Mathematics, B.S.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Students will be able to demonstrate facility with analytical concepts.
2. Students will be able to write proofs.
3. Students will be able to demonstrate facility with algebraic structures.
4. Students will be able to apply their mathematical knowledge and critical thinking to solve problems.
5. Students will be able to use technology to solve problems.
6. Students will be able to speak about their work with precision, clarity, and organization.
7. Students will be able to write about their work with precision, clarity, and organization.
8. Students will be able to identify, locate, evaluate, and effectively and responsibly use and cite information for the task at hand.
9. Students will collaborate effectively in teams.
10. Students will be able to understand and create arguments supported by quantitative evidence.
11. Graduates will be prepared for careers that use mathematics in business, industry, government and the non-profit sector; graduate study in fields related to mathematics; and teaching mathematics and computer science at the secondary level.

Lower-Division Requirements

• MTH 1064 - Calculus I (GE) (4)
• MTH 1074 - Calculus II (4)
• MTH 2033 - Linear Algebra (3)
• MTH 2074 - Calculus III (4)
• CSC 1043 - Introduction to Computer Programming (2)
• CSC 1043L - Introduction to Computer Programming Lab (1)
• CSC 1054 - Objects and Elementary Data Structures (3)
• CSC 1054L - Objects and Elementary Data Structures Lab (1)
• CSC 2052 - Data Structures in C++ (1)
• CSC 2052L - Data Structures in C++ Lab (1)
• PHY 2044 - University Physics I (GE) (3)
• PHY 2044L - University Physics I Lab (GE) (1)

Upper-Division Requirements

• 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)

Note(s):

An elective class may not  count as both upper-division core and a required “additional elective.”

Total non-GE units: 58

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 also approved:

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 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 finance requirement. So with some work you can meet 3 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.

Blended Program: 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 blended teacher education 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)
• Exercise and Sport Science, B.A.  (Single Subject Physical Education California 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)

For the blended program, the following 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 blended teacher education track would need to make application to the Teacher Education program before entry in the 3^rd credential course, meeting all program, university and state requirements for classroom observations and tests required prior to student teaching. Students would be interviewed by a faculty committee prior to being placed in student teaching. Candidates remain Kinesiology majors 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.