Mathematics Major
Requirements
See the Mathematics section of the college catalog for official major and minor requirements, course descriptions, and prerequisites. Some upper-division courses are offered every other year according to the following schedule; scheduling for other upper-division courses is available from your academic advisor:
- Fall, even years: MA-108
- Spring, odd years: MA-109, MA-130
- Fall, odd years: MA-110
- Spring, even years: MA-111, MA-135
Mathematics Major Sample Schedule
B.A. in Mathematics | B.S. in Mathematics |
Fall (17)
Spring (17)
| Fall (17)
Spring (17)
|
B.A. in Mathematics | B.S. in Mathematics |
Fall (17)
Spring (17)
| Fall (17)
Spring (17)
|
B.A. in Mathematics | B.S. in Mathematics |
Fall (16) - Even Years
Spring (16)
| Fall (16) - Even Years
Spring (16)
|
*Third and Fourth years can be swapped depending on an even or odd year.
B.A. in Mathematics | B.S. in Mathematics |
Fall (16) - Odd Years
Spring (14)
| Fall (16) - Odd Years
Spring (14)
|
*Third and Fourth years can be swapped depending on an even or odd year.
Mathematics Education Fast Track
Note to students: The fast track in mathematics teacher preparation is for highly-motivated students who like mathematics and are good at it. The schedule below assumes that you are entering Westmont with credit for MA-9 and MA-10; Calculus I & II. Requirements will differ if you enter Westmont without AP or college credit. Remember that this is a SAMPLE. Your schedule, for many reasons, will probably not end up looking exactly like this. What’s shown is a “fast-track” schedule. Be aware that you also have the option of completing the Math major over a four-year period, with a fifth year reserved for your teaching credential. Please confer with Math department advisor as major requirements sometimes change. Pre-requisites for the Education Program are in bold.
Mathematics Education Sample Schedule
Mathematics Education |
Fall (17)
Spring (17-21)
|
Mathematics Education |
Fall (19)
Spring (18)
|
Mathematics Education |
Fall (21)
Spring (17)
|
Mathematics Education |
Fall (14)
Spring (15)
|
Assumptions underlying this plan:
This program will work for the BA degree, but not for the BS degree.
This program will work only for a very talented student in two respects, namely (1) that the student be able to begin the program with third-semester calculus in the fall of the first year; and (2) that the student take the first foundational course in our major (MA 108 or MA 110) in the second year—this program has been a challenge for students in the past.
GE requirements for Reasoning Abstractly and Quantitative & Analytical Reasoning will be fulfilled within major.
Mathematics Minor
Build a strong mathematical foundation to enhance any STEM major! The mathematics minor requires courses such as Calculus and Linear Algebra to provide essential mathematical theory and knowledge. Students may then choose two courses from the entire range of upper division mathematics courses to support and enhance their particular goals and interests.
Requirements for a Mathematics Minor: 24 units
Required Courses:
- MA 009, Calculus I (4)
- MA 010 Calculus II (4)
- MA 020 Linear Algebra (4)
Choose one of the following courses:
- MA / CS 015 Discrete Mathematics (4)
- MA 19 Multivariable Calculus (4)
Choose any 8 additional units from 4-unit upper-division mathematics courses: (8)
Applied Mathematics Minor
Enhance your mathematical skills and deepen your understanding as you explore the practical applications of mathematics in real-world contexts. With a strong foundation in calculus, computer science, and linear algebra, this program equips you to apply your knowledge across diverse fields such as natural sciences, computer science, and data science. Ideal for students pursuing degrees in engineering or the natural sciences, this program offers the tools and expertise needed to tackle complex challenges in these dynamic disciplines.
Requirements for an Applied Mathematics Minor: 24 units
Required Courses:
- CS 010 Design and Implementation of Solutions to Computational Problems (4)
- MA 009 Calculus I (4)
- MA 010 Calculus II (4)
- MA 040 Differential Equations with Linear Algebra (4)
Choose one of the following courses:
- CS/BIO 106 Computational Biology (4)
- CS/MA 121 Introduction to Numerical Analysis (4)
- MA 130 Probability and Statistics (4)
- PHY 115 Mathematical Physics (4)
Faculty
Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Data Analytics
Pursues effective and efficient processes in mathematics, data science, and mathematics education
Associate Professor of Mathematics and Data Analytics, Department Chair
A mathematician and musician interested in data science
Professor of Mathematics and Data Analytics, Kathleen Smith Chair of Natural and Behavioral Sciences
Views mathematics through the eyes of faith
Faculty Emeriti
Served as president of the Association of Christians in the Mathematical Sciences
A gifted musician who thinks deeply about the role of music in worship
Have a question about the Mathematics major?
The Mathematics and Computer Science Department Chair Maryke van der Walt would love to help!
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