Mathematics, Bachelor of Science College of Letters & Science
Mathematics is the study of abstract structures, space, change, and the interrelations of these concepts. It also is the language of the exact sciences.
The Program
Students majoring in mathematics may follow a program leading to either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree. After completing basic introductory courses such as calculus and linear algebra, students plan an upper division program in consultation with a faculty advisor. Upper division courses include real analysis, probability, modern algebra, as well as a variety of other courses that allow students to further mathematical knowledge and skills that feature their research or career interests. This individualized program can lead to graduate study in pure or applied mathematics, elementary or secondary level teaching, or to other professional goals. It can also reflect a special interest such as computational and applied mathematics, computer science, or statistics, or may be combined with a major in some other field.
Career Alternatives
A degree in mathematics provides entry to many careers in industry in addition to teaching. For instance, operations research, data analysis, systems analysis, computing, actuarial work, insurance, and financial services are only a few such careers. Mathematics is also a sound basis for graduate work in a variety of fields, such as law, engineering, and economics.
Major Advisors
For a current list of faculty and staff advisors; see Math Department Advising or contact Student Services.
Mathematics Placement Requirement
Students who wish to enroll in MAT 012, MAT 017A, MAT 019A, MAT 021A, MAT 021AH, and MAT 021M must satisfy the mathematics placement requirement by taking an online exam. Students who do not satisfy the requirement will be administratively dropped from these courses. For more information, including preparation tips and how to access the online exam, please see the Math Placement Requirement (MPR), well in advance of enrolling.
Department Honors
Students who meet the minimum GPA requirement for honors at graduation for the College of Letters & Science and who complete a senior project as part of MAT 194 or MAT 199 units in consultation with their faculty advisor may also be recommended by the department for graduation with High Honors or Highest Honors. Recommendations will be based on evaluations of students' academic achievements in their major and the quality of their senior project. For complete details, see Honors & Awards.
Teaching Credential Subject Representative
Dr. Ali Dad-del
Graduate Study
The Department offers programs of study and research leading to M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Mathematics. Information regarding graduate study may be obtained by consulting our website or contacting Student Services.
The major requirements below are in addition to meeting University Degree Requirements & College Degree Requirements; unless otherwise noted. The minimum number of units required for the Mathematics Bachelor of Science is 82.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Preparatory Subject Matter | ||
| Calculus | ||
| MAT 021A | Calculus | 4 |
| MAT 021B | Calculus | 4 |
| MAT 021C | Calculus | 4 |
| MAT 021D | Vector Analysis | 4 |
| Linear Algebra & Proof-Writing 1 | ||
| Choose one option: | 4-8 | |
(a) | ||
| Linear Algebra | ||
| Introduction to Abstract Mathematics | ||
(b) | ||
| Linear Algebra with Applications to Biology | ||
| Introduction to Abstract Mathematics | ||
(c) | ||
| Modern Linear Algebra | ||
| MATLAB | 0-1 | |
| Linear Algebra Computer Laboratory | ||
Equivalent MATLAB knowledge. | ||
| Differential Equations | 3-4 | |
| Differential Equations with Applications to Biology | ||
or MAT 022B | Differential Equations | |
| Plans | ||
| Choose one: | 4-5 | |
Plan I: General Mathematics | ||
| Classical Physics | ||
Plan II: Mathematics for Secondary Teaching | ||
Choose one: | ||
| General Physics | ||
| Classical Physics | ||
| Elementary Statistics | ||
or STA 013Y | Elementary Statistics | |
| Gateway to Statistical Data Science | ||
| Applied Statistics for Biological Sciences | ||
| Programming | ||
| ECS 032A | Introduction to Programming | 4 |
| or ECS 032AV | Introduction to Programming | |
| or ENG 006 | Engineering Problem Solving | |
| Preparatory Subject Matter Subtotal | 31-38 | |
| Depth Subject Matter | ||
| Plans | ||
| Choose one: | 51-52 | |
| Depth Subject Matter Subtotal | 51-52 | |
| Total Units | 82-90 | |
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Note: Basic knowledge of MATLAB is required for both MAT 022A and MAT 067. Students can learn it on their own, enroll in ENG 006, or in the one 1 unit course MAT 022AL (can be taken concurrently).
Plan 1: General Mathematics
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| A. Core Courses | ||
| MAT 127A | Real Analysis | 4 |
| MAT 127B | Real Analysis | 4 |
| MAT 127C | Real Analysis | 4 |
| MAT 135A | Probability | 4 |
| MAT 150A | Modern Algebra | 4 |
| MAT 150B | Modern Algebra | 4 |
| MAT 150C | Modern Algebra | 4 |
| MAT 185A | Complex Analysis | 4 |
| B. Enrichment Courses | ||
| Choose four: | 16 | |
| MAT 111-MAT 185B; up to four of these 16 units may be approved upper division courses outside of the Department of Mathematics with extensive use of mathematics. 1 | ||
| C. Captstone Course | ||
| Choose one: | 3-4 | |
| Number Theory | ||
| Partial Differential Equations: Eigenfunction Expansions | ||
| Ordinary Differential Equations | ||
| Stochastic Processes | ||
| Algebraic Combinatorics | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Complex Analysis | ||
| Advanced Problem Solving | ||
| Internship in Applied Mathematics (Must take 3 units.) | ||
| Undergraduate Thesis | ||
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Excluding MAT 180, core courses, and courses being used as a capstone.
Plan 2: Mathematics for Secondary Teaching
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| A. Core Courses | ||
| MAT 111 | History of Mathematics | 4 |
| MAT 115A | Number Theory | 4 |
| MAT 127A | Real Analysis | 4 |
| MAT 127B | Real Analysis | 4 |
| MAT 127C | Real Analysis | 4 |
| MAT 135A | Probability | 4 |
| MAT 141 | Euclidean Geometry | 4 |
| MAT 150A | Modern Algebra | 4 |
| B. Enrichment Course | ||
| Choose four: | 16 | |
| MAT 111-MAT 185B; up to four of these 16 units may be approved upper division courses outside of the Department of Mathematics with extensive use of mathematics. 1 | ||
| C. Capstone Course | ||
| Choose one: | 3-4 | |
| Number Theory | ||
| Partial Differential Equations: Eigenfunction Expansions | ||
| Ordinary Differential Equations | ||
| Stochastic Processes | ||
| Algebraic Combinatorics | ||
| Modern Algebra | ||
| Modern Algebra | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Complex Analysis | ||
| Advanced Problem Solving | ||
| Internship in Applied Mathematics (Must take 3 units.) | ||
| Undergraduate Thesis | ||
| Teaching High School Mathematics & Science | ||
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Excluding MAT 180, core courses, and courses being used as a capstone.