Current Student Information and Resources

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics is a vibrant community of faculty, staff, and students that actively seek the well-being of one another as we progress in our academic journeys.

A group of students posing for a picture together in front of a desk, half of them sitting and half of them standing behind them.

Finding Support and Success

Whether you are taking your first-year course, considering a minor, or are pursuing a career in mathematics, statistics, or data science you can find support and encouragement here.

The courses helped set a solid foundation in my statistical and mathematical skills enabling me to participate in research. In fact, to this day I refer to my [class] notes. A highlight of the program was the relationships between students and professors Moreover, I sensed and witnessed how the faculty wanted every individual to succeed. ~Mathematics Major, Statistics Minor  Class of 2021, now attending a PhD in Statistics.

Faculty Office Hours

Office Hours are times specifically set aside in a faculty member's week to meet with students and provide feedback, support, and answer questions. Generally, there is no need to ask if you can meet with your instructor, just look at the syllabus for your course for the time and mode (in person or virtual) and show up prepared with your questions.

Three statistics students in a meeting with Dr. Deka

Mathematics and Statistics Cafés

The Mathematics and Statistics Cafés create opportunities for students to build communities of learning to support their success in their mathematics or statistics courses. Each Café is staffed with faculty or students who are knowledgeable about a variety of topics including statistics and calculus. Students are welcome to use the space to work on assignments, ask questions, or work in groups of classmates (even if they don’t have any questions), and enjoy the community.

Students sitting together, smiling with each other in the break room.

Cooperative Learning Center

The Cooperative Learning Center provides tutoring for most of our lower division and service mathematics and statistics courses. Students can get mathematics and statistics tutoring through group study sessions, supplemental instruction, and Q&A sessions. CLC sessions give you a deeper understanding of concepts and the chance to explore questions about the material presented by your instructor.

Student standing near white board teaching other students who are sitting at a table

Academic Advising

The Center for Advising, Career, and Student Success provides advising for all majors, including Mathematics and Statistics. Learn more about advising, pathways, and registration for courses on the Academic Advising webpage. The Academic Advisor for Mathematics and Statistics and Data Science is Jesus Floriano-Ramirez.

Several statistics students and Judith Canner in a meeting

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are several scholarships available to students of an income level that are specifically for Mathematics and Statistics and Data Science Majors, including The Gertrude Cox Scholarship for Statistics ($1000) and The Mathematics Achievement Award ($1000). For local students, consider the Bruce W. Woolpert Scholarship. To apply, be sure you have your FAFSA submitted and review the requirements for each scholarship opportunity.

A portrait of a student in the statistics program

I am a first generation, low income college student and have felt like the department creates a supportive environment for all types of students. I am motivated by my peers and professors to work hard and achieve my dreams.

~ Mathematics Major, Class of 2025

Building Community

Students smiling while discussing a math topic written on the whiteboard next to them.

Math/SDS Major Collaboration Lab

The Major Co-Lab—better known as “The Lounge”—is your go-to space to connect, collaborate, and recharge between classes. Whether you’re working through proofs on the whiteboards, testing code for a group project on the large-screen TV, borrowing a calculator, or sketching ideas on scrap paper, the space is designed to support your success. When you need a break, you’ll find games, books, and magazines waiting for you. It’s a place to study, problem-solve, unwind, and build community— an all in one welcoming hub for math, stats, and data science majors. The Major Co-Lab is open 8:00am - 5:00pm Monday through Friday in S211, Chapman Science Center.

Judith Canner giving a presentation to statistics students

Math/SDS Research Pods

Need a focused space to dive into your work? Our Research Pods—Alpha, Beta, and Gamma—are designed to help you collaborate, create, and problem-solve without distractions. Each pod features whiteboards for brainstorming and working through proofs, plus dual monitors you can connect to your laptop for coding, data analysis, or presentation development. Pods can be checked out Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for sessions ranging from 30 minutes up to four hours—giving you the flexibility to power through a quick study session or settle in for deep research time. Choose the pod that fits your needs and make it your space to focus and achieve. Located in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics Office, Chapman Science Center S216.

Students collaborating with each other in front of a desk, some of them sitting and some standing.

The Mathematics and Statistics Club

Connect with fellow students who share your curiosity and passion for mathematics and statistics! The Math and Stat Club brings together students from across programs to build community, explore ideas, and have fun with math beyond the classroom. We’re committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming space where everyone can grow their understanding through hands-on activities, problem-solving sessions, guest speakers, and social events. Whether you want to sharpen your skills, collaborate on projects, or simply meet others who love math and stats as much as you do, there’s a place for you here.

Professor interacting with a student while teaching him a math concept.

Math and Science Teacher Initiative (MSTI)

Considering a future as a math teacher? CSUMB’s Math and Science Teacher Initiative (MSTI) helps you explore and prepare for a career in mathematics education from your very first years on campus. Join small-group conversations focused on math teaching, connect with faculty mentors, attend education conferences, and gain hands-on experience supporting local classrooms and community math events. You’ll start building real classroom skills while strengthening your résumé—and you can earn scholarship funding along the way. Whether you’re certain about teaching or just curious, MSTI is your first step toward the math classroom.

Students from the statistics program in an outdoor setting

Math/SDS Faculty Mentors

In the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, faculty mentorship is an informal, supportive relationship that goes beyond grades and coursework. It’s your opportunity to connect with a professor who is invested in your growth as a mathematician, statistician, or data scientist. Faculty mentors can help you refine academic and career goals, connect you to research in pure math, applied math, or data science, and strengthen applications for internships, jobs, or graduate school. They also provide encouragement, professional guidance, résumé feedback, and interview preparation—supporting your success every step of the way.