California Baptist University College of Arts and Sciences
“On behalf of the faculty and staff of the Division of Natural and Mathematical Sciences of the College of Arts and Sciences at California Baptist University, we thank you for considering opportunities to further your education at CBU. Students at CBU have multiple opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge in advanced areas of science and mathematics with guidance from professional, caring faculty. The Applied Mathematics program will allow you to gain advanced training and experience to fully ‘live your purpose’ by expanding your professional and career goals.”
Thomas E. Ferko, PhD
Associate Dean, Division of Natural and Mathematical Sciences
Program Distinctives
Join a Growing Field
There are new mathematical needs emerging in science, engineering and technology. Additionally, employment for mathematicians and statisticians is projected to grow 31 percent from 2021-2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Integrate Faith and Learning
The program integrates a faith-based perspective into a foundation of mathematical theory and concepts. The main course sequence focuses on the topics of differential equations, complex and numerical analysis, scientific computing and linear programming, applied statistics and math biology.
Research and Present Findings
Students will also be able to communicate the results of their research and application through reports and presentations. With these skills, graduates will be able to significantly contribute to a competitive workforce or pursue a PhD program in applied mathematics or a related field.
Program Details at a Glance
Program Length
32 units
2 years, part time
Program Cost*
$23,150
$655 per unit
$365 general fee
Program Start Term
Fall (September) Spring (January)
Class Format
Classes offered Monday-Friday, late afternoon and evenings
*Based on current academic year. Subject to change.
Accreditation
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Our purpose is to help you live yours.
Alumni Highlight
Sarah Thompson Class of 2019
Meet Sarah Thompson, a CBU graduate who received her master’s in applied mathematics in 2019. She is a technologist with a wide variety of IT and data analytics responsibilities.
“I received my bachelor’s degree in mathematics at another institution, and I had always intended to go back to school and obtain my master’s degree in the future. At the time, I was working a lot of long hours and the local colleges’ programs did not accommodate a regular job schedule. I found CBU’s program one Sunday afternoon, saw the schedule, met with a faculty memeber that week, and the rest is history.
During my time at CBU, I gained a deeper knowledge of mathematics, but even more important, I got to see how it is possible to care about people and still excel at your job. I was coming from a background where the more excellent you were, the more dismissive you were of other people. At CBU, the professors were all very knowledgeable, but they cared about us as people too. The mathematics knowledge has definitely aided me in my current job role, but when I think about who I want to be as an employee, coworker, or individual, I have many examples from CBU that I would like to be.
My advice to someone looking to apply to this program would be: First, be prepared to work hard. The program is rigorous but also possible and so very worth it. Second, do not try to do this on your own. Find your people both on campus and away from campus
who will get you through. Having an amazing cohort made the long weeks and challenging homework much easier to get through.
I loved my two years on campus, and I would not trade them and any of the experiences for anything. I will forever be grateful for CBU and the mathematics department.”
Faculty Spotlight
Esther Lee, PhD Program Director, Applied Mathematics
I received my PhD in Economics (specializing in Econometrics and Statistical analysis) at the University of California, Irvine, and worked at EViews as a Senior Analyst before joining CBU in 2016. As a machine learning educator, I possess ample teaching experience in data science. My expertise extends to courses such as statistical machine learning, regression, programming in R & Python, data visualization with Tableau, and data science applications. I have also taught diverse math and stat research courses, including capstone experiences. My research focuses on data mining, particularly identifying patterns in big data sets and developing feature selection algorithms. My methodological interests include Bayesian model comparison based on MCMC and topological data analysis.
Additionally, I am interested in collaborating with professionals in computer science, biostatistics, epidemiology, kinesiology, and economics. Collaboration with students has led to multiple research projects, which have been presented at several conferences, such as the annual Natural and Mathematical Sciences Research Symposium. My interactions with students have significantly broadened my understanding of the significance of mentorship and offering prayers to young adults during pivotal moments that shape their futures. Consequently, I now lead a bible study group on Thursday evenings where students can share their academic and spiritual challenges. I am grateful and proud to be a part of the CBU family and desire to experience the importance of creating a Christian community alongside several other Christian scholars. Additionally, students are given an exceptional opportunity to gain broader and more robust perspectives on mathematical and statistical ideas, reflected in state-of-art educational opportunities.
Admissions Requirements
Application for admission with a $45 application fee.
Official transcript from an accredited college or university reflecting the completion of a baccalaureate degree.
2.75 or last 60/90 unit GPA. Additional opportunities may be available for a student to overcome an unsatisfactory GPA.
Written statement of purpose OR in-person/virtual program interview (student’s choice). Written statement (500-word maximum) or interview will address:
• What are your educational goals?
• How will this program help meet those goals?
• What makes you a good fit for CBU?
Additional requirements may be requested.
Prerequisites
How to Apply
Submit a graduate application at calbaptist.edu/gradapp.
