BA in Mathematics

Units required for BA: 48-54
Total units required for BA: 120

Program Description

The mathematics bachelor’s degree provides students with a firm foundation in mathematics. Mathematics is a discipline that studies patterns, numbers, shapes, structures, and their relationships. It is fundamental for making sense of the world around us, providing a precise and systematic framework for logical reasoning, modeling, and problem-solving. Mathematics plays a crucial role in advancing human knowledge, serving as the language of science and the foundation of many other disciplines such as statistics, computer science, and engineering.

All mathematics majors complete the same core coursework, and then select an area of emphasis. The applied emphasis and the statistics emphasis provide a strong background for students interested in pursuing quantitative careers in industry, government, or academia. The pure emphasis prepares students to pursue higher-level degrees in mathematics. The teacher preparation emphasis prepares students to teach mathematics at the middle or high school level.

Admission Requirements

All students planning to take MATH 30, Calculus I, must first satisfy one of the following criteria.

  • Receive a score of 3 on the Calculus AB AP Exam.
  • Receive a C- or better in Math 29 (or equivalent).
  • Receive a score of 76+ on an ALEKS PPL proctored exam.

For more information about ALEKS PPL and placement into mathematics and statistics courses visit the department website (https://www.csus.edu/math).

Minimum Grade Requirements

  • Prerequisites must be completed with grade ''C-'' or better.
  • Grade ''C-'' or better required in all courses applied to Mathematics major or to the Mathematics or Statistics minors.

Recommended Coursework

Program Requirements

Lower Division Core Courses (21 Units)
MATH 30Calculus I 14
MATH 31Calculus II 14
MATH 32Calculus III4
MATH 35Introduction to Linear Algebra3
MATH 45Differential Equations for Science and Engineering3
Select one of the following:3
MATH 64
Mathematical Programming
CSC 10
Introduction to Programming Logic
CSC 15
Programming Concepts and Methodology I
CSC 22
Visual Programming in BASIC
CSC 25
Introduction to C Programming
Upper Division Core Courses (15 Units)
MATH 108Introduction to Formal Mathematics3
MATH 110AModern Algebra3
MATH 110BModern Algebra3
MATH 130AFunctions of a Real Variable3
MATH 130BFunctions of a Real Variable3
Additional Requirements for Specialized Study (12-18 Units)
Select an emphasis from the following four options:12 - 18
Emphasis in Pure Mathematics
Emphasis in Applied Mathematics
Emphasis in Statistics
Teacher Preparation Program
Total Units48-54
1

Course also satisfies General Education (GE)/Graduation Requirement.

Emphasis in Pure Mathematics

MATH 117Linear Algebra3
MATH 134Functions of a Complex Variable and Applications3
Select two of the following:6 - 11
MATH 101
Combinatorics
MATH 102
Number Theory
MATH 104
Vector Analysis
MATH 105A
Advanced Mathematics for Science and Engineering I
MATH 105B
Advanced Mathematics for Science and Engineering II
MATH 121
College Geometry
MATH 150
Introduction to Numerical Analysis
MATH 161
Mathematical Logic
MATH 162
Set Theory
MATH 170
Linear Programming
MATH 190
History Of Mathematics
STAT 115A
Introduction to Probability Theory 1
STAT 115B
Introduction to Mathematical Statistics 1
Total Units12-17
1

Has an extra prerequisite that is not in the lower or upper division core.

Emphasis in Applied Mathematics

MATH 105AAdvanced Mathematics for Science and Engineering I4
MATH 105BAdvanced Mathematics for Science and Engineering II4
Select two of the following:6 - 10
MATH 101
Combinatorics
MATH 102
Number Theory
MATH 104
Vector Analysis
MATH 117
Linear Algebra
MATH 134
Functions of a Complex Variable and Applications
MATH 150
Introduction to Numerical Analysis
MATH 170
Linear Programming
STAT 115A
Introduction to Probability Theory 1
STAT 115B
Introduction to Mathematical Statistics 1
STAT 128
Statistical Computing
STAT 129
Analyzing and Processing Big Data
STAT 155
Introduction to Techniques of Operations Research 1
Total Units14-18
1

Has an extra prerequisite that is not in the lower or upper division core.

Emphasis in Statistics

STAT 1Introduction to Statistics3 - 4
or STAT 50 Introduction to Probability and Statistics
STAT 115AIntroduction to Probability Theory3
STAT 115BIntroduction to Mathematical Statistics3
Select two of the following:6
MATH 101
Combinatorics
MATH 117
Linear Algebra
MATH 134
Functions of a Complex Variable and Applications
MATH 150
Introduction to Numerical Analysis
MATH 170
Linear Programming
STAT 128
Statistical Computing
STAT 129
Analyzing and Processing Big Data
STAT 155
Introduction to Techniques of Operations Research
Total Units15-16

Emphasis in Teacher Preparation

STAT 1Introduction to Statistics3
MATH 102Number Theory3
MATH 121College Geometry3
MATH 190History Of Mathematics3
MATH 193Capstone Course for the Teaching Credential Candidate3
Total Units15

General Education Requirements1

Area A: Basic Subjects (9 Units)
A1 - Oral Communication3
A2 - Written Communication3
A3 - Critical Thinking3
Area B: Physical Universe and Its Life Forms (10 Units)
B1 - Physical Science3
B2 - Life Forms3
B3 - Lab (Note: Lab experience to be taken with one of the following: B1, B2 or B5)1
B4 - Math Concepts 20
B5 - Additional Course (Any B to reach 12 units) - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements.3
Area C: Arts and Humanities (12 Units)
C1 - Arts3
C2 - Humanities3
C1/C2 - Area C Course3
C1/C2 - Area C Course - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements.3
Area D: The Individual and Society (9 Units)
Area D Course3
Area D Course3
Area D Course - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements.3
Area E: Understanding Personal Development (3 Units)
Area E Course3
Area F: Ethnic Studies (3 Units)
Area F Course3
Total Units46
1

To help you complete your degree in a timely manner and not take more units than absolutely necessary, there are ways to use single courses to meet more than one requirement (overlap). For further information, please visit the General Education page.

Note: There is no way to list all possible overlaps so please consult with a professional advisor. The Academic Advising Center can be visited online, by phone (916) 278-1000, or email.

2

Required in Major; also satisfies GE.

Graduation Requirements1

Graduation Requirements (required by CSU) (9 Units)
American Institutions: U.S. History3
American Institutions: U.S. Constitution & CA Government3
Writing Intensive (WI)3
Graduation Requirements (required by Sacramento State) (12 Units)
English Composition II3
Race and Ethnicity in American Society (RE)3
Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement 26
1

To help you complete your degree in a timely manner and not take more units than absolutely necessary, there are ways to use single courses to meet more than one requirement (overlap). For further information, please visit the General Education page.

Note: There is no way to list all possible overlaps so please consult with a professional advisor. The Academic Advising Center can be visited online, by phone (916) 278-1000, or email.

2

If not satisfied before entering Sacramento State, it may be satisfied in General Education Area C2 (Humanities). "C- or better required." The alternative methods for satisfying the Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement are described here: https://www.csus.edu/college/arts-letters/world-languages-literatures/foreign-language-requirement.html