Mathematics, B.S.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the program will be able to:
- demonstrate facility with analytical and algebraic concepts.
- write proofs.
- apply their mathematical knowledge and critical thinking to solve problems.
- use technology to solve problems.
- speak about their work with precision, clarity, and organization.
- write about their work with precision, clarity, and organization.
- identify, locate, evaluate, and effectively and responsibly use and cite information for the task at hand.
- collaborate effectively in teams.
- understand and create arguments supported by quantitative evidence.
- understand the professional, ethical, and social issues and responsibilities with the implementation and use of mathematical models and technology.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Lower-Division Requirements | ||
| CSC 1043 & 1043L | Introduction to Computer Programming and Introduction to Computer Programming Lab | 3 |
| CSC 1054 & 1054L | Objects and Elementary Data Structures and Objects and Elementary Data Structures Lab | 4 |
| MTH 1064 | Calculus I (GE) | 4 |
| MTH 1074 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MTH 2033 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MTH 2074 | Calculus III | 4 |
| PHY 2044 & 2044L | University Physics I (GE) and University Physics I Lab (GE) | 4 |
| Upper-Division Requirements | ||
| CSC 3003 | Python and UNIX | 3 |
| MTH 3012 | Number Theory with Proofs | 2 |
| MTH 3033 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| MTH 3052 | History of Mathematics | 2 |
| MTH 3083 | Mathematical Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| MTH 4024 | Real Analysis | 4 |
| MTH 4044 | Abstract Algebra | 4 |
| MTH 4081 | Senior Seminar in Mathematics | 1 |
| MTH 4092 | Special Topics in Mathematics | 2 |
| Choose two (2) courses from the following: | 6 | |
| Discrete Mathematics | ||
| Mathematical Modeling | ||
| Complex Analysis | ||
| Choose one (1) sequence from the following: | 3 | |
| Honors Project I and Honors Project II | ||
| Independent Research in Mathematics I and Independent Research in Mathematics II | ||
| Service Learning in Mathematics | ||
| Elective Courses | ||
| Choose five (5) additional units from the following: 1 | 5 | |
| Machine Learning and Multivariate Modeling in R | ||
| Computational Tools | ||
| Data Visualization and Communication with R | ||
| Honors Project I | ||
| Honors Project II | ||
| Discrete Mathematics | ||
| Mathematical Modeling | ||
| Topics in Geometry | ||
| Complex Analysis | ||
| Advanced Applied Statistics | ||
| History of Mathematics Study Tour | ||
| Internship in Data Science | ||
| Independent Study in Mathematics | ||
| Special Topics in Mathematics | ||
| Independent Research in Mathematics I | ||
| Independent Research in Mathematics II | ||
| Service Learning in Mathematics | ||
| Project for Data Analytics Minors I | ||
| Project for Data Analytics Minors II | ||
| Total Units | 64 | |
- 1
An elective course may not count as both an upper-division requirement and a required “additional elective.”
Total Non-GE Units for Degree: 59
Recommended Electives for Mathematics Tracks
Graduate School: One semester of independent study continuing Abstract Algebra or Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Honors Project or Independent Research in Mathematics.
Industry: Complex Analysis, Mathematical Probability, and Mathematical Modeling. Additional knowledge of computer programming and software tools such as Matlab and R can be helpful in this field.
Actuary: MTH 3083 Mathematical Probability and Statistics, MTH 3043 Discrete Mathematics, MTH 3073 Mathematical Modeling will help you prepare for actuarial exams. We recommend that you take the first exam as soon as you finish MTH 3083 . The Society of Actuaries has approved (VEE)
ECO 1001 Macroeconomics, ECO 1002 Microeconomics to meet their Economics requirement (you must get at least a B in each). The Society of Actuaries has also approved (VEE) the sequence: ACC 2000 ( ACC 2001 Principles of Financial Accounting I can be substituted), FIN 3035 Business Finance and FIN 3085 Intermediate Finance to meet their Accounting and Finance requirement. The Society of Actuaries has approved (VEE) MTH 4053 to meet their Mathematical Statistics requirement. So with some work you can meet 4 of the 10 items required for becoming a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries before you graduate from college. It is also worth noting that by adding a few classes to this list, you can earn a minor in Finance.
If you are planning on becoming an actuary, we recommend that you earn a BS in Data Science rather than a BS in Mathematics.
Teaching: PLNU has a waiver on the CSET: Mathematics exams, if a student takes a specific set of mathematics classes as part of the BS program. These include MTH 4002 Topics in Geometry, MTH 3043 Discrete Mathematics, MTH 4013 Complex Analysis and EDU 3002 Foundations of Education and Learning Theory and EDU 4004 Foundations of Special Education. Please see your advisor for further details. PLNU does offer the option of earning a BS in Mathematics and a teaching credential in four years and the details of that can be found in the description of the Blending Single Subject Teaching Credential below.
4-Year Credential Track: Single Subject Teaching Credential
Majors in the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees complete a minimum of 128 units to graduate. The following majors have the option of choosing the 4-year credential track by fulfilling additional units within the undergraduate degree in fulfillment of the Single Subject California Teaching Credential.
- Art Education, B.A. (Single Subject Art California Teaching Credential)
- Biology, B.A. (Single Subject Science California Teaching Credential)
- English, B.A. (Single Subject English Teaching Credential)
- French, B.A. (Single Subject World Languages: French California Teaching Credential)
- History, B.A. (Single Subject Social Sciences Teaching Credential)
- Mathematics, B.S. (Single Subject Mathematics Teaching Credential)
- Music Education, B.A. (Single Subject Music California Teaching Credential)
- Spanish, B.A. (Single Subject World Languages: Spanish California Teaching Credential)
- Sport Science, B.S. (Single Subject Physical Education California Teaching Credential)
For the 4-year credential track, the following 3000 or 4000-level credential courses are strategically added to the undergraduate degree course plan. These courses represent the required courses for the California SB2042 Single Subject Teaching Credential. Students desiring to enroll in the 4-year credential track would need to make application to the Teacher Education program before entry in the 3rd credential course, meeting all program, university and state requirements for classroom observations and tests required prior to student teaching. Students will be vetted through a screening process, which may include a faculty interview, prior to being placed in student teaching. Candidates major in the academic discipline of their choice (e.g. Kinesiology) and are co-advised by both departments throughout their undergraduate program.
Candidates may also apply to the School of Education Graduate Program to fulfill the remaining requirements toward the California Teaching Credential(s). Any 4000-level courses cross listed with the 6000-level credential courses cannot be repeated between the undergraduate and graduate programs. At the point that the requirements for the undergraduate degree are fulfilled, the candidate would apply to the Graduate School of education and complete the remaining courses required for the credential post-baccalaureate.
The following courses may be used for the credentialing purposes in the State of California. When taken prior to the posting of a baccalaureate degree, unit values may not be applied toward master’s degree courses. Other appropriate master’s degree-level courses must be substituted for unit values.
Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| EDU 3002 | Foundations of Education and Learning Theory 1 | 3 |
| EDU 3006 | Language Acquisition and Diverse Populations 1 | 3 |
| EDU 4004 | Foundations of Special Education 1 | 3 |
| EDU 4009 | Classroom Assessment and Research Practices | 3 |
| EDU 4018 | Teaching and Learning Capstone: Contemporary Issues in the Vocation of Education | 2 |
| EDU 4020 | Literacy Instruction for Secondary Teachers 1 | 3 |
| EDU 4021 | General Methods for Secondary Teachers 1 | 3 |
| EDU 4050 | Secondary Clinical Practice I | 4 |
| EDU 4055 | Secondary Clinical Practice II | 4 |
| EDU 40CP1 | Clinical Practice Seminar I | 1 |
| EDU 40CP2 | Clinical Practice Seminar II | 1 |
| Choose one (1) course from the following based on major: | 3 | |
| Methods of Teaching Secondary Language Arts | ||
| Methods for Teaching Secondary Mathematics (Mathematics Majors) | ||
| Methods of Teaching Secondary Science (Biology Major) 2 | ||
| Methods of Teaching Secondary Social Science (History Majors) | ||
| Methods for Teaching Secondary Foreign Language (French/Spanish Majors) | ||
| Methods for Teaching Secondary Visual Arts (Art Education Majors) 3 | ||
| Methods for Teaching Secondary Physical Education (Exercise and Sports Science Majors) | ||
| Content-Specific Pedagogy for Secondary Teachers (Music Education Majors) 4 | ||
| Total Units | 33 | |