Arizona Transfer and Articulation

 

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Degrees

General Information

The school offers several undergraduate degrees in math, applied math and statistics (B.S. degrees and B.A. degrees), as well as several minors (minor in mathematics). If you are unsure of which degree to pursue, you should check with a math department advisor. All degrees share a common core of five courses: three semester of calculus (MAT 270-272), a course in reading and writing mathematical proofs (MAT 300) and a course in linear algebra (MAT 342). Switching between degree programs is relatively easy, especially early on in your undergraduate studies.

The most important difference between Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) requirements is that the B.S. requires much more in the way of theoretical, proof-oriented, math classes. A good starting point for deciding between B.A. and B.S. is, therefore, to see how well you do in MAT 300, a course devoted entirely to reading and writing proofs.

  • If you pass MAT 300 with a "C" (2.00), or need more than one attempt to pass MAT 300, you should take MAT 370 instead of MAT 371 and pursue a BA degree.
  • If, on the other hand, you get an "A" (4.00) or a "B" (3.00) in MAT 300, then take MAT 371—it counts towards either the B.A. or the B.S.

Your final decision between B.A. and B.S. degrees depends on how rigorous you want your program to be. The more challenging B.S. degree can make you more marketable to graduate schools and some employers.

Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Science
2009-2010 catalog requirements (PDF)
Bachelor of Science degrees include additional advanced courses compared to B.A. degrees. The B.S. provides majors with the mathematical tools to work in any technical field, often in manufacturing/production positions.

 

Bachelor of Science graduates typically go on to research positions in industry, labs, graduate school (not necessarily in math). Many B.S. majors are dual majors in a more applied field (physics, engineering, etc.).

Bachelor of Science with a concentration in statistics
2009-2010 catalog requirements (PDF)
A concentration in statistics is also useful in preparing for actuarial careers. See the statistics page for more information.
Bachelor of Science in computational mathematical sciences
2009-2010 catalog requirements (PDF)
The Bachelor of Science in computational mathematical sciences is an interdisciplinary degree, with components in mathematics, science and computer science, and a focus on computational and numerical aspects. It is designed for students interested in scientific computing and simulation of applied problems and is intended as a preparation for a career in industry.
Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts (M.A.)
To obtain both B.S. and M.A. degrees in 5 years, contact the graduate program.
Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Education
Leads to certification for teaching mathematics in a secondary school. Students in this program are enrolled in the College of Education, but take many of their classes with math majors getting a B.A. or a B.S.
Program in Cryptology
Cryptology Program
The fields of cryptography and cryptanalysis have always been important, but have exploded with the emergence of the internet. Large corporations, as well as the federal government hire mathematicians to work on problems in cryptology.

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Arts
2009-2010 catalog requirements (PDF)
The B.A. provides a general background in Mathematics. Bachelor of Arts graduates typically go on to get an M.A. in a more applied field (e.g. social sciences) or an MBA, and typically move on to "social" careers (social scientist, politics, education, etc.). Bachelor of Arts students have a foreign language requirement.
Bachelor of Arts in Education
2009-2010 catalog requirements (PDF)
The B.A.E. leads to teaching careers in high schools. Many of the courses math B.A.E. majors must take are the same as other math majors, including core course requirements. If you are interested in a B.A.E. but want to keep your options open, start with a B.A. or B.S. The Center for Research on Education in Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology program enables B.A. or B.S. math majors in their junior year to obtain secondary certification while completing their degree. It is also possible for B.A. or B.S. graduates in mathematics to obtain relatively easily a certification in secondary math teaching as a post-baccalaureate student (see Initial Teacher Certification programs in the College of Education).

Minor in Mathematics

The School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences also offers three minors, in mathematics, in statistics and in computational mathematical sciences:

If you have any questions, please contact Tracey Hayes at Tracey.M.Hayes@asu.edu or phone (480) 965-1167