College of Science

Mathematics and Statistics Graduate Program Frequently Asked Questions

  1. When is the application deadline?
  2. How do I apply?
  3. Are either the Subject or General GRE required?
  4. Are recommendation letters required?
  5. How should recommendation letters be submitted?
  6. Are TA positions available?
  7. How do I apply for a GA / TA position?
  8. Are tuition waivers available for GAs / TAs?
  9. How long does it take to finish a master’s degree? 
  10. Can I switch from one emphasis to another?
  11. When should I try to find a thesis advisor?
  12. Can I take a Comprehensive Exam instead of writing a thesis?
  13. I can’t enroll in classes!
  14. How many units are required for full-time status?
  15. Am I missing anything?
1. When is the application deadline?
  • Fall: April 1st
  • Winter, Spring, and Summer: applications are not accepted

Students may take as many as 9 units through Open University and have the credit apply towards a master's degree.

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2. How do I apply?
Through Cal State Apply: https://www.calstate.edu/apply

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3. Are either the Subject or General GRE required?

No. Neither GRE is required.

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4. Are recommendation letters required?

No, however, recommendation letters are taken into consideration.

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5. How should recommendation letters be submitted?

Letter writers can submit their letters via Cal State Apply (after the applicant has provided the letter writer's email address) or via (regular) mail:

Graduate Coordinator
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
3801 W Temple Ave
Pomona, CA 91768

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6. Are TA positions available?

Yes.  We offer a Graduate Assistant (GA) / Teaching Assistant (TA) training program.  In their first semester GAs are instructed on teaching techniques.  In subsequent semesters they become TAs and can be the primary instructors of lower-level math courses.

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7. How do I apply for a GA / TA position?

Applications for GA / TA positions that would begin in a Fall semester are due the previous Spring semester. Deadlines are set on a year-to-year basis.

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8. Are tuition waivers available for GAs / TAs?

No, unfortunately.

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9. How long does it take to finish a master’s degree? 

Our master’s students typically take between two and three years to complete their degree requirements.

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10. Can I switch from one emphasis to another?

Yes, but not all graduate courses count for each emphasis. Consult the Graduate Coordinator for further suggestions and information.

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11. When should I try to find a thesis advisor?

Ideally, grad students will have one full year to conduct research, do lots of reading, and do lots of writing with their advisors. Find an advisor a year before you plan to graduate.

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12. Can I take a Comprehensive Exam instead of writing a thesis?

It depends on your emphasis. Exam options are available for pure, applied, and statistics students only.

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13. I can’t enroll in classes!

Students new to Cal Poly Pomona often have trouble enrolling because the courses taken at other universities are not immediately recognized. In this case, students should contact the instructors of the courses they would like to take.

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14. How many units are required for full-time status?
Effective Spring 2020, students enrolled in 6 units or more of courses relevant to their degree program are considered to be full-time students.  See Policy 1453 for more details.

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15. Am I missing anything?

Yes!  After successfully defending your thesis or passing both parts of your comprehensive exam, request that your thesis advisor (thesis option) or the Graduate Coordinator (exam option) submit a Report of Culminating Experience form on your behalf.

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If you have any further questions, please contact the Graduate Coordinator.