Student Advising

B.A. in Anthropology

Department chair Sarah Taylor

B.A. in Biology

B.S. in Biology

Department chair Helen Chunn

B.S. in Biochemistry

Department chair Kenneth Rodriguez

B.S. in Computer Science

Department chair Moshen Behesti

B.S. in Earth Science

Department chair Ashish Sinha

B.S. in Mathematics

Department chair Matthew Jones 

B.A. in Political Science

Department chair Salvatore Russo

B.S. in Physics

Department chair Ximena Cid

B.A. in Psychology

Department chair Heather Butler

B.A. in Sociology

Department chair Carl Sneed

M.S. in Biology

The Master of Science Program in Biology is a two-year program in which a student must complete a series of both core and elective courses and engage in independent scientific research that culminates in a thesis. This graduate program is designed to be a flexible degree that can help students reach their career goals, whether that be further study in a doctoral program or employment in science education, health sciences or environmental fields.

In the first semester of the program, the student will choose a research mentor who will provide guidance for the thesis research and help the student set their curriculum. Three members of the student's thesis committee, including the research mentor, will need to be selected by the end of the first year of the program.

To accommodate students with other professional commitments, many graduate classes are scheduled in the late afternoon and evening.

M.S. in Computer Science

The Master's Program in Computer Science is a two-year program in which a student must complete a required core of courses and additional concentration and general computer science elective courses. The curriculum for the Master of Science in Computer Science requires 36 semester credit units, and offers both a thesis option (30 semester credit units of coursework and 6 semester units of a thesis) and a non-thesis option (33 semester credit units of coursework and 3 semester credit units of a project). Students may choose to obtain the degree in Computer Science with specialization in Software Engineering or Distributed Systems and Networking.

The academic program is expected to culminate in a master's thesis or project. During the first semester of the program, the student should choose a major advisor who will assist him or her in the choice of elective courses. The major advisor will chair the student's advisory committee for the thesis. Two additional members of the students graduate advisory committee will need to be selected.

The graduate program can provide a strong background for future study in a doctoral program. It also provides graduate training as preparation for professional applications. Students with a master's degree in computer science are also prepared for a career in teaching and/or research.

A majority of graduate classes are scheduled to accommodate late afternoon and evening students.

M.A. in Sociology

Department Chair Dr. Carl Sneed

Program Coordinator Katy Pinto

The Department offers an established graduate program leading to the Master of Arts in Sociology. The program is designed to provide all students with a strong
foundation in sociological theory and research methodology. The graduate program is designed to allow for a substantial degree of student choice.

Students may choose a macro- or micro-based program of study and select from several areas for further specialization or experience. These areas include, but are not restricted to, such concentrations as social research and computer applications; sociology of education; community and  clinical sociology; law and society; criminology and deviance; and general sociology. Students are expected to select a major advisor who can best facilitate their specific interests in the program. Finally, students may choose one of the following options to complete their program of graduate study: comprehensive exam, thematic project or thesis. Students with an interest in teaching and administrative applications of the degree are encouraged to complete via examination.

Those with research interests or who may wish to pursue advanced graduate study toward a doctoral degree are encouraged to opt for the thesis or thematic project options.

M.S. in Systems and Engineering

Department Chair Jim Hill

Program Coordinator 

The Master of Science in Systems Engineering MSSE) program is designed to provide professional preparation for private, public, and non-profit sector professionals in the field of Systems Engineering. The curriculum, delivered in an accelerated 21-month cohort model, requires completion of 34 units. The program culminates with a Systems Engineering research project supervised by a faculty member.

M.A. in Teaching Mathematics

Department Chair Matthew Jones

Program Coordinator 

Students must submit an application to the University for admission (or readmission) with graduate standing, and official transcripts of all previous college work in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Graduate Admissions section of the University Catalog. If the student is currently enrolled as a post-baccalaureate student, he/she must obtain a Request for Post baccalaureate/Graduate Change of Objective form from the department office and submit it to the program's Graduate Coordinator.