开设数学硕士课程的目的是扩大学生在数学方面的经验。学生的目标可能是为在政府，行业或社区大学教学中的职业做准备，提高作为中小学教师的能力，或者为进一步的研究生学习做好准备。所描述的学位课程，加上适当的课程，还可以为学生提供会计，数学生物学，计算机科学，经济学，工程学，物理学和统计学等其他领域的研究生课程的准备。
The M.A. in Mathematics at SF State offers students the opportunity to study advanced mathematics under the guidance of a faculty encompassing many different areas of research. Classes are small, usually fewer than 20, and graduate students pursue their own mathematical interests through seminars and research projects with faculty members.<br><br>Admission to the program requires an undergraduate degree but not necessarily in mathematics. Many students with minors in math have succeeded in the SF State graduate program.<br><br>Successful applicants are expected to have completed three semesters of calculus, linear algebra, and three upper division math courses, including modern algebra and real analysis, with a grade of B or better. However, an applicant may be admitted conditionally on passing any missing course satisfactorily during the first calendar year of study.<br><br>The expected completion time for the program is two years. After graduation, students enroll in Ph.D. programs or seek employment in the San Francisco Bay Area's technology and financial industries or at one of California's 110 community colleges.