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 019AMAT 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.

Preparatory Subject Matter
Calculus
MAT 021ACalculus4
MAT 021BCalculus4
MAT 021CCalculus4
MAT 021DVector Analysis4
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
MATLAB0-1
Linear Algebra Computer Laboratory
Equivalent MATLAB knowledge.
Differential Equations3-4
Differential Equations with Applications to Biology
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
Elementary Statistics
Gateway to Statistical Data Science
Applied Statistics for Biological Sciences
Programming
ECS 032AIntroduction to Programming4
or ECS 032AV Introduction to Programming
or ENG 006 Engineering Problem Solving
Preparatory Subject Matter Subtotal31-38
Depth Subject Matter
Plans
Choose one:51-52
Depth Subject Matter Subtotal51-52
Total Units82-90
1

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

A. Core Courses
MAT 127AReal Analysis4
MAT 127BReal Analysis4
MAT 127CReal Analysis4
MAT 135AProbability4
MAT 150AModern Algebra4
MAT 150BModern Algebra4
MAT 150CModern Algebra4
MAT 185AComplex 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
1

Excluding MAT 180, core courses, and courses being used as a capstone.

Plan 2: Mathematics for Secondary Teaching

A. Core Courses
MAT 111History of Mathematics4
MAT 115ANumber Theory4
MAT 127AReal Analysis4
MAT 127BReal Analysis4
MAT 127CReal Analysis4
MAT 135AProbability4
MAT 141Euclidean Geometry4
MAT 150AModern Algebra4
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
1

Excluding MAT 180, core courses, and courses being used as a capstone.