The M.A. Plan II program in Mathematics requires a total of 36 units of graduate and upper division courses, of which at least 20 must be graduate level in mathematics. This includes 20 units of core courses and 16 units of electives. To advance to candidacy for a master's degree, students must meet all graduate program requirements, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all coursework (excluding courses graded S or U), and pass two out of three Preliminary Examinations, which fulfills the Comphrehensive Examination requirement.
A copy of the official degree requirements, as approved by the Graduate Council, is available on the Graduate Studies program webpage. Please refer to the General Catalog for course names and descriptions.
Course Requirements
Core Courses (20 units)
- MAT 201A – Analysis
- MAT 201B – Analysis
- MAT 250A – Algebra
- MAT 250B – Algebra
- One of the following:
- MAT 201C – Analysis
- MAT 215A – Topology
- MAT 239 – Differential Topology
Elective Courses (16 units)
- All 200-level non-core math courses are eligible
- Not more than 6 units from MAT 280
- Not more than 9 units in research seminars (290, 299 or equivalent)
- 300-level courses do not count toward the degree
English Language Requirement
Students without prior degrees from an English-language institution or proof of proficiency (e.g., TOEFL) must complete required English courses. These do not count toward graduation units.
Special Requirements – Teaching Skills
- MAT 390 (Teaching Assistantship Training) is required for Teaching Assistantship positions in the Department of Mathematics but does not count toward degree units.
Enrollment & Grading Policies
- Full-time students must enroll in 12 units per quarter, including coursework, research, and seminars.
- Courses used to fulfill program requirements must be letter graded, unless listed as S/U-only.
- UC regulations limit enrollment to:
- 12 graduate-level units (200-level) per quarter
- 16 combined units (100, 200, 300-level) per quarter
Master's Comprehensive Exam
The comprehensive examination is a written test that covers material from both advanced undergraduate and graduate courses. It consists of three parts:
- Analysis – based on MAT 201A & 201B
- Topology – based on MAT 215A & MAT 239
- Algebra – based on MAT 250A & 250B or MAT 150A/B/C
Passing Requirements
To fulfill the exam requirement, students must pass two out of the three parts.
- You may attempt any or all sections, and have unlimited attempts within the designated time frame.
- All students must be registered or in filing fee status when taking the exam.
- Examination results must be submitted to Graduate Studies via the Master's Report Form.
Timing
The exam is administered twice a year:
- Before Fall Quarter begins
- After Spring Quarter ends
Outcome Deadline
- Students must pass two parts of the exam by the end of their 6th quarter of study.
- Failure to meet this requirement results in recommendation for disqualification from the program to the Dean of Graduate Studies.
Exam Creation & Administration
- The Graduate Program Committee (GPC) oversees all aspects of the exam:
- Designing exam content
- Administering and evaluating results
- Instructors from the previous academic year contribute questions and assist in grading.
Approved by Graduate Council on June 14, 2024