Dec 04, 2025  
Academic Catalog 2025-2026 
    
Academic Catalog 2025-2026

Mathematics, BS


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs by Degree, Minor, or Certificate

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: 44-48 Credits


Foundational Mathematics: 20 Credits


Writing & Research in Mathematics: 4 Credits


Total: 24 Credits


Career Pathway Specializations: 20-24 Credits


Select One:

Secondary Mathematics Education: 20 Credits


Advanced Mathematics: 20 Credits


Actuarial Science: 24 Credits


General Mathematics: 20 Credits


20 additional credits from among MATH 240, DSCI 407, and mathematics courses at the 300 level or higher.  At least 4 of these credits must be at the 400 level.

 

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

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.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs by Degree, Minor, or Certificate