2015-2016 University Catalog 
  
2015-2016 University Catalog

Mathematics, BS


Banner Code:  SC-BS-MATH

This program of study is offered by the Department of Mathematical Sciences  in the College of Science .

Students may select an optional concentration in actuarial mathematics (ACTM), applied mathematics (AMT), mathematics education (MTHE) or mathematical statistics (MTHS). Students who do not select a concentration study traditional mathematics.

Students must fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees  including the Mason Core . In addition, students majoring in mathematics must satisfy the requirements listed below. These courses satisfy the Mason Core  requirements in ‘Quantitative Reasoning’ and ‘Natural Sciences’. A maximum of 6 credits of grades below 2.00 in coursework designated MATH may be applied toward the major.

MATH 290  meets the writing intensive requirement for this major.

The department recommends proficiency in French, German, or Russian.

Note: Students intending to enter graduate school in mathematics are strongly advised to take MATH 315  and MATH 321 .

This undergraduate program offers students the option of applying to the Mathematics, BS/Mathematics, Accelerated MS  or the Mathematics, BA or BS/Curriculum and Instruction, Accelerated MEd, (Secondary Education Mathematics Concentration) ; see each listing for specific requirements.

Students should carefully read the Information on Undergraduate Mathematics Courses  section of this catalog before registering for courses.

Degree Requirements


Science (8 credits)


All students in the major choose a one-year sequence of a laboratory science from the following Mason Core: Natural Science  courses:

Computational Skills (4 credits)


All students in the major take:

BS without Concentration (28-32 credits)


In addition to the mathematics core, science, and computational skills requirements listed above, students who are not choosing a concentration must complete the following coursework:

Traditional Mathematics


Additional Science


Select additional science credits from one of the following three options:

  1. A second sequence from the choices under “Science (8 credits)” above
  2. 6 credits from more advanced courses in chemistry, geology, or physics (but only courses acceptable for credit toward a natural science major)
  3. The 4-credit option of PHYS 262 - University Physics III Credits: 3  and PHYS 263 - University Physics III Laboratory Credits: 1 

Without Concentration Total: 28-32 credits


BS with Concentration (28-47 credits)


In addition to the mathematics core, science, and computational skills requirements listed above, students may select an optional concentration in actuarial mathematics (ACTM), applied mathematics (AMT), mathematical statistics (MTHS), or mathematics education (MTHE).

ACTM Concentration Total: 36 credits

▲ Concentration in Applied Mathematics (AMT)


AMT Concentration Total: 28-32 credits

Concentration in Mathematical Statistics (MTHS)


MTHS Concentration Total: 31-35 credits

▲ Concentration in Mathematics Education (MTHE)


A grade of ‘C’ or better is required for all licensure coursework.

MTHE Concentration Total: 43-47 credits

Mason Core and Elective Credits (38-57 credits)


In order to meet a minimum of 120 credits, this degree requires additional credits (specific credit counts by concentration are shown below), which may be applied towards any remaining Mason Core  requirements (outlined below), requirements for bachelor’s degrees , and elective courses. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors to ensure that they fulfill all requirements.

  • Without concentration: 53-57 credits
  • ACTM concentration: 49 credits
  • AMT concentration: 53-57 credits
  • MTHS concentration: 50-54 credits
  • MTHE concentration: 38-42 credits

Degree Total: Minimum 120 credits