The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Mathematics prepares students for careers in academia, K-12 education, and a myriad of jobs requiring a balance of analytical and interpersonal abilities. In addition to a strong mathematics core curriculum, this degree helps to strengthen communication and critical thinking skills.
Admission Requirements
- Complete the Admission Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees.
Graduation Requirements
- Complete the General University Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees.
- Complete the General Education Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees.
- All mathematics majors must take a standardized test of knowledge of mathematics approved by the mathematics faculty for the purpose of evaluating program effectiveness. There is no minimum score required for graduation. This test will normally be taken during the senior year.
- All mathematics majors must complete a portfolio demonstrating their mathematics knowledge. There is no grade for this requirement. The portfolio will normally be submitted in the semester of graduation.
- Complete the following major requirements:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| MATH A251 | Calculus I | 4-6 |
| or MATH A251F | F.A.T. Calculus I | |
| MATH A252 | Calculus II | 4-6 |
| or MATH A252F | F.A.T. Calculus II | |
| MATH A253 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MATH A264 | Introduction to the Mathematics Major | 1 |
| MATH A265 | Fundamentals of Mathematics | 3 |
| MATH A306 | Discrete Methods | 3 |
| MATH A314 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH A401 | Introduction to Real Analysis | 3 |
| MATH A405 | Introduction to Abstract Algebra | 3 |
| MATH A420 | Historical Mathematics | 3 |
| Analysis and Topology | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Complex Analysis | ||
| Concepts of Topology | ||
| Introduction to Differential Geometry | ||
| Applied Math | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Ordinary Differential Equations | ||
| Numerical Analysis | ||
| Partial Differential Equations | ||
| Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos | ||
| Statistics | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Probability and Statistics | ||
| Intermediate Statistics for the Sciences | ||
| Scientific Sampling | ||
| Regression Analysis | ||
| Time Series Analysis | ||
| Statistical Methods | ||
| Other Mathematics Courses | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Geometries | ||
| Introduction to Number Theory | ||
| Select any 6 additional credits from any of the four categories above. | 6 | |
| Additional Courses | ||
| PHIL A101 | Introduction to Logic | 3 |
| Select 6 credits from the following (a WRTG GER plus one additional selection): | 6 | |
| Writing and the Professions | ||
| Writing and the Sciences | ||
| Arguing Across Contexts | ||
| Writing in Public Life | ||
| Technical Writing and Design | ||
| Professional Writing | ||
| Research Writing | ||
| Select 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
| Fundamentals of Oral Communication | ||
| Small Group Communication | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Intercultural Communication | ||
| Collaboration and Group Decision Making | ||
| Communication and Conflict | ||
| Nonverbal Communication | ||
| Advanced Public Speaking | ||
| Communication in the Workplace | ||
| Communication and Leadership | ||
| Fundamentals of Acting | ||
| Mathematics Capstone Experience | ||
| Select 1-3 credits from the following: | 1-3 | |
| Mathematics Practicum 1 | ||
| Mathematics or Statistics Internship 1 | ||
| Advanced Readings in Mathematics 1 | ||
| Individual Research 1 | ||
| Total | 65-72 | |
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A maximum of 6 credits of MATH A495A, MATH A495B, MATH A496 and MATH A498 may be applied to the degree requirements.
A minimum of 120 credits is required for the degree, of which 39 credits must be upper-division.
Honors in Mathematics
The Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics recognizes distinguished achievement by conferring programmatic honors in mathematics. In order to receive honors in mathematics, a student must meet the following requirements:
- Meet the requirements for Graduation with Honors as outlined in the catalog;
- Meet the requirements for a BA/BS in Mathematics;
- Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 in the major requirements;
- Complete a minimum of 12 upper-division credits required for the major in residence.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics will be able to:
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Demonstrate knowledge of the techniques of modern mathematical subjects including all of algebra, analysis, discrete mathematics, and probability and statistics.
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Demonstrate an ability to solve problems using skills such as deductive logic, data analysis, computation, modeling, connections, and other mathematical techniques.
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Demonstrate an ability to create mathematical proofs.
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Demonstrate an ability to read, write, and speak about mathematics.
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Demonstrate cognizance of their mathematical knowledge, of mathematics around them, and of the benefit of continued study of mathematics.
Sample Plan
The academic plan below is one pathway through the degree/certificate. It includes all requirements, taking into account recommendations from program faculty. Each student’s plan may vary according to their initial course placement, intended course load, additional majors and/or minors, and their placement into required prerequisite courses. Any change in the plan below can have an unforeseen impact on the rest of the plan. Therefore, it is very important to meet with your academic advisor to verify your personal academic plan.
Please review the following terms, definitions, and resources associated with the sample academic plan below.
- Each course in the far left column links to a pop-up bubble with a course description, prerequisite requirements, and associations with university requirements. For example, if a course fulfills a general education requirement, you will see that in the pop-up bubble.
- GER: indicates a General Education Requirement. GERs that also count toward degree/certificate requirements appear as a specific course in the plan. For these courses, "GER" is not indicated explicitly in the table, but if you click on the course, you will see the course's GER status in the pop-up bubble.
- Program Elective: indicates a specific course selection determined by program faculty to fulfill a degree/certificate requirement. Students should seek assistance from their academic advisor.
- Elective: indicates an open selection of 100-400 level university courses to fulfill elective credits needed to meet the minimum total credits toward the degree/certificate.
- Upper Division Program Elective: indicates a specific 300-400 level course selection determined by the program faculty to fulfill a degree/certificate requirement. Students should seek assistance from their academic advisor.
- Upper Division Elective: indicates an open selection of 300-400 level courses to fulfill elective credits needed to meet the minimum total credits toward the degree/certificate. These courses must be upper division in order to meet General University Requirements for the particular degree/certificate type.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| MATH A251 or MATH A251F | Calculus I 1 or F.A.T. Calculus I | 4-6 |
| WRTG A111 | Writing Across Contexts | 3 |
| GER Fine Arts | 3 | |
| GER Oral Communication Skills | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 16-18 | |
| Spring | ||
| MATH A252 or MATH A252F | Calculus II or F.A.T. Calculus II | 4-6 |
| MATH A264 | Introduction to the Mathematics Major | 1 |
| WRTG A213 | Writing and the Sciences | 3 |
| GER Natural Sciences | 3 | |
| GER Natural Sciences Lab | 1 | |
| Program Elective (COMM or THR) | 3 | |
| Credits | 15-17 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MATH A253 | Calculus III | 4 |
| PHIL A101 | Introduction to Logic | 3 |
| GER Alaska Native-Themed | 3 | |
| GER Natural Sciences | 3 | |
| Program Elective (ENGL/WRTG) | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| MATH A265 | Fundamentals of Mathematics | 3 |
| GER Humanities | 3 | |
| GER Intercultural Fluency | 3 | |
| Program Elective (COMM or THR) | 3 | |
| Upper Division Program Elective (Statistics) | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MATH A306 | Discrete Methods | 3 |
| MATH A314 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH A401 | Introduction to Real Analysis | 3 |
| GER Social Sciences | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| GER Social Sciences | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Upper Division Program Elective (Analysis & Topology) | 3 | |
| Upper Division Program Elective (Applied Math) | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MATH A420 | Historical Mathematics | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
| Upper Division Program Elective (Analysis & Topology, Applied Math, Statistics, or Other Mathematics Courses) | 3 | |
| Upper Division Program Elective (Capstone Experience) | 3 | |
| Mathematics Portfolio and Exam 2 | ||
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| MATH A405 | Introduction to Abstract Algebra | 3 |
| Elective | 1 | |
| Program Elective (MATH A305 or MATH A309) | 3 | |
| Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
| Upper Division Program Elective (Analysis & Topology, Applied Math, Statistics, or Other Mathematics Courses) | 3 | |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Total Credits | 120-124 | |
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MATH A251 and MATH A251F have prerequisites.
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Majors are required to complete a Mathematics Portfolio and a Mathematics Knowledge Exam in the fourth year.