Oct 03, 2024  
Academic Catalog 2024-2025 
    
Academic Catalog 2024-2025

Mathematics, BS


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Introduction

The mathematics major provides students a strong foundation with emphases in key areas including analysis, abstract algebra and applied mathematics. Students completing this major typically pursue careers in applied mathematics, enter graduate programs in mathematics and other fields, or complete certification requirements to teach mathematics.

Students with a program of study in mathematics learn abstract mathematical constructs and paradigms. They develop logical thinking and communication skills through argumentation and proof. Students study methods of mathematical modeling, and develop confidence and competence in developing models and carrying out algorithms. Students learn to read and speak the language of mathematics. Graduates of our program have gone on to engage in a wide variety of post-graduate activities, including work in mathematics and science-related fields or graduate study in mathematics or education. 

Major Requirements


Calculus: 12 Credits


Intermediate Courses: 12 Credits


Advanced Topics: 12 Credits


12 additional credits from MATH courses numbered 301 or above, at least 4 of which must be at the 400 level.

Writing in the Discipline: 2 Credits


Capstone: 2 Credits


Total: 44 Credits


Restriction: At most one course passed with a grade below “C-” can count toward the mathematics major.

Optional Specializations


These specializations are optional and not required to receive a major in mathematics. Courses can be used to satisfy both requirements for the mathematics major and an optional specialization.

Students whose career goal is in financial mathematics or the actuarial field should complete the Actuarial Science specialization. Students who will be attending graduate school in mathematics should complete the Advanced Mathematics specialization. Students interested in a career in mathematical biology should complete the Biomathematics specialization. Students who intend to become high school teachers should complete the Secondary Mathematics Education specialization and speak to their advisors to align their program to complete both the Mathematics major and the College of Education Licensure requirements.  Through careful planning, a student can graduate in four years and be licensed to teach secondary mathematics in Oregon.

 

Biomathematics


One of the Following:


Secondary Mathematics Education


Restriction: At most one course passed with a grade below “C-” can count toward a specialization

Program Details


Program Length

Four years for a complete BS degree.  Two years for students transferring in with an AAOT degree.  Program length may vary depending upon the student’s course load and academic progress.

Program Learning Outcomes

The Pacific University Mathematics Program introduces students to mathematics as a unique mode of inquiry, a rigorous and highly creative endeavor, characterized by powerful utility as well as profound beauty. To this end, our goals are to promote, at all levels of our curriculum:

  • Students will display algorithmic literacy in their construction, execution and analysis of problem-solving and calculation routines.

  • Students will adhere to precision and rigorous logical reasoning in their own constructions and critiques of formal mathematical proofs.

  • Students will translate problems from across disciplines into mathematical models, allowing for the leveraging of sophisticated mathematical theory.

  • Students will effectively communicate complex mathematical ideas and carefully reasoned arguments both orally and in writing.

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