Mathematics is the language and instrument for the sciences and technology. It is concerned with a wide range of diverse problems from developing techniques to model real world applications and designing efficient methods for calculating their solutions, to creating new branches of mathematics and theories for as yet, unsolved problems. There are many reasons students choose to major in mathematics. Some are attracted to its countless applications while others find mathematics stimulating for the beauty of its intrinsic order, structure and form. Consider the problem of a space probe visiting a distant planet and sending (with distortion), information across millions of miles of space. The problem of reconstructing the image requires the use of sophisticated mathematical and statistical tools. Similar tools are and have been used to break military communication codes or even allow scratched music CDs to play as if they were undamaged. Mathematical principles and their applications form an important part of our lives in ways many of us never realize.

Because of its broad scope, degrees in mathematics prepare students for many different careers and the Department of Mathematics offers a variety of such degrees and emphases to provide students with several blends and specialties according to their interests and goals. Graduates with a mathematics major have many options for either careers in applications, for further study in graduate school or for teaching.

Candidates for a degree in mathematics must complete the graduation requirements listed in the section of the general catalog on "Graduation Requirements." All university graduation requirements that apply are listed in the general catalog the year the students is admitted to the university. Specific requirements to obtain a degree in mathematics are those listed in the general catalog the year a student declares a math major. The following degree requirements are those that appear in the 2001-2002 general catalog. No more than 48 units in mathematics courses can apply to the degree.

BS Applied Mathematics
BA Mathematics
BA Mathematics Teaching

Admission Requirements

Please check with the SDSU home page under prospective students. The Office of Admissions has up-to-date information web pages for all aspects of the admissions process.