Mathematics

The B.S. degree in Mathematics is designed for students who want to pursue occupational careers involving statistics or want to prepare for graduate work in statistics.

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.S.—Statistics Option may not declare a double major/option within the Department of Mathematics.

In addition to University residence 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 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 complete the lower division core and one of the Mathematics B.S. options, and they must have at least a 2.0 GPA for all upper division units required in the major.

1. Lower Division Required Courses (24 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)
PHYS 220A Mechanics (3)
PHYS 220AL Mechanics Lab (1)

2. Upper Division Required Courses (31 units)

MATH 320 Foundations of Higher Mathematics (3)
MATH 340 Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4)
MATH 351 Differential Equations (3)
MATH 382/L Introduction to Scientific Computing and Lab (2/1)
MATH 440A Mathematical Statistics I (3)
MATH 440B Mathematical Statistics II (3)
MATH 450A Advanced Calculus I (3)
MATH 462 Advanced Linear Algebra (3)
MATH 483 Mathematical Modeling (3)
MATH 494 Practical Experience in Mathematics (3)

3. Upper Division Electives (9 units)

Three upper division courses, chosen with advisor, not to include MATH 310/L, 311, 312, 331, or 391. Courses may be in the Mathematics department or approved courses in other departments. At least 3 units must be in Mathematics.

Electives may be chosen from the following list: FIN 303, FIN 431 or FIN 434; ECON 409; MATH 366, MATH 442, MATH 443, MATH 444, MATH 445, MATH 450B, MATH 480, MATH 481A, MATH 482.

All courses taken outside of the Mathematics department must have the approval of an advisor prior to enrollment. Students must either meet the prerequisites or obtain the permission of the instructor.

Note: Early completion of MATH 340 and MATH 440A is recommended. Courses outside the Mathematics department are encouraged.

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.

10 units are satisfied by the following courses in the major: 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 Area 5C 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: 64

General Education Units: 33

Campus Requirement Unit: 3

Additional Units: 20

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