance, a student may complete the BA portion with the applied mathematics track and choose the MA option of statistics.
- Please note that since the BA-to-MA program in mathematics requires students to earn the BA in Mathematics specifically, it is not available to students pursuing any of the joint majors offered by the Mathematics & Statistics department in collaboration with other departments (e.g., the majors in Mathematics & Computer Science; Mathematics & Mathematics Education; Mathematics & Philosophy; Mathematics & Physics; Statistics & Computer Science; and Economics & Mathematics). Please refer to the Bulletin for information about bachelor’s-to-master’s programs that might be available to students in these joint majors.
- For additional information concerning the BA-to-MA program in Mathematics, please consult an advisor in the department.
- Bachelor’s-to-Master’s Programs
