BS in Mathematics

APU’s BA and BS mathematics majors prepare students for graduate school and for careers as quantitative experts in a variety of fields.

57 units

The BS in Mathematics at Azusa Pacific University provides students with a strong foundation in the mathematics of continuous change (calculus and analysis), of pattern and symmetry (linear and abstract algebra), of space (geometry and topology), of chance (probability), and of data (statistics). The major focuses on depth of conceptual understanding, rigorous mathematical proof, and problem-solving strategies.

This Bachelor of Science (BS) degree has the same mathematics requirements as the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Mathematics, but also requires a minor in computer sciencechemistrydata science, or physics, or additional upper-division STEM coursework. Students who desire a degree with fewer units or less of a focus on theory should consider the BA in Mathematics or the BS in Applied Mathematics, respectively.

Career Opportunities

The BS in Mathematics degree program prepares graduates to be quantitative experts in a variety of fields: secondary or university teaching, mathematical research (for business, government, or the academy), cryptography, finance and economics, statistics and data analysis, or operations research and management consulting. Mathematics is also an excellent major for quantitatively minded students who want to go into business (see the finance minor), medicine (see pre-medical/dental/veterinary studies) or law (see the prelaw minor). Math majors have some of the highest rates of acceptance to graduate schools in all three of these fields.  

APU mathematics graduates have advanced to prestigious graduate schools, have accepted choice offers to teach at various secondary schools, have been selected for Teach for America and Math for America, and have moved into attractive industry positions.

Students preparing for a career in actuarial science or industrial mathematics are encouraged to consider the applied mathematics major.  
 
There is a strong demand for mathematics teachers. Students desiring a junior or senior high school teaching credential should note the requirements of the single-subject waiver program for mathematics. Completion of the Secondary Math Education Track (see below) waives the CSET exam requirement for entrance into a credentialing program.

Requirements

In addition to the requirements listed below, you must complete a minor in computer science, chemistry, data science, or physics or take 9 additional units of 300- or 400-level courses with prefixes CS, CHEM, BIOC, BIOL, ENGR, MATH, or PHYC.   

Required Courses
MATH 165Calculus I4
MATH 166Calculus II4
MATH 250Introduction to Data Science F3
MATH 260Introduction to Number Theory and Proofs3
MATH 268Multivariable Calculus4
MATH 290Linear Algebra S3
MATH 310Ordinary Differential Equations S4
MATH 340Geometry3
MATH 342STEM Writing and Communication3
MATH 396Topics in Mathematics and Christian Thought2
MATH 450Real Analysis EF3
CS 120Introduction to Computer Science I 14
CS 160Discrete Structures3
PHYC 165
PHYC 145
Physics for Science and Engineering: Mechanics
and Physics Laboratory I 2, F
5
Select one of the tracks below9
Total Units57

Standard Track

MATH 361Introduction to Modeling with Probability3
MATH 400Abstract Algebra3
MATH 470Complex Analysis ES3
Total Units9
1

CS 120 meets the APU Core: Oral Communication general education requirement when taken with CS 290 and CS 480.

2

Meets the APU Core: Natural Science general education requirement.

Secondary Math Education Track

MATH 130Introduction to Statistics 13
MATH 301Mathematics for Secondary Teachers OF3
EDLS 210Learning from A to Z: Launching Your Journey in Education3
Total Units9
1

Meets the APU Core: Quantitative Reasoning general education requirement.

F Offered in Fall only
S Offered in Spring only
F/S Offered in both Fall and Spring terms
EF Offered in Fall in even years
ES Offered in Spring in even years
OF Offered in Fall in odd years
OS Offered in Spring in odd years