Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

The requirement for entrance to the major and minor programs is completion of two years of algebra as well as courses in geometry and trigonometry, or a sequence of courses containing their equivalents, such as MATH 5 (trigonometry) and MATH 6 (precalculus). It is strongly recommended that such study be completed before entrance to the university.

Students graduating with a math degree are in high demand among employers, due to their training in collaborative problem solving, and their strong analytical skills. Our Bachelor of Science in Mathematics provides students with a rich and rigorous education in mathematics designed to serve a variety of needs and interests, while preparing them for a wide range of career paths in industry, business, government and education. Each of the six options in our undergraduate program build on the same foundational math courses and provide option specific training through elective courses.

The Mathematics Department offers the following six options in the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics:

Note that Road Maps for all options are available in the Road Maps. Please visit Advisors page for all options below. 

Applied Mathematics

Applied mathematics focuses on the creation and study of mathematical tools broadly applicable to science, engineering or other diverse areas, and on their use in solving challenging problems in these and related fields. Therefore, the applied mathematics option is the option of choice for students that are interested in using their mathematical skills in a variety of areas, including programming, optimization, modeling, and image processing. This could involve working in industry or continuing one's education by completing a master's degree or a Ph.D. in applied mathematics, statistics, or a related field. Students may choose to emphasize one or more of the following areas: numerical analysis, mathematical modeling, differential equations, or probability. Other areas may be explored through independent studies and research projects, as desired.

General Mathematics

Students choosing this option will be able to select their MATH electives freely, and in this way create their own path to the B.S. in Mathematics. The only restriction is that all the decisions made along their time at Fresno State must be consistent with whatever Culminating Experience they choose to have (students can choose any of the culminating experiences available to the other options, as long as they have the prerequisites).

Pure Mathematics

Pure mathematics is the study of the basic concepts and structures that underlie mathematics. It is analysis, abstract algebra, combinatorics and geometry. Emphasizing the theoretical aspect of the subject, the pure mathematics option is ideal for those wanting to go on to graduate school (for a master's degree or a Ph.D.) in mathematics or in another area of mathematical sciences. Training in pure mathematics also provides students with flexibility to enter the workforce and apply their mathematical expertise and skills to problems in research, industry, business, or government.

Statistics

The Statistics option prepares students with a level of knowledge required to continue their studies in graduate programs in statistics or related fields or a career as a statistician to join the workforce in industry, government, business, scientific research, or education. It includes courses in modern methods and statistical software in applied statistics, regression analysis, analysis of variance and experimental design, probability theory, and mathematical statistics. 

Teaching

The Teaching option is the option of choice for students who have interest in mathematics teaching career paths at the high school level and beyond. After graduation, students may enter a graduate program or a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Mathematics program (which prepares students to teach mathematics at the high school level) but may pursue any other career where mathematical knowledge and problem-solving skills are preferred. The teaching option, like the pure mathematics option, provides students with the opportunity to explore a wide range of mathematical topics. 

Integrated Credential

The Integrated Credential option is a fast pathway to a B.S and a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Mathematics as a non-separable package through about 135 units of concentrated studies. This option is for students who can handle a busier schedule each semester, and are certain from the beginning that their goal is to become credentialed mathematics teachers. Of course, further graduate studies in mathematics or education are also possible for graduates of this program.