Discover the Math Curriculum
Math at USD provides students with courses that give technical mathematical preparation, demonstrate our mathematical heritage from past ages and teach the impact of mathematical thought and philosophy on our culture. We prepare the next generation of professionals to rise above--to learn how to solve complex problems and then master them.
Major
Our major offers advanced mathematical study to prepare students for graduate work or professional employment. We offer three tracks for the Mathematics Major:
- Mathematics
- Applied Emphasis
- Secondary Education Emphasis*
*Students interested in obtaining the Single Subject Teaching Credential in mathematics are encouraged to major in mathematics with a secondary education emphasis.
Minor
The math minor provides foundational offerings in mathematical concepts and a range of elective courses. Minoring in Math is easy and only requires 21 units--that’s only four courses past calc 2.
Explore Math Courses
Read descriptions of our current math classes on our Courses page!
Program Requirements
Each student declares their major(s) and minor(s) under a single catalog of record that is identified on the student's degree audit (available on Degree Works).
The program requirements below are based on the current course catalog and may not be applicable if a student is declared in an earlier catalog.
Find all previous course catalogs under on our Archived Catalogs of Record page.
42-42.5 units
Mathematics Major
42-43.5 units
Applied Emphasis Major
49.5-51.50 units
Secondary Education Emphasis Major
21 units
Minor
Major unit estimates include preparation for the major course units as well as major requirements.
- Major
- Minor
- Learning Outcomes
The Mathematics Major
Preparation for the Major
MATH 110 | Investigations in Mathematics | 3-3.5 |
or MATH 120 | Introduction to Statistics | |
or COMP 110 | Computational Problem Solving | |
MATH 150 | Calculus I | 4 |
MATH 151 | Calculus II | 4 |
MATH 250 | Calculus III | 4 |
MATH 260 | Foundations of Higher Mathematics | 3 |
or MATH 262 | Discrete Mathematics | |
Total Units | 18-18.5 | |
Major Requirements
In order to obtain a major in mathematics, the student must satisfy the core curriculum requirements as set forth in this course catalog and complete the following courses:
MATH 320 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
MATH 360 | Real Analysis | 3 |
MATH 375 | Abstract Algebra | 3 |
Select 15 units of upper-division electives except for MATH 300, 305, 405, and 498. | 15 | |
Total Units | 24 | |
At least 15 of the upper-division units in the major must be completed at USD.
Applied Emphasis
The mathematics department also offers a major in mathematics with an applied emphasis.
Preparation for the Major
MATH 120 | Introduction to Statistics | 3-3.5 |
or COMP 110 | Computational Problem Solving | |
MATH 150 | Calculus I | 4 |
MATH 151 | Calculus II | 4 |
MATH 250 | Calculus III | 4 |
MATH 260 | Foundations of Higher Mathematics | 3 |
or MATH 262 | Discrete Mathematics | |
Total Units | 18-18.5 | |
Major Requirements
For the mathematics major with applied emphasis, the student must satisfy the core curriculum requirements and complete the following courses:
MATH 320 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
MATH 440 | Mathematical Modeling in Ecology (Other math modeling courses also may satisfy this requirement) | 3-4 |
or MATH 445 | Mathematical Modeling | |
Nine units of UD Math chosen from the following list: | 9 | |
MATH 310 | Applied Mathematics for Science and Engineering I | |
MATH 311 | Applied Mathematics for Science and Engineering II | |
MATH 330 | Ordinary Differential Equations | |
MATH 331 | Partial Differential Equations | |
MATH 340 | Numerical Analysis I | |
MATH 341 | Numerical Analysis II | |
MATH 350 | Probability | |
MATH 351 | Mathematical Statistics | |
MATH 444 | Forum | |
Nine additional units of UD Math | 9 | |
Total Units | 24-25 | |
At least 15 of the upper-division units in the major must be completed at USD.
1 Students are strongly advised to complete MATH 320 before taking upper-division courses numbered above 330.
Secondary Education Emphasis
Students interested in obtaining the Single Subject Teaching Credential in mathematics are required to major in mathematics with a secondary education emphasis.
Preparation for the Major
COMP 110 | Computational Problem Solving | 3.5 |
MATH 115 | College Algebra (or pass the Level 2 placement exam) | 3 |
MATH 120 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
MATH 150 | Calculus I | 4 |
MATH 151 | Calculus II | 4 |
MATH 250 | Calculus III | 4 |
MATH 260 | Foundations of Higher Mathematics | 3 |
or MATH 262 | Discrete Mathematics | |
Total Units | 24.5 | |
Major Requirements
For the mathematics major with secondary education emphasis, the student must satisfy the core curriculum requirements and complete the following courses:
MATH 300 | Mathematical Concepts for Elementary Teachers II | 3 |
MATH 320 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
MATH 325 | History of Mathematics | 3 |
MATH 350 | Probability | 3 |
MATH 360 | Real Analysis | 3 |
MATH 375 | Abstract Algebra | 3 |
MATH 493 | Math Education Field Experience | 1-3 |
Select 6 units of Upper-Division Mathematics Electives (chosen from courses numbered above 300) | 6 | |
Total Units | 25-27 | |
At least 15 of the Upper-Division units in the major must be completed at USD.
To obtain the professional preliminary teaching credential, consult the School of Leadership and Education Sciences for further requirements, including coursework, field placements, and a full semester of full-time student teaching.