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Department of Mathematics

Advising for Undergraduates in Mathematics

 

Advising and Resource Center

The College of Science and Mathematics Advising and Resource Center is your go-to place if you are searching for general advising.

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Major Advising Tips

You should meet with your academic advisor in the Department of Mathematics every year (even better, every semester) to discuss your progress in the program, determine the best coursework for the subsequent semester, learn about extracurricular opportunities, and discuss other academic and career goals.  We are here to help and we want you to be as successful as possible and reach your potential!


When planning your future semesters, you should keep in mind the following:

  • Combine MATH courses with General Education courses for a balanced semester.
  • Combine core MATH courses with elective MATH courses needed for your option.
  • It is ideal to not take more than 3 mathematics courses per semester. A beginning student should take at most 2 mathematics courses per semester.
  • Work hard to learn the material in MATH 111 very well. The better you understand the material the smoother your experience will be in subsequent proof-based math courses.
  • Avoid taking MATH 151 or MATH 171 right after taking MATH 111, as these courses are heavily proof based and require a high level of mathematical sophistication, abstraction, and experience in proof writing/mathematical argumentation.
  • It is highly recommended to take MATH 81 before MATH 152.
  • It is highly recommended to take MATH 152 before MATH 151. 
  • Taking MATH 116 (as a mathematics elective) before taking MATH 151 can be helpful.
  • Avoid taking MATH 151 and MATH 171 during the same semester. 
  • Taking at least one of MATH 128, 161, or 165 (as mathematics elective) before taking MATH 171 has been proven helpful.
  • Many MATH electives are offered only every other semester, so you need to plan ahead. Pay attention to the prerequisites as well.
  • Make sure you take on time the prerequisites for the Culminating Experience for your option.
  • Students in the General Mathematics option should choose their Culminating Experience as soon as possible, to ensure that they take the necessary MATH elective courses on time without jeopardizing their graduation time.

To find more detailed information on each of the six options in our B.S. in Mathematics, please select from the Degrees and Programs menu. There you will find the major requirements for each of the options and tentative (generic) roadmaps. The roadmaps can help you have a smooth and successful undergraduate experience, and be able to graduate in the shortest possible time.


During your time at Fresno State as a mathematics major, you are strongly encouraged to pursue extracurricular activities and take an active role in the life of the Department of Mathematics. Consider summer internships and research experiences (during an academic semester or a summer, by working with a mathematics faculty in our department or by applying to nationwide summer REUs-research experiences for undergraduates). Many such programs provide lodging and stipends.