The mathematics major prepares students for a myriad of careers, ranging from business to industry to government to secondary education, as well as for graduate school. The mathematics major is flexible enough that a student may complement the major with a minor in a different area, a second major, or honors. Once a student has completed a degree in mathematics, the student may remain at SBU to obtain an MBA or an MSED. Non-majors may obtain a minor in mathematics to complement their own major.
Requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
The following table summarizes all requirements for a Bachelor of Science in mathematics. For an overview of a particular course, click on its title. Our Course Descriptions page lists all mathematics courses. For one possible breakdown of the mathematics major by semester, see the Plan of Study.
* The student should choose the nine credits of mathematics electives in consultation with his or her adviser to complement the student's career goals. CS 332. Theory of Computation may be used as three of the nine credits of mathematics electives. However, students interested in secondary education certification must use MATH 312. Geometry, MATH 322. Mathematical Probability, and MATH 323. Mathematical Statistics as the mathematics electives in order to be prepared for the certification examinations.
** The School of Arts and Sciences requires all majors to complete a foreign language course at the 202 level or higher. Students not prepared to begin at this level will need to take additional courses in the language, which count as general electives.
† The Clare College curriculum also includes a three-credit quantitative reasoning requirement. Mathematics majors satisfy this requirement by passing any of the courses listed in the above table under Mathematics.
Complementing your major in mathematics with...
- ... a minor: It is common, although by no means required, for a student to add a minor in a different area to his or her major in mathematics. Whether a minor is appropriate and if so, in which area, depends on the student's interests and career goals. For example, a student with an interest in science may desire a minor in computer science or physics, while a student with an interest in business may benefit from a minor in accounting or finance. A minor need not be in an area traditionally associated with mathematics. For example, a student could minor in visual arts or political science. To declare a minor, a special form must be filled out and filed with the Records Office by the end of the student's junior year; the appropriate form is available from the student's adviser.
- ... a second major: For some students, a minor in a different area is not enough---to achieve their goals, they desire a second major. In such circumstances, the student usually picks the second major in an area closely allied with mathematics, like computer science or physics. However, such a choice is by no means mandatory. In the not-too-distant past, a Bonas student majored in both mathematics and English. To declare a second major, a special form must be filled out and filed with the Records Office by the end of the student's junior year; the appropriate form is available at the Records Office.
- ... honors: Graduating with honors is the highest academic distinction offered to undergraduate students at St. Bonaventure University. Students interested in obtaining a degree in mathematics with honors are encouraged to peruse the Mathematics Degree with Honors page and to consult the University Honors Program website. An honors project in mathematics with a grade of C or better will fulfill the Senior Comprehensive Requirement.
Complementing your degree in mathematics with...
- ... an MBA: The student with an interest in business has another option at SBU besides a minor: obtaining a master's degree in business administration. An MBA can be completed at SBU by remaining for a fifth year. See the Master of Business Administration web pages for detailed information.
- ... an MSED: The student desiring certification in secondary teaching may obtain a master's degree in secondary education at SBU. See the MSED Adolescent Education web pages for detailed information.
Requirements for a Minor in Mathematics
Non-majors may obtain a mathematics minor by completing the requirements below. For an overview of a particular course, click on its title. Our Course Descriptions page lists all mathematics courses.
To declare a minor, a special form must be filled out and filed with the Records Office by the end of the student's junior year. The appropriate form is available from the student's adviser.