The information and requirements given here apply to the 2008–2009 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:
- Comprehensive Option: This option prepares students for graduate study in mathematics or applied mathematics.
- Computer Science Option: This option is for students interested in applications of computers to mathematical problems, including math majors who plan to attend graduate school in computer science.
- Economics or Business Option: This option is for students with a particular interest in business applications of mathematics, especially those preparing for graduate school in economics or finance.
- General/Applied Mathematics Option: This option is for students who intend to enter the job market upon graduation, but may also be appropriate for students who plan to go on to graduate school in a field of science or engineering.
- Probability and Statistics Option: This option is for students considering a career as an actuary or statistician, as well as for students wanting to attend graduate school in statistics.
- Life Sciences Option: This option is for students considering a career in medicine, as well as for students wanting to attend graduate school in the biological sciences.
- Mathematics Education Option: This option prepares students for teaching mathematics at the secondary school level. The option has two components: a set of courses in mathematics, and a set of courses in teaching and learning mathematics in secondary schools.
Each option involves 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 Program Requirements Report (APRR). Below we cover the portion of the requirements specific to the mathematics major, with links to the APRR for complete requirements. 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:
- Foreign language requirement: the B.A. requires more, whereas the B.S. requires less (details below).
- Science course requirements: the B.A. requires less, whereas the B.S. requires more (details below).
The B.A. in Mathematics
Students must have fourth semester proficiency in a foreign language.
The degree is not science-intensive. Students need to complete only the two Tier One (NATS) and one Tier Two Natural Science courses, as specified in the University General Education requirements.
The B.S. in Mathematics
Students must have second semester proficiency in a foreign language.
Laboratory Science Courses Requirement: The degree is science-intensive and requires one of the following sequences of laboratory science courses:
- PHYS 131 & 181 & 132 & 182
- PHYS 141 & 142
- PHYS 141 & 241
- PHYS 151 & 152
- PHYS 161H & 162H
- CHEM 151 & 152
- CHEM 105A & 106A & 105B & 106B
- MCB 181R & 181L & ECOL 182R & 182L
- GEOS 251 & 302
- GEOS 251 & 304
- GEOS 302 & 304
Application Science Courses Requirement: (This requirement does not apply to the Mathematics Education Option.) Students must complete at least six units of non-math coursework with a prerequisite or corequisite of at least Calculus I (MATH 124 or higher). Choose from the following: CHEM 105A, 105B, 407, 480A; C SC 345, 346, 422, 433, 436, 437, 445, 453, 460, 473; ECON 332, 361, 411, 421; GEOS 322, 356, 411, 419, 431, 432, 434A, 448; PHYS 131, 132, 141, 142, 151, 152, 161H, 162H, 204, 241, 242, 251, 252; or courses approved by your academic advisor.
Note: A student may satisfy both the Laboratory Science Courses Requirement and the Application Science Courses Requirement by completing one of the Physics sequences. The University's Tier Two General Education Requirement for Natural Science is satisfied by MATH 215, which is one of the Core Courses.
Core Courses
The information and requirements given here apply to the 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.
- C SC 127A — Introduction to Computer Science
- MATH 124 or MATH 125 — Calculus I
- MATH 129 — Calculus II (*)
- MATH 215 — Introduction to Linear Algebra
- MATH 223 — Vector Calculus
- MATH 323 — Formal Mathematical Reasoning and Writing (†)
- MATH 355 — Analysis of Ordinary Differential Equations (*)
(*) The pair MATH 129 and MATH 355 may be replaced with MATH 250A and MATH 250B (Calculus and Differential Equations I and II).
(†) MATH 323 is a writing-emphasis course that is the foundation for the advanced courses taken by any math major. 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.
Comprehensive Option
The information and requirements given here apply to the catalog. For other catalog years, please consult the archive.
The Academic Program Requirements Report (APRR) gives complete requirements:
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:
- Core Courses
- MATH 413 — Linear Algebra
- MATH 424 — Elements of Complex Variables
- MATH 425A — Real Analysis of One Variable
- MATH 425B — Real Analysis of Several Variables
- One of the following two pairs: or
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 catalog. For other catalog years, please consult the archive.
The Academic Program Requirements Report (APRR) gives complete requirements:
A minor in computer science is required with this option.
Major requirements:
- Core Courses
- One of the following three sequences: or or
- Two of the following six courses:
- A fifth 400-level course, chosen in consultation with your faculty advisor.
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 catalog. For other catalog years, please consult the archive.
The Academic Program Requirements Report (APRR) gives complete requirements:
This option requires either
- an Economics Minor, or
- a General Business Minor, or
- a Thematic Minor emphasizing courses in Economics, General Business, or Finance.
The minor should be chosen in consultation with an advisor.
Major requirements:
- Core Courses
- MATH 425A — Real Analysis of One Variable
- MATH 464 — Theory of Probability
- One of the following two courses:
- One of the following three courses:
- A fifth 400-level course, chosen in consultation with your faculty advisor.
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 catalog. For other catalog years, please consult the archive.
The Academic Program Requirements Report (APRR) gives complete requirements:
A minor in any subject is required with this option.
Major requirements:
- Core Courses
- MATH 422 — Advanced Applied Analysis
- MATH 485 — Mathematical Modeling
- One of the following three sequences: or or
- A fifth 400-level course, chosen in consultation with your faculty advisor.
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 catalog. For other catalog years, please consult the archive.
The Academic Program Requirements Report (APRR) gives complete requirements:
A minor 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 maintained by Professor Donald Myers.
Major requirements:
- Core Courses
- MATH 425A — Real Analysis of One Variable
- MATH 464 — Theory of Probability
- MATH 466 — Theory of Statistics
- One of the following two courses:
- A fifth 400-level course, chosen in consultation with your faculty advisor.
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 catalog. For other catalog years, please consult the archive.
The Academic Program Requirements Report (APRR) gives complete requirements:
A minor in the biological sciences is required for this option. Possibilities include BIOC, GBIO, ECOL, MCB, MICR, PS, PSIO, V SC, and PL S, or a thematic minor with a life sciences emphasis. Courses which may be of interest for your minor include: ECOL 320, 340, 380, 380L, 416, 426, 429, 453, 496J, 496Y; MCB 410, 411, 422, 471A.
Major requirements:
- Core Courses
- MATH 422 — Advanced Applied Analysis
- MATH 464 — Theory of Probability
- One of the following three courses:
- One of the following two courses:
- One of the following two courses:
- One of the following two courses:
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 catalog. For other catalog years, please consult the archive.
The Academic Program Requirements Report (APRR) gives complete requirements:
This option is for students preparing to teach mathematics at the secondary school level. The Education Option has two 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.
Major requirements:
- Core Courses
- Courses in Mathematics:
- Courses in Teaching and Learning Mathematics:
- STCH 250 — Teaching Mathematics
- STCH 310 — Adolescent Development and Learning
- LRC 416 — Intro to Structured English Immersion
- LRC 435 — Literacy/Diversity
- SERP 301B — Mainstreaming
- MATH 406A — Curriculum and Assessment in Mathematics
- MATH 406B — Methods of Teaching Mathematics in Secondary School
- STCH 494C — Student Teaching
Additional certification requirement: Successful completion of coursework or examinations in U.S. and Arizona Constitutions is required for certification. Consult with your advisor.
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.