Why study mathematics?

Because mathematics is a framework upon which humanity builds an understanding of the world.

The degree of Bachelor of Science in Mathematics offers more extensive training in mathematics and its applications than is possible in the B.A. curriculum. The requirements for the B.S. in Mathematics allow a great deal of flexibility in choice of courses and concentrations. Students should plan their programs carefully to meet individual interests and goals, and carefully check the prerequisites for all courses in their programs.

Many students have strong interests in particular areas of mathematics. The Department has created three informal tracks within the B.S. program: a statistics track, an applied mathematics track, and a track in pure mathematics. These tracks are advisory only. Students without strong interests in one of these areas are encouraged to put together a broad program within the B.S. Degree.

Below is a sample 4-year plan for students pursuing the BS in Mathematics. To view the list of courses approved to fulfill Core 34, please visit the KU Core 34 page. 

This degree plan assumes students will have the equivalent of MATH 104 prior to the freshman year, fall semester.

¹

Students are required to select one 2-course sequence from List A and a second 2-course sequence from either List A or List B.  Refer to Degree Requirements tab for lists of courses and the department's website for course frequency: https://mathematics.ku.edu/frequency-courses.  

²

Select up to 2 additional 3-credit-hour courses to complete a total of 24 credit hours of mathematics courses numbered MATH 400 and above if needed.  Students are required to complete a total of 24 credit hours of mathematics courses numbered MATH 400 and above.  12 of the 24 hours are completed through the Math Core Requirements: MATH 590, MATH 526 (or MATH 628 or MATH 728), MATH 600 and MATH 558. 

³

The Mathematics Application Requirements consist of 3 courses, totaling at least 8 credit hours, that make significant use of mathematics. At least 2 courses must be in the same area. Courses from List C have been approved for this requirement. Refer to the Degree Requirements tab for a list of courses that can fulfill this major requirement.

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Most courses that count for the Mathematics Application Requirements have one or more pre-requisites that may or may not apply to other degree requirements.

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Students using MATH 627-MATH 628 as their List A sequence need not take MATH 526; MATH 526 is required for those not taking MATH 628 or MATH 728.

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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.