The University of Arizona

B.A./B.S. in Mathematics 2014

 The information and requirements given here apply to the 2014–2015 catalog. For other catalog years, please consult the archive.


Both the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mathematics require a core of basic courses followed by additional courses specific to one of seven possible options:

Each option requires at least 15 units of 400-level mathematics courses, and each option, except Mathematics Education, requires the student to complete a minor. Courses in minors must be distinct from those in the major.

The complete official requirements for each option are given in the University Catalog in the form of an Academic Advisement Report (ADVIP). Below we cover the portion of the requirements specific to the mathematics major. It is important for students to consult with their academic advisor about their choice and order of courses, as well as which optional courses would strengthen their degree program.


Comparing the B.A. and the B.S.

As far as the mathematics coursework is concerned, the B.A. and B.S. are identical: they each require the core courses and one of the seven options. The two degrees differ only in the following ways:

The B.A. in Mathematics

The B.S. in Mathematics

Note: B.S. students may satisfy both the Laboratory Science Courses Requirement and the Application Courses Requirement by completing one of the Physics sequences. The University's Tier Two General Education Requirement for Natural Science is satisfied for B.S. students by MATH 215, which is one of the Core Courses.

Double Degrees

Students pursuing a second major that has a degree title different from that of the first major are technically double degree students. Additional requirements apply to double degree students that do not pertain to double major students (students with two majors that have exactly the same degree title). See an advisor for details.


Core Courses

The information and requirements given here apply to the 2014–2015 catalog. For other catalog years, please consult the archive.

All seven options for the B.A./B.S. require the following core courses, which should be completed by the end of the sophomore year.

(†) Either CSC 127A or ISTA 130 is recommended for most students. Other courses that can be used to satisfy the programming requirement are: CSC 227, ECE 175, MIS 301, MSE 350, and PHYS 305. These latter courses may require prior programming experience, additional prerequisites and/or a major or minor declared in another subject.

(‡) MATH 122A and MATH 122B are a single-semester sequence of courses that cover Calculus I. They are equivalent to the old MATH 124 course, which is no longer offered.

(*) MATH 323 is a writing-emphasis course that is the foundation for many of the advanced courses taken by math majors. It should be taken as soon as possible and before most of the 400-level courses in the major. Students who do not earn at least a C in MATH 323 should reconsider their choice of major/option.

(**) MATH 355 is the differential equations course that all mathematics majors are expected to take. This course emphasizes the ideas of dynamical systems and makes use of a more sophisticated approach to differential equations. MATH 254 is a differential equations course that is aimed at preparing students for engineering and science applications. Students with an additional major in engineering or science may ask their math faculty advisors for permission to substitute MATH 254 course for MATH 355 if a scheduling issue arises.

 

Comprehensive Option

The information and requirements given here apply to the 2014–2015 catalog. For other catalog years, please consult the archive.

This option covers the minimum requirements for admission to most graduate programs in mathematics and applied mathematics. We have separate information on selecting the appropriate option and courses to prepare for various types of graduate programs.

Students selecting the comprehensive option should consult with a Mathematics Department faculty advisor in choosing additional course work to ensure that they are prepared for the graduate school of their choice. A minor in any subject is required with this option.

Major requirements:

For an example of how to order your coursework to heed prerequisites and meet all degree requirements, please consult the sample 4-year plans. You will develop an individualized plan in consultation with your faculty advisor.

 
 

Computer Science Option

The information and requirements given here apply to the 2014–2015 catalog. For other catalog years, please consult the archive.

A minor in computer science is required with this option.

Major requirements:

(*) Students minoring in Computer Science may not double-dip courses with their math major, beyond their introductory programming course (i.e. CSC 127A). Students with a double major in Computer Science and Mathematics will need to consult their Computer Science advisor for information about double-dipping between the two majors.

For an example of how to order your coursework to heed prerequisites and meet all degree requirements, please consult the sample 4-year plans. You will develop an individualized plan in consultation with your faculty advisor.

 
 

Economics or Business Option

The information and requirements given here apply to the 2014–2015 catalog. For other catalog years, please consult the archive.

This option requires either

The minor should be chosen in consultation with an advisor.

Major requirements:

For an example of how to order your coursework to heed prerequisites and meet all degree requirements, please consult the sample 4-year plans. You will develop an individualized plan in consultation with your faculty advisor.

 
 

General/Applied Mathematics Option

The information and requirements given here apply to the 2014–2015 catalog. For other catalog years, please consult the archive.

A minor in any subject is required with this option.

Major requirements:

For an example of how to order your coursework to heed prerequisites and meet all degree requirements, please consult the sample 4-year plans. You will develop an individualized plan in consultation with your faculty advisor.

 
 

Probability and Statistics Option

The information and requirements given here apply to the 2014–2015 catalog. For other catalog years, please consult the archive.

A minor in any subject is required with this option. By discussing with an advisor the choice of the minor, the student can greatly enhance his/her career opportunities. For additional information and suggestions, see the Probability and Statistics Webpage or the Actuarial Science Webpage maintained by Professor Donald Myers.

Major requirements:

For an example of how to order your coursework to heed prerequisites and meet all degree requirements, please consult the sample 4-year plans. You will develop an individualized plan in consultation with your faculty advisor.

 
 

Life Sciences Option

The information and requirements given here apply to the 2014–2015 catalog. For other catalog years, please consult the archive.

A minor in the biological sciences is required for this option. Possibilities include Astrobiology, Biochemistry, Biology, Biosystems Engineering, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Environmental Sciences, Molecular & Cellular Biology, Physiology, Physiological Sciences, and Pre-Health Professions, or a thematic minor with a life sciences emphasis.  A second major in a life science area may also be used to fulfill the minor requirement.  Courses which may be of interest for your minor include: ECOL 320, 340, 380, 416, 426, 453, 496J; MCB 315, 410, 411, 422.

Major requirements:

For an example of how to order your coursework to heed prerequisites and meet all degree requirements, please consult the sample 4-year plans. You will develop an individualized plan in consultation with your faculty advisor.

 
 

Mathematics Education Option

The information and requirements given here apply to the 2014–2015 catalog. For other catalog years, please consult the archive.

This option is for students preparing to teach mathematics at the secondary school level. The Education Option has two main components, a set of courses in mathematics, and a set of courses in teaching and learning mathematics in secondary schools. This option does not require a minor. The Math Education Program website contains additional information about admission and requirements.

Major requirements:

For an example of how to order your coursework to heed prerequisites and meet all degree requirements, please consult the sample 4-year plans. You will develop an individualized plan in consultation with your faculty advisor.