Choosing between the B.A. and B.S.

The Mathematics Department offers two undergraduate degrees: the B.A. in Mathematics and the B.S. in Mathematics. The B.A. has fewer mathematics course requirements and more general education requirements. The B.S. requires more mathematics courses, an applied mathematics concentration, and fewer general education courses. Here is a summary of the breakdown of credit hours (numbers are approximate).

Students wishing to attend graduate school in mathematics or to pursue a career that makes substantial use of mathematics (as an actuary, for example) should get a B.S. in mathematics. Many students majoring in mathematics are interested in a liberal arts degree; if that is your goal, you may consider the B.A. in mathematics.

Students who wish to teach mathematics at the middle school or high school level should get a Bachelor's degree (B.S.E.) from the School of Education. The mathematics course requirements for the B.S.E. with a major in mathematics are similar to (but not identical to) the requirements for a B.A. in mathematics.