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Capstone Experience

In the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, you’ll gain the confidence to apply your skills in meaningful ways — from community-focused outreach to faculty-led research and real-world projects.

A classroom full of mathematics students tosses plastic balls around in front of a whiteboard
Mathematics and Statistics

Mathematics and statistics are best learned by doing, and at Cal State Monterey Bay, you’ll find plenty of ways to put your knowledge into practice.

From your very first courses, you’ll see how numbers connect to real-world challenges and opportunities. Along the way, you’ll work side by side with faculty on projects that expand access to mathematics in local schools, advance innovative teaching practices and explore new directions in data science.

These hands-on experiences help you move beyond memorizing formulas. You’ll learn to apply mathematical thinking in ways that matter: mentoring younger students, analyzing data that informs decision-making or testing out research questions alongside professors. By the time you graduate, you’ll have not only a strong foundation in theory but also the confidence to use your skills in graduate programs, classrooms or professional careers across STEM and beyond.

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Mathematics and Real-World Problem Solving

We emphasize applying mathematics beyond the classroom. You’ll gain practical experience through service-learning placements, where you’ll translate classroom knowledge into real community impact.

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Practical Application in Data Science

Collaborations with regional colleges and high schools give you experience with statistical programming in R and Python, real-world data analysis, and presenting results to diverse audiences.

A teacher is teaching in the maths class

Advancing Teaching and Learning Research

Participate in faculty-led projects exploring how mathematics and statistics are taught and learned. Design surveys, analyze real datasets or test new strategies for improving student success.