Student Success Center

B.A. in Anthropology

Department Chair Sarah Taylor

B.A. in Biology

B.S. in Biology

Department Chair Helen Chun

B.S. in Biochemistry

Department Chair Kenneth Rodriguez

B.A. in Chemistry

B.S. in Chemistry

Department Chair Kenneth Rodriguez

B.S. in Computer Science

Department Chair Moshen Behesti

B.S. in Earth Science

B.A. in Geography

Department Chair John Keyantash

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 Philip Vieira

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.S. in Environmental Science

Department Chair John Keyantash

Program Coordinator Ashish Sinha

The M.S. in Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary program housed in the College of Natural and Behavioral Science (CNBS). Our mission is to prepare leaders, innovative thinkers, and planners who can address and solve environmental challenges using interdisciplinary approaches. Because of our campus' location, the emphasis of the program is on the urban environment. The required courses in the natural and social sciences introduce students to the unique problems of environmental analysis, policy, and planning. Elective courses allow students the flexibility to meet their specific interests and career goals. Real-world experience is obtained through directed research and internships in government agencies, non-profit organizations, and corporations.

M.A. in Psychology

Graduate Co-Directors Dr. Silva Santos and Dr. Keisha Paxton Chair

At CSUDH, we offer two tracks for our MA in Psychology – Clinical and Health. Both options provide students with a solid academic background by giving them an opportunity to complete advanced coursework and further develop their research skills by working closely with a faculty mentor on a research project or thesis. A wide variety of practicum sites are available for students to learn about direct service provision to clients, employees, and patients for students pursuing the clinical psychology option. The MA in Psychology program is designed for students who want to strengthen their academic record in preparation for applying to doctoral programs. Others choose to begin careers in industry, mental health, community agency and education settings.

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 Dr. Cid

Program Coordinator Dr. Boadi

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.