Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics - Concentration in Mathematics for Liberal Arts

Undergraduate degree programs in mathematics presuppose a background equivalent to two years of high school algebra, one year of plane geometry, and at least one semester of trigonometry. Students in doubt as to their satisfaction of these prerequisites should consult the mathematics department. MATH 60, MATH 70, and MATH 199 may be used to remedy deficiencies. Because of the sequential nature of mathematics courses, all students must consult with a departmental advisor at regular intervals during their degree programs. MATH 500 through MATH 599 may not be counted as electives toward the mathematics major or minor. CR/NC grades are not acceptable in courses to be counted for a mathematics major or minor program. The Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics can be earned by completing any one of three concentrations: Concentration in Mathematics for Advanced Study (48 units): this concentration prepares students for graduate study of mathematics. Concentration in Mathematics for Liberal Arts (42 units): this concentration is intended for students planning non-technical careers. Concentration in Mathematics for Teaching (45 units): this concentration matches the state-approved subject matter program for the single-subject credential in mathematics. Program Scope The Bachelor of Arts is offered for students with a general interest in mathematics; Bachelor of Science programs in applied mathematics and statistics are also offered. Courses are offered in mathematics education for prospective elementary and secondary teachers. Copies of program requirements are available in the mathematics department office. The Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics has three concentrations: Liberal Arts Teaching Advanced Study The Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics responds to the needs of business and industry for applied mathematical scientists. The program also responds to the needs of those students who enjoy mathematics for its own sake but who also have interests in other fields to which mathematics is applied. Applied mathematicians and statisticians are employed in such areas as operations research, systems analysis, computing, data analysis, biological sciences (for example, doing research on DNA topology, mathematical cancer biology, or meeting the special needs of biostatistics), communications research, and in the management sciences. The primary aim of applied mathematics is to elucidate scientific concepts and to describe and predict scientific phenomena through the use of mathematics. The applied mathematician is at once a mathematical specialist and a systems analyst, whose task it is to confront highly complex real-world situations with mathematical analysis. In industry the applied mathematician has an opportunity to test both background and training in solving problems of a practical nature. It is necessary to have not only a grasp of the mathematical theories involved, but also an appreciation for the specific science or technology concerned. In this way, one can arrive at usable mathematical formulations of scientific and engineering problems.