Degrees in Mathematics
The department offers several undergraduate degrees in math, applied math,
and statistics, as well as several minors.
If you are unsure of which degree to pursue, you should check with a
math department advisor.
In the meantime, below is some web based advice.
Choosing a Math Major Degree Program
The department of Mathematics & Statistics at ASU Main is offering
four different degrees:
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
(2007-2008 catalog requirements)
The BA provides a general background in Mathematics. BA graduates
typically go on to get an MA in a more applied field (e.g. social
sciences) or an MBA, and typically move on to "social" careers
(social scientist, politics, education,...) BA majors have a foreign
language requirement.
- Bachelor of Science (BS)
(2007-2008 catalog requirements)
BS degrees include additional advanced courses compared to BA degrees.
The BS provides majors with the mathematical tools to work in any technical
field, often in manufacturing/production positions.
BA graduates typically go on to research positions in industry, labs,
graduate school (not necessarily in math).
Many BS majors are dual majors in a more applied field (physics,
engineering,...)
- Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Statistics (BS-Stats)
(2007-2008 catalog requirements)
A concentration in Statistics is also useful in preparing for
actuarial careers.
- Bachelor of Science in
Computational Mathematical Sciences (BS-CMS)
(2007-2008 catalog requirements)
The BS-CMS 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.
In addition the department offers courses in Teacher Education (MTE)
as part of the
- Bachelor of Arts in Education (BAE)
(2007-2008 catalog requirements)
The BAE leads to teaching careers in high-schools. Many of the course math
BAE majors must take are the same as other math majors, including core course
requirements.
If you are interested in a BAE but want to keep your options open, start
with a BA or BS. The SCISM
program enables BA or BS math majors in their junior year to obtain secondary
certification while completing their degree. It is also possible for BA or BS
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.
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
BA and BS requirements is that the BS requires much more in the way of
theoretical, proof oriented, math classes.
A good starting point for this deciding between BA and BS 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, 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 or a B in MAT 300, then take
MAT 371 - it counts towards either the BA or the BS.
Your final decision between BA and BS degrees depends on how rigorous
you want your program to be. The more challenging BS degree can make you more
marketable to graduate schools and some employers.
Choosing a Math Minor
The department of Mathematics & Statistics at ASU Main also offers
three minors:
in Mathematics, in Statistics, and in Computational Mathematical
Sciences:
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