College of Science and Mathematics

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Mission Statement

The College of Science and Mathematics at California State University San Marcos remains committed to building and sustaining a supportive and inspirational educational environment in Science, Technology, Education, and Mathematics (STEM). Our CSM faculty, staff, and students are at the forefront of meeting technological challenges in a rapidly evolving world.

About The College

The College of Science and Mathematics at California State University San Marcos is a resource for innovation and workforce development in the region, serving North San Diego County, South Orange County, and Southwest Riverside County. Our work is driven by our commitment to exploration, educational excellence, equity, and the pursuit of knowledge in STEM. Every day, research and instruction meet practical application in laboratories, centers and classrooms, as well as within local schools, where we help to make science and mathematics accessible to all students.

CSM comprises more than 100 tenure-track and adjunct faculty in 5 departments: Biological Sciences (including the Program in Biotechnology), Chemistry and Biochemistry, Computer Science and Information Systems, Mathematics, and Physics. We offer 7 Bachelor of Science degree programs, several with multiple tracks, as well as 4 Master of Science degree programs in Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Computer Science and Mathematics. CSM also contributes broadly to the general education of CSUSM’s student body.

CSM promotes its vision through exemplary teaching, innovative curricula, and excellence in research. The College provides the best possible environment for excellence in undergraduate and graduate level research by recruiting and retaining diverse faculty, staff, and students, as well as encouraging collaboration and interdisciplinary activities. We offer relevant and evolving programs to adequately address regional and statewide needs of the community and the workforce, while fostering a global perspective. Integral to the College’s instructional mission is the generation of new knowledge through research and creative activity that meaningfully involves students and engages community partners.

Academic Advising

Undergraduate students with majors in the College of Science and Mathematics have designated Academic Advisors who will assist with graduation planning, degree requirements, general education requirements and enrollment issues. Faculty advisors may also be available to advise students on major/minor specific courses, program and concentration choices, career and graduate school planning and advanced research or internship specific questions. Please refer to department websites regarding faculty advising information.

Advising appointments can be made online at www.csusm.edu/academicadvising. Students may also meet with an Academic Advisor through various drop-in advising services offered throughout the year. Academic Advising for undergraduate students with majors in the College of Science and Mathematics is located in Craven Hall 1300.

Pre-Professional Preparation

Pre-Professional Planning

Careers in Health

California State University San Marcos offers prerequisite courses for a variety of health careers including medicine, dentistry, chiropractic, nursing, physical therapy, pharmacy, and other health professions.

Appropriate majors for students interested in health careers are available in the College of Education, Health and Human Services, College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences, and College of Science and Mathematics. Regardless of major, all pre-health students will need to complete a range of prerequisite courses in sciences and mathematics. Also, it is highly recommended that pre-health students complete courses in the humanities and behavioral sciences (e.g. sociology, psychology).

Professional schools do vary with respect to the specific courses they expect applicants to have completed. It is the responsibility of the student to carefully check in advance the requirements of all professional schools they are considering and to take this into account when selecting courses. Students planning for careers in the health professions should consult with faculty advisors in related academic fields, such as Biology, Chemistry, and Kinesiology. For more information on pre-health faculty advisors and academic planning, visit www.csusm.edu/el/certificateprograms/healthhs/prehealthprof/advising.html.

Students interested in Nursing should contact the School of Nursing directly at (760) 750-7550. The following is a menu of lower-division California State University San Marcos science and mathematics courses recommended for pre-chiropractic, pre-dental, pre-medical, pre-optometry, pre-osteopathic, pre-pharmacy, and pre-veterinary students. It may not be necessary to take all of the recommended courses listed below. Other courses not listed may also be required. Which courses you do complete will depend upon the health profession you have chosen and the prerequisites of the specific professional schools to which you will be submitting an application. Students planning careers in other health professions may also use this list as a guide for selecting science and mathematics courses.

Recommended Science and Mathematics Courses for Pre-Health Students

Biology (BIOL) BIOL 210 , BIOL 211 , BIOL 351 , BIOL 352 , BIOL 353 
Chemistry (CHEM) CHEM 150 , CHEM 160 , CHEM 175 , CHEM 201 , CHEM 201L , CHEM 202 , CHEM 202L 
Mathematics* (MATH) MATH 160 
Physics (PHYS) PHYS 101 , PHYS 102 
or
PHYS 205 , PHYS 206  

* Students lacking the prerequisite for MATH 160  should consult an academic advisor as soon as possible to determine which prerequisite math courses they need to complete before enrolling in MATH 160 .

Teacher Preparation

California State University San Marcos offers several state-approved Subject Matter Preparation Programs. Completion of a Subject Matter Preparation Program is, in some cases, one way to demonstrate the subject matter competency necessary for admission to a Teacher Credential Program. Single-Subject Matter Preparation Programs for potential junior high school and high school teachers are available in Mathematics.

Students seeking to become elementary or middle school teachers may complete the Elementary Subject Matter Preparation Program with a Liberal Studies major, or may combine the Elementary Subject Matter Preparation Certificate with any other academic major. These programs explicitly address the various subject matters included in curricula of grades kindergarten through eight, and therefore, they provide excellent pathways to a career in teaching. Please see the Liberal Studies section of this catalog for more information, or visit the Liberal Studies web site at http://www.csusm.edu/liberalstudies/.

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