Mathematics (B.A.) Academic Course Map
Student purusing the Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics (MATH) at CU Boulder gain thorough knowledge of mathematical theory and practice, as well as advanced problem-solving skills that can help our complex society solve the challenges of today. From calculus and vector analysis to the structure of mathematical proofs and definitions, our students explore multiple aspects of mathematical foundations. The major offers students five tracks: comprehensive (aimed at students seeking a general background in theoretical mathematics or intending to pursue graduate work in mathematics); applicable (aimed at students seeking a background in applied and/or applicable mathematics); secondary education (designed to align with the babyÖ±²¥app licensure requirements for mathematics secondary education, also offered by the university); computational (designed for students with an interest in the intersection of mathematics and computer science); and statistics (designed for students seeking a background in statistics and/or data science).
An undergraduate degree in mathematics can lead to the following careers: teaching, actuarial science, computer analyst or programmer, economist, engineering analyst, information scientist, marketing research analyst, mathematician, meteorologist, numerical analyst, operations research, statistician, or systems analyst, as well as many types of positions within different government agencies. Also, a mathematics degree is excellent preparation for professional graduate studies in law, medicine or business.
Admission Requirements
Students who begin at a babyÖ±²¥app Community College can transfer directly to CU Boulder to finish their degree in any of the programs offered by the College of Arts and Sciences. Please see the CU Boulder College of Arts & Sciences’ babyÖ±²¥app Community College webpage for more information detailed information admissions requirements for students transfering from a babyÖ±²¥app Community College.
Transfer Recommendations
To graduate in a 4-year time frame, it is important that students follow the recommended schedule. Students who wish to continue their education at the community college beyond the number of credits specified below should explore with both community college and CU Boulder staff how their graduation timeline, COF stipend, and financial aid will be affected.
Suggested Four-Year Course Plan for the Mathematics (MATH) major
This is a suggested guide of coursework only and is subject to change. Always consult with your academic advisor for graduation planning purposes. Depending on a student’s situation, a different plan might be more applicable.
Your community college must offer an Associate of Science degree with Designation (DwD) in Mathematics to use this transfer guide. Students must be ready to take calculus in their first semester.
Community College (first two years)
Fall Semester 1
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 121/1021* | English Composition I (GT-CO1) | 3 |
MAT 201/2410 | Calculus I (GT-MA1) | 5 |
COM 115/1150 OR COM 125/1250 | Public Speaking OR Interpersonal Communication (GT-SS3) | 3 |
Guaranteed Transfer Social & Behavioral Sciences Course (GT-SS1, GT-SS2, GT-SS3) | 3 | |
| Guaranteed Transfer Arts & Humanities Course (GT-AH1, GT-AH2, GT-AH3, GT-AH4) | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 17 |
Spring Semester 1
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 122/1022 | English Composition II (GT-CO2) | 3 |
MAT 202/2420 | Calculus II (GT-MA1) | 5 |
| Guaranteed Transfer Social & Behavioral Sciences Course (GT-SS1, GT-SS2, GT-SS3) | 3 |
Guaranteed Transfer History Course (GT-HI1) | 3 | |
| Guaranteed Transfer Arts & Humanities Course (GT-AH1, GT-AH2, GT-AH3, GT-AH4) | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 17 |
Fall Semester 2
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MAT 203/2430 | Calculus III (GT-MA1) | 4 |
PHY 211/2111 | Physics: Calculus-based I with Lab (GT-SC1) | 5 |
| Guaranteed Transfer Arts & Humanities Course (GT-AH1, GT-AH2, GT-AH3, GT-AH4) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 |
Spring Semester 2
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CSC 160/1060 | Computer Science I | 3 |
PHY 212/2112 | Physics: Calculus-based II with Lab (GT-SC1) | 5 |
| Transfer Elective | 2 |
Guaranteed Transfer Arts & Humanities Course (GT-AH1, GT-AH2, GT-AH3, GT-AH4) | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 14 |
Total credits at community college: 60
Completion of the four semesters coursework listed above fulfills the requirements for an Associate of Science Degree with Designation (DwD) in Mathematics at the babyÖ±²¥app community colleges that grant this DwD and fulfills the General Education requirements at CU Boulder.
CU Boulder (last two years)
Fall Semester 3
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 2001 OR MATH 2002 | Introduction to Discrete Mathematics OR Number Systems: An Introduction to Higher Mathematics | 3 |
| Non-major Elective | 3 |
| Non-major Elective | 3 |
Upper Division Non-Major Elective | 3 | |
| Upper Division Non-Major Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 15 |
Spring Semester 3
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 2135 | Introduction to Linear Algebra for Mathematics Majors | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Upper Division Elective | 3 |
Upper Division Non-Major Elective | 3 | |
| Upper Division Non-Major Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 15 |
Fall Semester 4
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 3001 | Analysis 1 | 3 |
| MATH Upper Division Major Elective | 3 |
| MATH Upper Division Major Elective | 3 |
Upper Division Non-Major Elective | 3 | |
| Upper Division Non-Major Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 15 |
Spring Semester 4
| Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|
MATH Upper Division Major Elective | 3 |
| MATH Upper Division Major Elective | 3 |
MATH Upper Division Major Elective | 3 |
Upper Division Non-Major Elective | 3 |
| Upper Division Non-Major Elective | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 |
Total credits at CU Boulder: 60
Completion of all eight semesters of coursework above fulfills the requirements for a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Mathematics at CU Boulder.*
*For community college courses, the first course number is previous to summer 2022, and the second course number is the new number starting in summer 2022.
**Students can complete any of the five tracks in the major: 1) Comprehensive, 2) Applicable, 3) Secondary education, 4) Computational, or 5) Statistics. Students in the secondary education track would have to take education coursework in place of the non-major electives, and, to earn a teaching license, they would have to remain at CU an extra term after completing their BA to complete their student teaching.
