2023-2024

Mathematics, Bachelor of Science

Department of Mathematics and Statistics

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

A degree in mathematics will prepare you for a number of possible careers. Please consult the Department of Mathematics and Statistics Math Degree Programs for suggestions on choosing mathematics, statistics, and general electives to meet specific goals including: careers in Actuarial Science, careers in Statistics, careers in Applied Mathematics, and graduate study in Mathematics.

  • To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.

    • All of Northern Arizona University's diversity, liberal studies, junior-level writing, and capstone requirements.
    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s).
    • At least 30 units of upper-division courses, which may include transfer work.
    • At least 30 units of coursework taken through Northern Arizona University, of which at least 18 must be upper-division courses (300-level or above). This requirement is not met by credit-by-exam, retro-credits, transfer coursework, etc.
    • A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on all work attempted at Northern Arizona University.

    The full policy can be viewed here.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • At least 54 units of major requirements

  • Up to 9 units of major prefix courses may be used to satisfy Liberal Studies requirements; these same courses may also be used to satisfy major requirements.

  • For this major the liberal studies prefixes are MAT and STA

  • Elective courses, if needed, to reach an overall total of at least 120 units.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 120
Highest Mathematics Required MAT 441
University Honors Program Optional
AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-S Recommended
Progression Plan Link View Progression Plan

Purpose Statement

The BS in Mathematics trains students to think critically and logically and to use mathematical tools to formulate and solve problems in both the mathematics world and the real world. Students study Calculus and Linear Algebra, which are fundamental to engineering and the applied sciences. Students also study advance mathematics topics in order to be able to carry out mathematical research. Students will learn to write and present mathematics with precision and clarity. The BS in Mathematics will prepare students for different careers such as Actuarial Science, careers in Statistics, careers in Applied Mathematics, and graduate study in mathematics and statistics. Students are advised to consult with the Department of Mathematics and Statistics for suggestions on choosing mathematics, statistics, and general electives to meet specific career goals.


Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate breadth and depth of mathematical knowledge which is required for continued graduate work and valued in technical fields.
    • Graduates will be able to draw upon the theory and applications of the fundamental areas of calculus, set theory, algebraic structures and statistics to validate principles of intrinsic mathematical interest and to solve practical problems arising in other disciplines.
    • Graduates will be able to utilize a deep understanding of the theoretical aspects of mathematics, particularly in the areas of analysis, abstract algebra and statistics, to analyze the structure of mathematical objects and formulate logical arguments for general mathematical propositions.
  • Students will demonstrate facility with mathematical reasoning — progressing from a computational understanding of mathematics to an understanding that encompasses the principles of abstraction and generalization which are essential to the field of mathematics and valued in technical fields.
    • Graduates will be able to read and synthesize formal mathematical arguments.
    • Graduates will recognize the value of proof, a primary factor that distinguishes mathematics from all other disciplines, by demonstrating proficiencies in the independent writing of proofs and in the skeptical assessment of the logical arguments of others.
    • Graduates will be able to use acquired fundamental skills to read and interpret mathematical literature (textbooks, journals, papers, etc.) to continue independent learning and reasoning.
    • Graduates will be able to employ appropriate software packages or write computer programs to solve problems or test conjectures.
  • Students will communicate mathematics effectively in preparation for graduate work or careers in government agencies, the corporate sector, or education.
    • Graduates will be able to precisely communicate mathematical principles and ideas with clarity and coherence, both written and verbally—demonstrating communication skills to be used in any future career.
    • Graduates will be able to productively and creatively collaborate with peers and/or faculty on mathematical problems—demonstrating cooperative working skills to be used in any future career.

Major Requirements
General Electives

  • Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.

    You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.

    We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.

Additional Information

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.