PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS

BA/BS DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Prior to admission or in your first quarter at Portland State University, please contact one of the mathematics & statistics advisors listed below.

Professor Gavin Bjork
503-725-3635
bjorkg@pdx.edu
NH M302
BA/BS Mathematics Advisor 		Professor Jeanette Palmiter
503-725-3658
palmiter@pdx.edu
NH M309
BA/BS Mathematics Advisor
Secondary Education option 		Professor Mara Tableman
503-725-3636
bymt@pdx.edu
NH 333
BA/BS Statistics Option Advisor

Requirements for a Mathematics Major Credits
Mth 251, 252, 253, 254: Calculus I-IV 16
Mth 256 or Mth 421: Differential Equations 4 - 3
Mth 261: Introduction to Linear Algebra 4
Mth 311, 312: Advanced Calculus 8
Mth 344: Group Theory 4
One of the following: 3 - 4
Mth 345: Ring and Field Theory
Mth 346: Number Theory
Mth 338: Modern College Geometry
Mth 444: Advanced Linear/Multilinear Algebra
One approved two-term Mth or Stat sequence at 400-level*, ** 6 - 7
Two additional approved 400-level Mth or Stat courses*, ** 6 - 8
Two additional approved Mth or Stat elective courses*, ** 6 - 8
Mth 271 (Computational Mathematics) or CS 161 (see an advsior for this option) 3 - 4

*Approved electives are Mth 313, 322, 324, 338, 343, 345, 346, 356, 411, 412, 413, 420, 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 427, 428, 430, 431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436, 440, 441, 442, 443, 444, 445, 449, 451, 452, 453, 461, 462, 467, 468, 470, 471, 472, 481, 482, 483, 484, 485, 486, 487, 488; Stat 451, 452, 461, 462, 463, 464, 465, 466. See your advisor for the list of approved Mth and Stat sequences and for additional omnibus-numbered courses which are approved electives.

** Mathematics majors planning to teach secondary mathematics in Oregon and to be licensed through Portland State University should complete a BA/BS in mathematics to apply for the one-year postbaccalaureate Graduate Teacher Education Program through the School of Education. Mth 481-2 may serve as an approved 400-level sequence for students completing the courses shown in the box to the right and with advisor permission.

Secondary Education**
Mth 338: Modern College Geometry
Mth 346: Number Theory
Mth 481-2: Probability/Statistics for Math Teachers
Mth 486: Topics in the History of Mathematics
Mth 356 or Mth 487: Discrete Math or Introduction to Combinatorial Analysis
Mth 488: Computing Tech for Math Teachers
Psy 311: Human Development
Ed 420: Introduction to Education & Society

All courses used to satisfy the departmental major requirements, whether taken in the department or elsewhere, must be graded C-, P, or above, but no more than 4 courses graded P will count toward these requirements. Transfer students majoring in mathematics are required to take a minimum of 15 credits of PSU upperdivision mathematics or statistics courses in residence.

Students are urged to work with an advisor. There is much more to completing a degree in mathematics than simply meeting requirements. Students should be working with advisors who can give them help with particular areas of interest: applied mathematics, pure mathematics, preparation for specific kinds of graduate programs, statistics and actuarial science, secondary or post-secondary teaching, other areas of interest.

 

Last Modified November 19, 2007