California State University, Fresno
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics - General Math Option
Fresno, USA
BSc
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* students outside the U.S; August 1 - students in the U.S.
Key Summary
A degree in mathematics can open the door to a huge range of amazing careers. After all, math is involved in just about every job in some way, and it's particularly essential in the in-demand fields of science, technology, and engineering. Math majors tend to have well-developed skills in logical thinking and problem-solving. They are experts at analyzing data and creating models to extract meaningful conclusions. They can identify patterns and use quantitative data to construct solutions. That's why the kind of jobs you can get with a math degree is so diverse. You could pursue careers in areas like insurance, banking, education, logistics, and more.
Math skills are clearly important in many careers, most notably the science, technology, and engineering professions. But such skills also feature prominently in some careers that may not seem like a natural end point for someone with a math degree. Video game developers and computer animators are just two examples of less-obvious jobs that actually use calculus, for instance.
What You Can Learn
The use of mathematics in the modern world. The language and problems of mathematics, including set theory, symbolic logic, and types of proofs. Techniques of data analysis and mathematical modeling. How calculus can be used to solve problems in science and engineering. Developing skills in logical thinking and problem-solving.
1. Major Requirements (50-55 units) & Additional Requirements (7 units)
Core curriculum (34-35 units)
MATH 75 (or MATH 75A and MATH 75B), MATH 76, MATH 77, and MATH 81 (15 units)
MATH 101 or MATH 107 (3-4 units)
MATH 111 (4 units)
MATH 151, MATH 152 (8 units)
MATH 171 (4 units)
Option-specific electives (16-21 units)
Five mathematics courses, upper-division or graduate, minimum of 3 units per course, excluding MATH 100, MATH 102, MATH 133, MATH 134, MATH 137, MATH 138, and MATH 139 (see note 1) (15- 20 units)
One of the courses MATH 193A, MATH 193B, MATH 193C, or MATH 193D, as long as it agrees with the chosen Culminating Experience (see note 1) (1 unit)
Additional requirements (7 units)
CSCI 40 (4 units), PHYS 4A (see note 2) (3 units)
2. General Education requirements (48 units)
3. Other requirements (9 units)
American Government and Institutions (PLSI 2), Multicultural and International (MI), and Upper-division writing
4. Sufficient elective units to meet required total units (varies)
5. Total units (120)*
* G.E. and MI courses can be double-counted with major requirements. See advisor for details.
The Culminating Experience for this option can be any of the Culminating Experiences from the other options in the B.S. in Mathematics (as listed below), as long as students have the required prerequisites:
- MATH 193A + MATH 198 (in Applied Mathematics) or
- MATH 193B + MATH 198 (in Pure Mathematics) or MATH 193C or
- MATH 149S. Students choosing this Culminating Experience may take any of the MATH 193A, 193B, 193C, or 193D seminars, assuming that they have the prerequisites.
What You Can Do
Teach, pursue an advanced degree, or work in finance-related fields, business, government, and industry; actuarial work.
A major in mathematics is a springboard to a wide range of rewarding careers. Whether you focus on theoretical mathematics, applied math, or statistics, the analytical and quantitative skills you develop in a math program are valuable assets that many employers need. Take a look at some of the types of organizations that hire math majors:
- Government agencies and academic research institutes
- Engineering firms
- Biomedical and health services companies
- Insurance agencies
- Real estate firms
- Medical device manufacturers
- Airlines and other transportation service providers
- Financial institutions
What You Can Earn
The list below is meant to inspire your career exploration, but don't think you're limited to these suggestions. Many jobs that don't specifically mention math degrees are available to graduates with these skills, so don't sell yourself short. You likely have more options than you realize. It should be noted that several careers in the mathematical sciences also require a master’s or doctoral degree.
- High school math teacher: median salary - $58, 030
- Data analyst: median salary - $57,261
- Insurance underwriter: median salary - $67,680
- Purchasing agent: median salary - $63,300
- Market researcher: median salary - $62,560
- Cost estimator: median salary - $61,790
- Accountant: median salary - $68,150
- Energy analyst: median salary - $58,224
- Financial planner: median salary - $90,530
- Investment analyst: median salary - $81,760
- Actuary: median salary - $100,610
- Statistician: median salary - $80,500
- Mathematician: median salary - $105,810
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics.