Brigham Young University Homepage

Undergraduate Catalog

2012 - 2013

Mathematics

Robin Roundy, Chair
279 TMCB, (801) 422-1747

College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Advisement Center
N-179 ESC, (801) 422-6270

Admission to Degree Program

The degree program in the Department of Mathematics is open enrollment.

The Discipline

Mathematics is a means of dealing with order, pattern, and number as seen in the world around us. The abilities to compute, to think logically, and to take a reasoned approach to solving problems are highly valued in society and are characteristics of any educated person. Mathematics is not just a body of knowledge, but a process of analysis, reasoning, comparison, deduction, generalization, and problem solving.

A mathematician's stock in trade is the ability to solve problems and to explain the solutions to others. Having once determined what the right questions are, solving problems involves analyzing both concrete and abstract situations, relating them to mathematical ideas, and using mathematical techniques to work toward solutions. Explaining the solution involves pointing out what has been solved and why the solution is valid.

Career Opportunities

Majors in mathematics (BS) prepare for a wide variety of careers. Some enter graduate school or professional schools and prepare for careers in such fields as college teaching, consulting, research and development, law, medicine, and business administration. Others take positions in government agencies, industrial laboratories, information management firms, or business organizations. All of them spend much time communicating with colleagues about the problems they are solving as they continue to learn more mathematics and share mathematical ideas with others.

Graduation Requirements

To receive a BYU bachelor's degree a student must complete, in addition to all requirements for a specific major, the following university requirements:

  • The university core, consisting of requirements in general and religious education. (See University Core for details. For a complete listing of courses that meet university core requirements, see the current class schedule.)
  • At least 30 credit hours must be earned in residence on the BYU campus in Provo as an admitted day student
  • A minimum of 120 credit hours
  • A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0
  • Be in good standing with the Honor Code Office

Undergraduate Programs and Degrees

    Major

    Minor

    Students should see their college advisement center for help or information concerning the undergraduate programs.

Graduate Programs and Degrees

Advisement

Students whose grade point average is less than a B in Math 112, 113, 290, 313 and 314 need to realize that advanced courses require much more depth of understanding and may be difficult for them. All students are encouraged to meet regularly with a faculty advisor.

Students who are considering graduate work in mathematics may also receive advice from the graduate coordinator.

General Information

  1. It is recommended that a student complete the following courses in high school:

    • 4 units of English
    • 1 unit of physics or chemistry.
    • 4 units of mathematics, including 2.5 units of algebra, 1 unit of geometry, and .5 unit of trigonometry. This qualifies a student to begin college mathematics with Math 112. If calculus is available in high school, a student planning to major in mathematics is strongly encouraged to take it; doing so requires completing one of the preceding algebra units before high school.
    • Advanced Placement (AP) credit is available in mathematics as follows:
      • A score of 3 on the calculus AB exam gives credit in Math 110 and 111; a score of 4 or 5 on the calculus AB exam gives credit in Math 110 and 112.
      • A score of 3 on the calculus BC exam gives credit in Math 110 and 111; a score of 4 on the calculus BC exam gives credit in Math 110 and 112; a score of 5 on the calculus BC exam gives credit in Math 112 and 113.
      • An AP student without credit in Math 112 must begin with Math 112; an AP student without credit in Math 113 must begin with Math 112 or 113.
    • AP students should direct Educational Testing Service (ETS) to report scores to BYU to have credit posted.

    Questions regarding placement should be directed to the Mathematics Department, 292 TMCB.