Computational and Applied Math Graduate Program

The Master of Science in Computational and Applied Mathematics provides a thorough program in the theory and use of advanced computational and applied mathematics that will prepare students to successfully model and solve mathematical and computational problems arising in the real world.

More information can be found in M.S. in Computational and Applied Mathematics - CSULB Catalog (2024-2025).

There are ten full-time faculty members who teach courses in this program. The course titles are:

  • Introduction to Numerical Analysis
  • Intermediate Numerical Analysis
  • Introduction to Partial Differential Equations
  • Fourier Analysis
  • Mathematics of Financial Derivatives
  • Mathematical Modeling
  • Mathematical Optimization
  • Finite Element Method
  • Matrix Method in Data Analysis and Pattern Recognition
  • Applied Analysis
  • Applied Nonlinear Ordinary Differential Equations
  • Partial Differential Equations
  • Advanced Scientific Computing
  • Stochastic Calculus and Applications
  • Calculus of Variations
  • Numerical Analysis
  • Numerical Solution of Partial Differential Equations
  • Numerical Linear Algebra
  • Advanced Mathematical Modeling

Degree Plan

Graduate students have the following options:

  • Thesis Option
  • Comprehensive Exams Option

Thesis Option

For the Thesis Option you need your thesis proposal to be approved by the Computational and Applied Mathematics Committee using the following procedure:

  • Find your thesis advisor amongst Applied Math faculty
  • Compile your thesis proposal that includes:
    • Title
    • Abstract
    • Committee (three faculty members including your thesis advisor and at least one additional applied math faculty member)
  • Schedule your thesis proposal presentation (15 minutes) with the Computational and Applied Mathematics Committee. If you already have made some progress, you may include it in your presentation. Your presentation must include:
    • Objective: formulate your thesis problem in rigorous mathematical terms and state your goals.
    • Methodologies: state mathematical methods that you will be implementing/analyzing in order to achieve your objective.
  • Submit your approved thesis proposal along with your graduate progress report and file your advancement with grad advisor.

Comprehensive Exams Option

For the Comprehensive Exams Option you need to decide which (Numerical Analysis, PDEs, and ODEs) of two subjects you will be taking and take those courses prior to taking the exams. See Comprehensive Exam Preparation for more information.