<p>It seems trivial but which school would be best suited for a non-traditional student interested in taking basic upper math courses (analysis, topology, algebra) as a non-degree seeking student?</p>
<p>My long term goal is to do graduate study in applied math. My immediate goal is to learn the fundamental math courses very well. How well does SFSU math program prepare students for graduate work at top universities? I appreciate any inputs/suggestions.</p>
<p>Here are the pros and cons I came up with for both schools.
1) UCB - rigorous math courses (+)
2) UCB - big class (-)
3) UCB - most undergraduate courses taught by post docs/first time teacher (+/-)
4) UCB - focus on research may tempt profs to disregard teaching (-)
5) UCB - Profs approachability. How willing are professors to go over things (??)</p>
<p>1) SFSU - not sure about the rigor of math courses (???)
2) SFSU - smaller classes compared to UCB (+)
3) SFSU - taught by tenured profs (+/-)
4) SFSU - not research based so profs may focus more on teaching
5) SFSU - Profs approachability. Heard profs are willing to go over things with students during office hours (+)</p>
<p>Upper division math courses at Berkeley are generally small, except for 110 (linear algebra) and 128A (numerical analysis). See [Home</a> Page - Online Schedule Of Classes](<a href=“http://schedule.berkeley.edu%5DHome”>http://schedule.berkeley.edu) . You can also cross check the instructor names against faculty listings.</p>
<p>in my view the state schools are to be avoided at this time. CAL will provide blue and gold if you are a resident of california earning under 80k per year, and will also provide aid if you earn under around 140k. while SFSU has no money and no blue and gold. also, CAL is a much better school. no matter what classes you are taking or how many students are attending those classes, you should consider attending the best public school in the world over a california state school that is suffering from no funding. sometimes i think i am living in outer space, but i guess you are conflicted, just have no idea how that is possible. i mean we are talking about UC Berkeley! oh, they admitted a 90 year old transfer student this year. so age is not a factor if that is a concern. good luck dude. glad to hear that you are doing whatever it takes to complete your studies. rock on.</p>