BS+MS in Mathematics
The Blended BS and MS in Mathematics is designed for highly motivated students currently enrolled in the BS in Mathematics at Chico State. The blended program allows up to 12 units of the graduate program units to be double-counted at the undergraduate level. In this way, a student can complete the blended program in five years. Students who complete a blended program will receive both a Bachelors of Science and a Masters in Science in Mathematics.
This program is intended for students who wish to obtain desirable quantitative jobs in industry or government, teach mathematics at a community college, or enter a PhD program in pure or applied mathematics (or another STEM discipline). Students will improve their ability to think abstractly, solve complex problems, and some courses will involve a Python programming component. The program is sufficiently flexible to allow students to emphasize their desired blend of pure, applied, statistical, or computational topics, depending on their background and interest.
Students may either pursue the thesis option, involving working on a research project and writing a master’s thesis under the supervision of a faculty member, or the non-thesis option, which involves additional coursework and a comprehensive exam. In either case, graduates will obtain an advanced understanding of abstract thinking, complex problem-solving, and computational techniques, positioning them for success in their chosen career paths.



- Coursework
Choose four of the following (the blended program allows 12 units from the courses below to be counted toward both the BS and the MS in Mathematics):
- Math 421: Advanced Calculus II
- Math 435: Linear Algebra
- Math 437: Topology
- Math 450: Computational Statistics
- Math 451: Modern Algebra II
- Math 456: Applied Statistical Methods II
- Math 458: Sampling Methods
- Math 461: Numerical Analysis
- Math 465: Introduction to Complex Variables
- Math 472: Introduction to Chaotic Dynamical Systems
- Math 475: Calculus of Variations
- Math 480: Mathematical Modeling
- Math 485: Advanced Topics in Data Science
- CSCI 580: Artificial Intelligence
- CSCI 581: Machine Learning
Two required:
- Math 621: Real Analysis
- Math 622: Applied and Computational Algebra
Choose two of the following:
- Math 641: Combinatorics and Graph Theory
- Math 642: Computational Number Theory
- Math 643: Stochastic Processes
- Math 644: Partial Differential Equations and Applications
- CSCI 611: Applied Machine Learning
- CSCI 612: Applied Computer Vision
- CSCI 651: Applied Graph Theory
- Math 690: Advanced Topics in Mathematics
- Thesis or Non-Thesis Options
Students must choose between the thesis or non-thesis option.
In the thesis option, students work closely with faculty mentors to undertake independent research and complete a Master's thesis. This track is highly recommended for those considering pursuing a PhD program or seeking research-focused careers. Students will take two semesters of Math 699: Master's Thesis.
The non-thesis option is designed for students looking to strengthen their theoretical and practical skills in mathematics without undertaking a research project. Students will take an additional approved 600-level course and Math 696: Comprehensive Exam.
- Admission Requirements
- Be enrolled in a BS in Mathematics at Chico State.
- Having completed at least 60 units toward the BS in Mathematics.
- A minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Application Process
Students who meet the admission requirements above may apply by emailing the graduate coordinator at mathms@csuchico.edu.
Application deadlines: April 1 for fall start, November 1 for spring start.