Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics
Why study mathematics?
Because mathematics is a framework upon which humanity builds an understanding of the world.
The degree of Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics offers in depth training in mathematics. A B.A. degree in mathematics at KU allows you to focus on the mathematics that is most relevant and interesting to you. A total of 120 hours is required to graduate with a B.A. in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The requirements for all students earning a B.A. in the College include the KU Core 34 Curriculum, a laboratory or field experience, and proficiency in a language other than English.
Undergraduate Admission
Admission to KU
All students applying for admission must send high school and college transcripts to the Office of Admissions. Prospective first-year students should be aware that KU has qualified admission requirements that all new first-year students must meet to be admitted. Consult the Office of Admissions for application deadlines and specific admission requirements.
Visit the International Support Services for information about international admissions.
Students considering transferring to KU may see how their college-level course work will transfer on the Office of the University Registrar website.
Requirements for the B.A. Major
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core 34 General Education | 34 | |
| The KU Core 34 is comprised of 34-35 credit hours typically completed during the first two years of study. The Core 34 consists of the following requirements: English (6), Communications (3), Math & Statistics (3), Natural & Physical Sciences with lab (4-5), Social & Behavioral Sciences (6 in two different disciplines), Arts & Humanities (6 in two different disciplines), US Culture (3), and Global Culture (3) | ||
| Bachelor of Arts (BA) | 16-20 | |
| BA students will demonstrate proficiency in a Non-English Language. (1 credit hour of a Laboratory or Field Experience, 6 credit hours of Writing, and 3 credit hours of Quantitative Literacy are required for all BA students. These requirements will be met through the completion of the KU Core 34.) | ||
| Mathematics Core Knowledge and Skills | ||
| Majors must complete courses as specified in each of the following areas: | ||
| Calculus I | ||
or MATH 145 | Calculus I, Honors | |
| MATH 126 | Calculus II | 4 |
| or MATH 146 | Calculus II, Honors | |
| MATH 127 | Calculus III | 4 |
| or MATH 147 | Calculus III, Honors | |
| MATH 290 | Elementary Linear Algebra | 2 |
| or MATH 291 | Elementary Linear Algebra, Honors | |
| MATH 590 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| or MATH 790 | Linear Algebra II | |
| MATH 600 | Advanced Calculus | 3 |
| or MATH 765 | Mathematical Analysis I | |
| Math Sequence & Breadth Requirement | 9 | |
| Math Sequence: Majors must choose one of the following 2-course sequences. Courses selected above may contribute to the minimum of 6 hours. | ||
| Discrete Mathematics and Introductory Modern Algebra | ||
| Elementary Number Theory and Modern Algebra | ||
| Algebraic Topics in Computing: _____ and Modern Algebra | ||
| Applied Regression Analysis and Time Series Analysis | ||
| Probability and Mathematical Theory of Statistics | ||
| Complex Variable and Applications and Mathematical Analysis I | ||
| Applied Partial Differential Equations and Nonlinear Dynamical Systems | ||
| Calculus of Variations and Integral Equations and Nonlinear Dynamical Systems | ||
| Geometry I and Geometry II | ||
| Probability Theory and Statistical Theory | ||
| Mathematical Analysis I and Mathematical Analysis II | ||
| Numerical Analysis I and Numerical Analysis II | ||
| Linear Algebra II and Modern Algebra | ||
| Advanced Calculus and Complex Variable and Applications | ||
| Applied Mathematical Statistics I and Applied Regression Analysis | ||
| Applied Mathematical Statistics I and Time Series Analysis | ||
| Applied Regression Analysis and Statistical Data Science | ||
| Statistical Data Science and Time Series Analysis | ||
| Elementary Number Theory and Introductory Modern Algebra | ||
| Introductory Modern Algebra and Algebraic Topics in Computing: _____ | ||
| Numerical Methods and Applied Numerical Linear Algebra | ||
| Linear Algebra and Applied Numerical Linear Algebra | ||
| Numerical Methods and Computational Data Science | ||
| Computational Data Science and Applied Numerical Linear Algebra | ||
| Computational Data Science and Statistical Data Science | ||
| Linear Algebra and Linear Algebra II | ||
| Complex Variable and Applications and Applied Partial Differential Equations | ||
| Applied Partial Differential Equations and Calculus of Variations and Integral Equations | ||
| Combinatorial Mathematics and Graph Theory | ||
| Math Breadth: Majors must complete a minimum of 5 mathematics courses numbered 300 and above (each at least 3 credits), excluding MATH 365, but including the upper division courses used to satisfy the core and sequence requirements. The goals are to gain exposure to a variety of concepts and methods in mathematics, develop abstract and critical thinking, and acquire knowledge to prepare for a career using mathematics, further study of mathematics, or interdisciplinary work involving mathematics. | ||
| General Electives | 42-38 | |
| Students will need to complete additional general elective credits to reach the required 120 hours. | ||
| Capstone Course | 3 | |
| Advanced Calculus | ||
| Directed Reading (if students didn't take MATH 600) | ||
| Total Hours | 120 | |
Major Hours & Major GPA
While completing all required courses, majors must also meet each of the following hour and grade-point average minimum standards:
Major Hours in Residence
Satisfied by a minimum of 15 hours of KU resident credit in the major.
Major Junior/Senior Hours
Satisfied by a minimum of 12 hours from junior/senior courses (300+) in the major.
Major Junior/Senior Graduation GPA
Satisfied by a minimum of a 2.0 KU GPA in junior/senior courses (300+) in the major. GPA calculations include all junior/senior courses in the field of study including F’s and repeated courses. See the Semester/Cumulative GPA Calculator.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The following courses are required for students pursuing the Co-Major in Math Education. | ||
| MATH 125 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 126 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 127 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MATH 220 | Applied Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 290 | Elementary Linear Algebra | 2 |
| MATH 411 | Geometry and History of Mathematics for Teachers | 3 |
| MATH 450 | Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| MATH 765 | Mathematical Analysis I | 3 |
| MATH 526 | Applied Mathematical Statistics I | 3 |
| or MATH 628 | Mathematical Theory of Statistics | |
| or MATH 728 | Statistical Theory | |
| MATH 558 | Introductory Modern Algebra | 3 |
| or MATH 791 | Modern Algebra | |
| MATH 590 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| Major must choose one sequence course. | ||
| MATH 699 | Directed Reading | 1-3 |
Below is a sample 4-year plan for students pursuing the BA in Mathematics. To view the list of courses approved to fulfill KU Core 34 Goals, please visit the KU Core 34 page.
This degree plan assumes students will have the equivalent of MATH 101 prior to freshman year, fall semester.
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| MATH 125 or 145 (Core 34: Math and Statistics (SGE))030* | 4 | MATH 126 or 146 | 4 |
| Core 34: English (SGE)010 | 3 | Core 34: English (SGE)010 | 3 |
| 1st Semester Language (BA Second Language) | 5 | 2nd Semester Language (BA Second Language) | 5 |
| Core 34: Social and Behavior Science (SGE)050 | 3 | Core 34: Communications (SGE)020 | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| MATH 127 or 147 (Major Requirement) | 4 | MATH 590 (Major Requirement) | 3 |
| MATH 290 or 291 (Major Requirement) | 2 | 4th Semester Language, or 1st semester of Another Language (BA Second Language) | 3 |
| 3rd Semester Language (BA Second Language) | 3 | Core 34: Social and Behavior Science (SGE)050 | 3 |
| Core 34: Natural and Physical Sciences (SGE)040 | 4-5 | Core 34: Global Culture (SGE)070 | 3 |
| Second Area of Study/Elective/Degree/Junior-Senior Hours3 | 3 | Second Area of Study/Elective/Degree/Junior-Senior Hours3 | 3 |
| 16-17 | 15 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| Core 34: Arts and Humanities (SGE)060 | 3 | Math Sequence Course 1 of 21 | 3 |
| Core 34: US Culture (SGE)070 | 3 | Second Area of Study/Elective/Degree/Junior-Senior Hours3 | 3 |
| Second Area of Study/Elective/Degree/Junior-Senior Hours3 | 3 | Core 34: Arts and Humanities (SGE)060 | 3 |
| Second Area of Study/Elective/Degree/Junior-Senior Hours3 | 3 | Second Area of Study/Elective/Degree/Junior-Senior Hours3 | 3 |
| Second Area of Study/Elective/Degree/Junior-Senior Hours3 | 3 | Second Area of Study/Elective/Degree/Junior-Senior Hours3 | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| Math Sequence Course 2 of 2 1 | 3 | MATH 699 (or any approved Capstone course)1 | 1 |
| MATH 600 or 765 (Major Requirement) | 3 | Mathematics Breadth2 | 3 |
| Second Area of Study/Elective/Degree/Junior-Senior Hours3 | 3 | Second Area of Study/Elective/Degree/Junior-Senior Hours3 | 3 |
| Second Area of Study/Elective/Degree/Junior-Senior Hours3 | 3 | Second Area of Study/Elective/Degree/Junior-Senior Hours3 | 3 |
| Second Area of Study/Elective/Degree/Junior-Senior Hours3 | 3 | Second Area of Study/Elective/Degree/Junior-Senior Hours3 | 3 |
| Second Area of Study/Elective/Degree/Junior-Senior Hours3 | 1 | ||
| 15 | 14 | ||
| Total Hours 120-121 | |||
- 1
Students must either complete MATH 600 or fulfill the capstone requirement through MATH 699. To be eligible for MATH 699, students must complete four upper-division mathematics courses that form two distinct sequences in mathematics and statistics. Courses used to satisfy other major requirements may also count toward the minimum of six credit hours required for these sequences.
- 2
15 credit hours are required for the Mathematics Breadth. This includes math courses and electives at 300+ (excluding MATH 365)
- 3
Hour requirements (incl. 45 jr/sr hrs) are typically met through Core 34, degree, major, second area of study and/or elective hours. Students completing the BGS with a major must choose a secondary area of study. Individual degree mapping is done in partnership with your advisor.
Please note:
All students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are required to complete 120 total hours of which 45 hours must be at the Jr/Sr (300+) level.
Notes:
* - This course is a Required major course and is also part of Core 34: Systemwide General Education. If this course is not taken to fulfill the Core 34:SGE requirement, it must be taken in place of elective hours.
** - This course is a Recommended Core 34: Systemwide General Education course. This specific course is not required but is recommended by the program’s faculty.
*** - This course is a Required Core 34: Systemwide General Education course. This program is approved by the Kansas Board of Regents to require this specific Core 34:Systemwide General Education course. If a student did not take this course it must be taken in addition to other degree requirements.
At the completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Interpret and solve problems using symbolic equations and inequities, as well as numerical and graphical data.
- Read and construct rigorous mathematical arguments and proofs.
- Know concepts and be able to use techniques from a variety of mathematical disciplines.
Departmental Honors
For undergraduate departmental honors, the student must satisfy the College requirements for honors, attain a grade-point average of 3.5 in all mathematics courses numbered 500 and above. The student must also complete two out of the following four sequences: MATH 727 and MATH 728; MATH 765 and MATH 766; MATH 781 and MATH 782; and MATH 790 and MATH 791, with a grade no lower than B- in each of these courses. The student must make a satisfactory oral presentation to the department, preferably on a topic related to his or her mathematics course work. Preparation should include enrollment in MATH 699 Directed Reading (for 1 or more credit hours) with a faculty mentor.