Apr 16, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Mathematics (B.S.)


Program: B.S.
Department of Mathematical Sciences  
College of Arts and Sciences

Kettler Hall 200 ~ 260-481-6821


Programs leading to the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics help you prepare for employment in business and industry, teaching in secondary schools, or study for advanced degrees.

A Mathematics major prepares you for work in fields where a strong quantitative background is required, as well as for graduate study in the mathematical sciences.  In addition, if you choose to pursue a second major in secondary education, then you will be prepared to teach mathematics in middle/high school.

For information on earning a Research Certificate in Mathematics, see the Program Descriptions  section in this catalog.

For details on pursuing a secondary education second degree (BSEd) to teach Mathematics in middle school/high school, click on the links to the Secondary Education - Second Degree  Program and the School of Education  page in this catalog.  Note:  The BSEd as a second degree in these programs cannot be earned without completion of the bachelor’s degree in the content area from the College of Arts and Sciences.


Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this degree:

  • students will be able to reason mathematically and be good problem solvers
  • students will understand the role mathematics has played in solving important problems in a variety of disciplines, e.g. physics, engineering, and business.
  • students who complete the Mathematics major will understand the fundamental concepts in algebra and analysis, and the value of mathematical proofs, and be able to do simple proofs.
  • students who pursue the double degree in secondary education will have mastered the fundamental concepts necessary to obtain certification to teach mathematics in the secondary schools.

Program Delivery:

  • This program is available on-campus

Declaring this Major:

General Requirements:

Program Requirements:

  • An overall GPA of 2.00 or higher for all courses required for the major.
  • Stricter GPA requirements apply for the double degree in secondary education - see Secondary Education  for details.

To earn a B.S. with a major in Mathematics, you must fulfill the following requirements in addition to the General Requirements noted above.  

General Education Requirements: Credits 33


  • Click on the Purdue Fort Wayne General Education Requirements link above for details.
  • Some majors may require particular General Education courses as specified in their program description.  Up to six credits of approved General Education courses satisfying requirements in Areas A and B, and three credits satisfying requirements in Area C, may originate in the major.  A grade of C- or higher in each course, and an overall GPA of 2.0 is required to satisfy the Purdue Fort Wayne General Education Requirements.

College of Arts and Sciences Requirements


  • Click on the Purdue Fort Wayne College Requirements link above.  Go to Arts and Sciences Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree

English Writing and Speaking: Credits 6


  • See Part A in Arts and Sciences Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree for Speaking requirement

International Language: Credits 8


  • See Part B in Arts and Sciences Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree

Core (Major) Courses: Credits 45-46


  • Of the MA courses numbered below 26100, only 16500, 16600, and 17500 apply toward the major.
  • STAT courses must be numbered 49000 or higher to be counted toward the major.
  • You must have a grade-point average of 2.0 or better with at most one passing grade less than 1.5 in courses used to fulfill the major requirements.

Science Courses: Credits 11


Choose three science courses from list below- two of the courses must include a lab:

General Electives


  • Sufficient additional credits to bring the total to 120.

Total Credits: 120


Student Responsibility


You are responsible for satisfying the graduation requirements specified for your selected program.  Thus, it is essential that you develop a thorough understanding of the required courses, academic policies, and procedures governing your academic career.  All requests for exceptions to specific requirements must be made in writing and may be granted only by written approval from the appropriate chair or dean.