Mathematics

The Secondary Teaching option provides preparation for students planning to teach mathematics at the secondary level. Students in this option may enroll in a postbaccalaureate teacher preparation program to earn a Preliminary Single Subject Credential in Mathematics. Alternatively, students who meet the eligibility requirements can enter either the Four-Year Integrated Mathematics (FYI-Math) Teacher Credential Program or the Junior-Year Integrated Mathematics (JYI-Math) Teacher Credential Program, in which students earn both a bachelor’s degree and a Preliminary Single Subject Credential and are qualified to teach full-time upon graduation. These options have been approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing as academic programs for the Single Subject Credential in Mathematics. For details on the Single Subject Credential program, see the Credentials and Department of Secondary Education sections in this Catalog.

Double Major

Students pursuing either a B.A. or a B.S. degree may combine a second major with Mathematics. In this circumstance, upon approval of an advisor, 6 units of upper division electives may be satisfied by courses in the second major. The remaining electives must be taken in the Department of Mathematics. Under certain rare conditions, the physics requirement in the lower division core may be replaced by appropriate coursework in the second major. Prior approval must be obtained from an advisor and the department chair for this latter occurrence.

Students in the Mathematics, B.A.—Secondary Teaching Option may not declare a double major/option within the Department of Mathematics.

In addition to University residency requirements for a bachelor’s degree, students must complete a minimum of 18 units of upper division Mathematics in residence at CSUN with the approval of a Mathematics advisor. Students in B.A. degree programs must fulfill the University requirement of at least 40 units of upper division coursework overall.

Students are assumed to have a facility in mathematics normally gained by recent completion of four years of high school mathematics through trigonometry and mathematical analysis. Because of the variation in curricula at the high school level, the Department of Mathematics offers the Mathematics Diagnostic Test (MDT) to ensure appropriate placement in the calculus sequence.

Students must have at least a 2.0 GPA for all upper division units required in the major.

1. Lower Division Required Courses (27 units)

COMP 110/L Introduction to Algorithms and Programming and Lab (3/1)
MATH 150A Calculus I (5)
MATH 150B Calculus II (5)
MATH 250 Calculus III (3)
MATH 262 Introduction to Linear Algebra (3)
PHIL 230 Introduction to Formal Logic (3)
PHYS 220A Mechanics (3)
PHYS 220AL Mechanics Lab (1)

2. Upper Division Required Courses (24 units)

MATH 320 Foundations of Higher Mathematics (3)
MATH 340 Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4)
MATH 360 Abstract Algebra I (3)
MATH 370 Foundations of Geometry (3)
MATH 382/L Introduction to Scientific Computing and Lab (2/1)
MATH 391 Field Experience in Schools (2)
MATH 450A Advanced Calculus I (3)
MATH 490 Capstone Course (3)

3. Upper Division Electives (9 units)

Three upper division Mathematics courses, chosen with advisor, not to include MATH 310/L, 311, 312, or 331.

Electives may be chosen from the following list: MATH 351, MATH 366, MATH 440A, MATH 440B, MATH 450B, MATH 455, MATH 460, MATH 462, MATH 463, MATH 482, MATH 483.

4. General Education (43 units)

Undergraduate students must complete 43 units of General Education as described in this Catalog, including 3 units of coursework meeting the Ethnic Studies (E.S.) requirement.

13 units are satisfied by the following courses in the major: PHIL 230 satisfies Basic Skills Area 1B Critical Thinking; MATH 150A satisfies Basic Skills Area 2 Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning; MATH 320 satisfies Area 2 Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning, Upper Division; PHYS 220A satisfies Area 5A Physical Science; and PHYS 220AL satisfies B3 Science Laboratory Activity.

5. Campus Requirements (6 units)

Undergraduate students must complete 6 units of Campus Requirements as described in this Catalog. 3 units are satisfied by the following courses in the major: COMP 110/L meets the Lifelong Learning requirement.

Total Units in the Major/Option: 60

General Education Units: 30

Campus Requirement Units: 3

Additional Units: 27

Total Units Required for the B.A. Degree: 120