This is an archive of the 2018-2019 University Catalog.
To access the most recent version, Please visit catalog.csun.edu.

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 (post-baccalaureate) 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., Mathematics

General

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

The Secondary Teaching option provides preparation for the student planning to teach mathematics at the secondary level. Students in this option may enroll in a post-baccalaureate 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 …

B.A., Mathematics

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

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 Analytical Reading and Expository Writing and for MATH 150A, and they should see a teacher preparation or credential advisor in the Department of Mathematics. …

B.A., Mathematics

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

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 …

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 and …

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 Chemical Society …

B.S., Biology

Cell and Molecular Biology

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

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (Option II) 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. A …

B.S., Biology

Microbiology

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

Biotechnology/Medical Technology

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

Marine Biology

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., 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 reviewed by the …

B.S., Geology

Geology

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., Geology

Geophysics

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., Mathematics

Mathematics

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 A student 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, …

B.S., Mathematics

Statistics

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 A student 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, …

B.S., Mathematics

Applied Mathematical Sciences

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 A student 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, …

B.S., Physics

Physics

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 …

B.S., Physics

Astrophysics

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 …

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, and it 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

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

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

Switching Between Specialization I and II Students may request in writing to switch between Specialization I and II. Such requests will be considered by the graduate committee.

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 the doctoral program 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 58-59 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 …