Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics

The Department of Mathematics offers a B.A. degree in programs that share a common, solid mathematical foundation but differ in their specializations in the pure and applied areas of mathematics. These programs can provide the basis for careers in mathematics itself or within the many scientific and business fields, which, in today’s technological society, depend on a basic knowledge of mathematical methods. The B.A. in Mathematics, following the liberal arts tradition, combines a broad coverage of the humanities and social sciences with a moderate amount of advanced mathematics in the major. It is selected most often either by students who intend to obtain a teaching credential with a specialty in mathematics or by students who wish to pursue graduate work in business or the social sciences.
The General Applied Math option is directed toward students who may wish to pursue graduate work in applied mathematics. The other Applied Mathematics programs, with options in Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Environmental Sciences, Physics, and Statistics, are designed to provide a rigorous training in mathematics together with a substantial background in the discipline of the option. The Computational Mathematics program is designed to prepare the student for professional work with computers and computer systems and for graduate work in computer science.