Mathematics
Department of Mathematics
Administration
Chair: Paul M Jenkins
Department Information:
275 TMCB
801-422-2061
office@mathematics.byu.edu
Advisement Center:
N-181 ESC
801-422-2674
science.math.advisement@byu.edu
Admission to Degree Programs
The degree programs in the Department of Mathematics are 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.
General Information
Questions regarding placement should be directed to the Department of Mathematics, 275 TMCB.
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.
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.
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
Students should see their college advisement center for help or information concerning the undergraduate programs.
Graduate Programs Available
This department also offers graduate degree programs. For more information, see Graduate Studies.
