UNIVERSITY CATALOG: 2023-2024

Programs

B.A., Biology

The B.A. degree is designed for students seeking a broad foundation in biology as part of a liberal education in the arts and sciences. Provided that careful attention is paid to the requirements for advanced (postbaccalaureate) and professional programs, the B.A. degree is appropriate for those students (1) preparing for dentistry, medicine, optometry, pharmacy or …

B.A., Chemistry

The B.A. degree in Chemistry is designed for students who desire: (1) a strong chemistry background for careers in the health field (see advisor concerning additional necessary courses), (2) careers in industry, including textile chemistry, technical sales, government laboratories, patent law, library fields, etc., or (3) a single subject teaching credential (science, chemistry).

B.A., Environmental Science

The B.A. in Environmental Science degree provides a strong foundation in the major disciplines of environmental and Earth sciences upon which students can layer relevant coursework in other related fields to prepare for careers that integrate environmental science with policy, public awareness, K-12 education, and resource and risk evaluations.

B.A., Mathematics

General Option

Mathematicians today are engaged in a wide variety of activities. Research mathematicians create new theories and techniques. Applied mathematicians use that theory and mathematical modeling to solve problems in economics, science, medicine, engineering, and management. Teachers of mathematics develop new ways to teach mathematical concepts to children and adults. University-level mathematics involves more than algorithms …

B.A., Mathematics

Secondary Teaching Option

The Secondary Teaching option provides preparation for students planning to teach mathematics at the secondary level. Students in this option may enroll in a postbaccalaureate teacher preparation program to earn a Preliminary Single Subject Credential in Mathematics. Alternatively, students who meet the eligibility requirements can enter either the Four-Year Integrated Mathematics (FYI-Math) Teacher Credential Program …

B.A., Mathematics

Junior-Year Integrated (JYI) Mathematics Subject Matter Program for the Single Subject Credential Option

The Junior-Year Integrated Mathematics (JYI-Math) teacher credential program begins in the junior year for students who apply and have been accepted to the program. JYI-Math integrates undergraduate subject-matter knowledge with teacher education content and leads to both a B.A. degree in Mathematics and a Preliminary Single Subject Credential in Mathematics. For admission, students must be …

B.A., Mathematics

Four-Year Integrated (FYI) Mathematics Subject Matter Program for the Single Subject Credential Option

The Four-Year Integrated Mathematics (FYI-Math) teacher credential program is designed for students who are certain about their career choice. For admission, students must be eligible for a course in Basic Skills Written Communication and for MATH 150A, and they should see a teacher preparation or credential advisor in the Department of Mathematics. Upon entering the program …

B.A., Physics

The B.A. program in Physics is designed for students who are seeking a broad foundation in physics as part of a liberal arts education in the arts and sciences. It is particularly appropriate for those students (1) seeking a secondary teaching career or (2) planning to combine physics with other disciplines, such as music, law, …

B.S., Biochemistry

The B.S. degree in Biochemistry is designed for students who desire: (a) pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-pharmacy, or pre-veterinary preparation, (b) graduate study in biochemistry, or (c) careers in the life sciences that require an understanding of biological phenomena at the molecular level. The curriculum for the B.S. degree in Biochemistry has been reviewed by the American …

B.S., Biology

Marine Biology Option

The Marine Biology option prepares graduates for employment in the marine sciences and for advanced graduate study. Advisement is mandatory and a course program must be approved by an advisor by the beginning of the student’s junior year.

B.S., Biology

Biotechnology/Medical Technology Option

This option has two tracks. The Biotechnology track prepares students for graduate programs or careers in biotechnology or cellular and molecular biology in medical, industrial, agricultural, or other applications. The Medical Technology track prepares students for the clinical year of training and the California License exam in Clinical Laboratory Science or for training and Certification …

B.S., Biology

Microbiology Option

The Microbiology option prepares students for graduate programs or careers as research associates in a variety of fields (e.g., medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural or environmental biotechnology; medical device, cosmetic, food- and water-quality assurance) in academic, governmental, or industrial labs or in a variety of similar settings.

B.S., Biology

Cell and Molecular Biology Option

The Cell and Molecular option prepares students for graduate programs or careers as research associates in a variety of fields (e.g., medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural or biotechnology) in academic, governmental or industrial labs, or in a variety of similar settings.

B.S., Biology

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Option

The Ecology and Evolutionary Biology option of the B.S. degree prepares graduates for employment in positions such as ecologist or wildlife preserve manager; for positions with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Land Management, National or State Parks, and other government agencies and private organizations; or for consulting positions in formulating environmental impact reports. …

B.S., Chemistry

The B.S. degree in Chemistry is designed to prepare students who desire to (1) pursue graduate work in chemistry, (2) work in industry or government laboratories, or (3) work in the fields of technical sales, hazardous materials testing and handling, chemical literature, or chemical patents. The curriculum for the B.S. degree in Chemistry has been …

B.S., Geology

Geophysics Option

This option provides the necessary preparation in mathematics and physics to succeed in geoscience applications that require strong backgrounds in these associated disciplines. This option well prepares students for technical careers in geophysics or for advanced studies in graduate school. The B.S. Honors Program is available for this option.

B.S., Geology

Geology Option

This option provides the most flexibility, preparing students for a full range of technical careers in geoscience and for advanced studies in graduate school. It can be specialized toward different branches of geosciences by the appropriate choices of elective courses. The B.S. Honors Program is available for this option.

B.S., Mathematics

Applied Mathematical Sciences Option

The B.S. degree in Mathematics is designed for students who want to pursue occupational careers involving applied mathematics or want to prepare for graduate work in applied mathematics. Double Major Students pursuing either a B.A. or a B.S. degree may combine a second major with Mathematics. In this circumstance, upon approval of an advisor, 6 …

B.S., Mathematics

Statistics Option

The B.S. degree in Mathematics is designed for students who want to pursue occupational careers involving applied mathematics or want to prepare for graduate work in applied mathematics. Double Major Students pursuing either a B.A. or a B.S. degree may combine a second major with Mathematics. In this circumstance, upon approval of an advisor, 6 …

B.S., Mathematics

Mathematics Option

The B.S. degree in Mathematics is designed for students who want to pursue occupational careers involving applied mathematics or want to prepare for graduate work in applied mathematics. Double Major Students pursuing either a B.A. or a B.S. degree may combine a second major with Mathematics. In this circumstance, upon approval of an advisor, 6 …

B.S., Physics

Astrophysics Option

The B.S. program in Physics is designed for students who desire to (1) pursue a career in physics-related research and development either in industry or government or (2) prepare for graduate work in physics or related subjects. The B.S. program in Physics has two options: Option I—Physics, and Option II—Astrophysics. Option II specializes in applications of …

B.S., Physics

Physics Option

The B.S. program in Physics is designed for students who desire to (1) pursue a career in physics-related research and development either in industry or government or (2) prepare for graduate work in physics or related subjects. The B.S. program in Physics has two options: Option I—Physics, and Option II—Astrophysics. Option I is a balanced program …

Minor in Biology

The minor in Biology allows students to explore various areas of biology.

Minor in Chemistry

The minor in Chemistry allows students explore various aspects of chemistry.

Minor in Geology

A minor in Geology is designed for students who are interested in Earth Sciences, but with a major in another department. For example, majors in other sciences, mathematics, engineering and business often find employment in environmental, resource-related and energy-related industries. For these majors, the Geology minor broadens the individual’s understanding of the Earth Sciences and …

Minor in Mathematics

The minor in Mathematics is designed to provide students with mathematical preparation useful for future employment opportunities.

Minor in Physics

The minor in Physics is available for students who want to augment their major field of study. It is particularly appropriate for those students in engineering and the other sciences and mathematics who desire to develop interdisciplinary skills.

M.S., Biochemistry

The M.S. in Biochemistry allows specialization in the areas of biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology or bioorganic chemistry. The degree is intended for students desiring research-oriented careers in the chemical, biochemical or biotech industry; postsecondary chemistry/biochemistry teaching; or entry into Ph.D. programs.

M.S., Biology

The Department of Biology offers one graduate program leading to the Master of Science degree in Biology. Graduate students in the program specialize in areas of interest, such as cell biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, genetics, marine biology, microbiology, molecular biology, physiology, and systematics and organismal biology. The program is research-oriented and requires the completion of …

M.S., Chemistry

The M.S. degree in Chemistry is designed to prepare students for research-oriented careers in the chemical industry, for entry into doctoral programs at other institutions, or for teaching chemistry at institutions such as community colleges.

M.S., Geology

Geology Option

The Master of Science program has two options: Geology and Geophysics. These programs are designed to: (1) train individuals with the competence required by the geological profession for employment in industry and government agencies; (2) enable promising students to attain a level of knowledge and research ability necessary for admission to and success in Ph.D. …

M.S., Geology

Geophysics Option

The Master of Science program has two options: Geology and Geophysics. These programs are designed to: (1) train individuals with the competence required by the geological profession for employment in industry and government agencies; (2) enable promising students to attain a level of knowledge and research ability necessary for admission to and success in Ph.D. …

M.S., Mathematics

Pure Mathematics Option

The Department of Mathematics offers a Master of Science degree with three options: Pure Mathematics (Option I), Applied Mathematics (Option II), and Statistics (Option III). Each of the options prepares a student for further graduate work; for higher mathematical work in industry, business and government; and for teaching at community colleges. Option I is primarily …

M.S., Mathematics

Applied Mathematics Option

The Department of Mathematics offers a Master of Science degree with three options: Pure Mathematics (Option I), Applied Mathematics (Option II), and Statistics (Option III). Each of the options prepares a student for further graduate work; for higher mathematical work in industry, business and government; and for teaching at community colleges. Option II emphasizes Applied …

M.S., Mathematics

Statistics Option

The Department of Mathematics offers a Master of Science degree with three options: Pure Mathematics (Option I), Applied Mathematics (Option II), and Statistics (Option III). Each of the options prepares a student for further graduate work; for higher mathematical work in industry, business and government; and for teaching at community colleges. Option III is primarily designed …

M.S., Physics

The M.S. program in Physics provides the student with an opportunity for advanced study in physics and to develop skills to do independent research. It prepares the student for doctoral programs in physics and related fields or for more technical jobs in research and development.

Mathematics Subject Matter Program for the Single Subject Credential

The Mathematics Subject Matter Program for the Single Subject Credential consists of 60 units.

Complex Systems Certificate

The field of complex systems is relatively young and evolving, encompassing a wide range of disciplines in the sciences, engineering, computer science, and mathematics. In this context, a “complex system” is defined as an engineered or natural system that is characterized by dynamical properties and unobservable interactions that may not be apparent from observations of …