Mathematics (B.S.) 180 units
Program Description
Modern technological society has many fields that need specialists in mathematics. The Department of Mathematics offers a variety of courses intended for those who want to pursue a career in mathematics as well as those who wish to develop quantitative and problem-solving skills for use in other fields.
Students choose to major in mathematics for a number of reasons. Some intend to become high school, community college, or university teachers. Others seek careers in business, industry, or government, where mathematically trained people are in demand. An undergraduate major in mathematics is one of the best preparations not only for studying advanced Mathematics, but also for graduate work in Computer Science, Statistics, Operations Research, Actuarial Science, and the Natural Sciences. Most law schools are pleased to accept students with rigorous and logical training in Mathematics.
Many students combine their study of mathematics with the study of computer science. A popular option is to obtain a double major in Mathematics and Computer Science. Or students may earn a major in Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science.
The major requires seven lower division courses and eleven upper division mathematics courses. The requirements are flexible enough that a student can choose one of several options according to his/her interest.
Each student is assigned a faculty advisor when (s)he declares a major and should consult this advisor regularly. A booklet containing a number of sample schedules, as well as further information about the mathematics major, is available in the Mathematics/Computer Science Student Service Center (SF 570) or see the departmental website.
Although it is not a requirement, mathematics majors are urged to take as many courses as possible in an area such as Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Management Sciences, Physics, or Statistics. These are all fields where Mathematics plays a significant role, and it is important for a mathematics major to appreciate the relevance of the subject in applications. Study of one or more foreign languages is also recommended, especially for those students anticipating graduate study.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with a B.S. in Mathematics from Cal State East Bay will be able to:
- Apply the definitions, techniques and theorems of undergraduate abstract mathematics.
- Apply the definitions, techniques and theorems of undergraduate applied mathematics.
- Apply mathematical algorithms to solve problems, both individually and in teams.
- Creatively conjecture and rigorously write, analyze and critique proofs.
- Communicate mathematics to others in written and/or oral form with precision, clarity and organization.
- Apply techniques of at least one area of mathematics in depth.
Career Opportunities
- Actuary
- Computer Analyst
- Cryptologist
- Economist
- Engineer
- Engineering Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Market Researcher
- Mathematician
- Numerical Analyst
- Operations Research Analyst
- Personnel Representative
- Programmer
- Professor/Teacher
- Publisher Representative
- Statistician
- Stockbroker
- Technical Writer
Features
Cal State East Bay students can participate in the Mathematics Club, which features lectures by students and faculty and offers a variety of social activities.
Each year the department awards a number of scholarships covering a portion of fees for the subsequent year. Scholarship applications may be obtained from the department student service center office during the Winter quarter.
Qualified upper division and graduate students may be employed as graders for classes.
Students who intend to earn a high school teaching credential after graduation may apply most of their mathematics major courses to meet the standards of California’s Single Subject Matter Preparation Program for a Single Subject Credential in Mathematics.
Math majors who continue on to earn a master’s degree in mathematics may pursue a career as a community college mathematics teacher.
Preparation
For Advanced Placement course equivalencies, see Registration chapter.
Major Requirements (B.S.) 72 units
Because requirements are subject to change, consult an advisor in your major department for clarification and interpretation of your major requirements. The BS degree requires a total of 180 units.
- The core major consists of 40 units;
- the Applied Mathematics Option consists of 32 units;
- the Mathematics Teaching Option consists of 32 units.
- the Pure Mathematics Option consists of 32 units.
- GE/USHG/UWS consists of 84 units (some courses may double-count units - see your advisor).
- Free Electives (if any) will make up the remainder units to reach 180 minimum total units (see your advisor).
Lower Division Core (28 units)
This requirement consists of the following seven (7) courses:
Note: A student who has recently taken a pre-calculus course in high school should be prepared to begin the calculus sequence. A student with three years of high school mathematics, including two years of algebra and one year of geometry, should be prepared to take MATH 1130, or possibly MATH 1300. Students who are unsure about what mathematics course to begin with should call the department office. Students may not enroll in any baccalaureate level mathematics course unless they have met the Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) requirement, or are exempt from it. Contact the Testing Office 885-3661 for more information.
Upper Division Core (12 units)
Option Requirements
Every Mathematics major is required to complete one of the following options:
