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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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 part of the Core Courses.
The information and requirements given here apply to the 2008–2009 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.
(*) 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.
The information and requirements given here apply to the 2008–2009 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. Students selecting this 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.
The information and requirements given here apply to the 2008–2009 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:
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.
The information and requirements given here apply to the 2008–2009 catalog. For other catalog years, please consult the archive.
The Academic Program Requirements Report (APRR) gives complete requirements:
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.
The information and requirements given here apply to the 2008–2009 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:
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.
The information and requirements given here apply to the 2008–2009 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:
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.
The information and requirements given here apply to the 2008–2009 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:
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.
The information and requirements given here apply to the 2008–2009 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:
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.