Mathematics Department



Mathematics Undergraduate Program

 

 

The Mathematics Department offers a complete undergraduate program of courses leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics. Students may choose the teaching concentration to meet the requirements in order to enter a credential program in mathematics. It also offers a program of courses for students who wish to minor in mathematics, as well as a program leading to a Master of Science degree.

Just as we offer courses for students majoring in other disciplines, we encourage our math majors to take related courses in other fields. That is one of the reasons our graduates are in demand. A Cal Poly mathematics degree is widely recognized as useful in a variety of careers in teaching, business, industry, and as a strong foundation for graduate study in mathematics.

Cal Poly's undergraduate program in mathematics revolves around a core of courses taken by all students in the major. These courses provide a solid basis for more advanced work in a program of study that can be tailored to fit the individual student's needs and objectives. The student consults closely with faculty advisors in choosing advanced course work beyond the core.

The rich variety of courses available in the department permits the student not only to obtain a broad exposure to those fields of mathematics that are most useful in the physical sciences and engineering, but also to obtain experience with the mathematics used in business, management, and operations research.

Students wishing to prepare for a career teaching junior or senior high school should select courses in the teaching concentration to satisfy the California Credential requirement in mathematics.

All of thse programs provide strong mathematical foundation for the student contemplating the pursuit of an advanced degree in mathematics.

Expected Background of Freshman Applicants
  • Algebra I
  • Geometry
  • Algebra II
  • Math Analysis and Trigonometry
  • Physics
Expected Background of Community College Applicants

Typical Courses

For detailed course descriptions of all mathematics courses offered at Cal Poly, please see Mathematics Course Outlines.
For questions or more information concerning the mathematics undergraduate program, contact Linda Patton.