Mathematics, B.S.

Mission

A Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics provides a strong foundational core for students who wish to pursue graduate studies in pure or applied mathematics; to pursue a career in applied mathematics (e.g., statistics, computer science, operations research, and actuarial mathematics) immediately after obtaining a B.S.; or to teach mathematics in middle school and high school. The courses taken to satisfy the degree requirements are taught viewing mathematics as part of God's creation, and there is a concentrated effort to integrate faith and learning.

Degree Program

A Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics is offered upon completion of the University baccalaureate and the mathematics major in one of the concentrations. All mathematics concentrations must include 24 upper-division credits.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, students will be able to:

  1. Think critically, solve problems, and prove theorems in the abstract (ULO 1).
  2. Apply mathematical theory, problem solve, and use math-related technology in real-world contexts (ULO 1).
  3. Communicate mathematical ideas effectively, both verbally and in writing (ULO 1).
  4. Articulate the implications of a biblical worldview concerning mathematics (ULO 2 and 3).

Each Program Learning Outcome (PLO) listed above references at least one of the University Learning Outcomes (ULO 1, 2, 3), which may be found in the General Information section of this catalog.

Curriculum Requirements

Mathematics majors meet the Core Curriculum requirement of 3 credits of integration seminar and 3 credits of mathematics within the major. The foreign language requirement is met by two years of high school study in the same language or four credits of college foreign language.
Program Courses
Students earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics must complete the mathematics program courses and one of the concentrations. 1
BBST 4656Integration Seminar: God and Math 23
CSCI 105Introduction to Computer Science3
MATH 150Calculus I 34
MATH 151Calculus II4
MATH 204Introduction to Abstract Math3
MATH 250Calculus III4
MATH 291Linear Algebra3
MATH 305Introduction to Real Analysis I3
MATH 315Abstract Algebra I3
MATH 405Senior Mathematics Capstone 42
Students who plan to pursue graduate studies should take at least two of the following courses regardless of the area of concentration:
Introduction to Real Analysis II
Abstract Algebra II
Linear Algebra II
Advanced Topics in Mathematics
Total Credits32
1

See concentration tables below which detail the requirements to earn a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics degree.

2

This course satisfies the Integration Seminar in the traditional 30-credit Biblical and Theological Studies requirement.

3

This course satisfies the Mathematics Core Curriculum requirement.

4

Students in the Statistics and Data Science concentration must take MATH 470 in place of one of the credits of MATH 405.

Concentrations

Actuarial Science (65 Credits)

As of Fall 2026, this concentration is in teach-out phase; it is not open to new or readmit students.

In addition to the program courses above, this concentration must complete the following:

Program Courses32
Concentration Courses
BUSN 201Principles of Macroeconomics3
BUSN 202Principles of Microeconomics3
BUSN 211Principles of Accounting I3
BUSN 212Principles of Accounting II3
BUSN 370Business Finance3
MATH 190Business Statistics3
MATH 331Probability3
MATH 332Mathematical Statistics3
MATH 333Operations Research3
MATH 335Ordinary Differential Equations3
Select one course (3 credits) at the 300 or 400 level in Math3
Concentration Course Requirements: 33 credits
Core Curriculum Requirements57-61
Total Credits122-126

Applied and Computational Mathematics (56 Credits)

Students who are interested in preparing for careers in business or industry should choose this concentration, formerly offered as Applied Mathematics. Courses introduce a variety of areas of applied mathematics. It also gives a foundation in basic computer programming. 

In addition to the program courses above, this concentration must complete the following.

Program Courses32
Concentration Courses
CSCI 106Data Structures3
CSCI 220Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming3
MATH 321Numerical Analysis3
MATH 331Probability3
MATH 332Mathematical Statistics3
MATH 333Operations Research3
MATH 335Ordinary Differential Equations3
or MATH 440 Complex Variables
MATH 455Linear Algebra II3
Concentration Course Requirements: 24 credits
Core Curriculum Requirements57-61
General Electives3-7
Total Credits120

Computer Science (56 Credits)

As of Fall 2026, this concentration is in teach-out phase; it is not open to new or readmit students.

This concentration allows a mathematics major the opportunity to focus on the more mathematical aspects of computer science.

In addition to the program courses above, this concentration must complete the following.

Program Courses32
Concentration Courses
Select at least two courses from the following:6
Numerical Analysis
Probability
Mathematical Statistics
Operations Research
The following courses are also required:
CSCI 106Data Structures3
CSCI 220Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming3
CSCI 300Theory of Algorithms3
Select three courses at the 300 or 400 level in Math or Computer Science9
Concentration Course Requirements: 24 credits
Core Curriculum Requirements57-61
General Electives3-7
Total Credits120

Math Education

Students who wish to prepare to teach mathematics at the secondary level should select this concentration, formerly offered as Secondary Instruction, to work toward a preliminary single-subject teaching credential. Completion of the program requirements will prepare students with the content knowledge necessary to teach mathematics in departmentalized classes, such as those in most middle schools and high schools.

  • Biola's Math Education concentration is a Commission-approved subject matter program. Completion of the subject matter program does not lead to a credential but it may be used to meet the subject matter competency requirement for a teaching credential. The Professional Teacher Preparation Program leading to a California Teaching Credential at Biola University is subject to change in response to new legislation. Please see a credential analyst in the School of Education for current information on completing the requirements for a teaching credential, including the CSET subject matter waiver program. Students must consult with both their major advisor and a School of Education advisor.

In addition to the program courses above, this concentration must complete the following.

Program Courses32
Math Education students meet the Core Curriculum requirement of 6 credits in behavioral science and history within the concentration.
Concentration Courses
HIST 200United States History To 1865 13
or POSC 225 Survey of American Government
MATH 318Biostatistics3
or MATH 332 Mathematical Statistics
MATH 331Probability3
MATH 341Classical Geometry3
MATH 415Number Theory and the History of Mathematics3
PSYC 200Introduction to Psychology 23
Select 6 credits from the following:6
Statistics II
Numerical Analysis
Operations Research
Ordinary Differential Equations
Statistics and Data Science Consulting Practicum
Introduction to Real Analysis II
Abstract Algebra II
Linear Algebra II
Advanced Topics in Mathematics
Statistics and Data Science Capstone
Education Courses
LEDU 301Introduction to Teaching3
LEDU 330Psychological Foundations of Education3
LEDU 341Methods of Teaching Linguistically Diverse Students3
LEDU 425Secondary Content Area Reading3
LEDU 433Single Subject Pedagogy 32
LEDU 438Secondary Curriculum, Differentiation, and Assessment3
Student teaching (12 credits) may be completed at the graduate level and is not required for undergraduate graduation. Please meet with an advisor in the School of Education.
Secondary Student Teaching I
Secondary Student Teaching II
Concentration Course Requirements: 41 credits
Core Curriculum Requirements51-55
Total Credits124-128
1

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing requires that a teaching credential candidate must have completed a minimum 2-credit course that covers the U.S. Constitution or fulfill this requirement by examination. Biola University students may complete this requirement by taking either HIST 200 or POSC 225 with a grade of C or better. Students receiving AP college credit for either HIST 200 or POSC 225 will also meet this requirement. Transfer coursework must be reviewed by a credential analyst in the School of Education. Either course fulfills the History Core Curriculum requirement. HIST 200 or POSC 225 is covered by HNRS 324 for students in the Torrey Honors College.

2

Fulfills the Behavioral Science Core Curriculum requirement. 

3

Students who meet all requirements and pass the necessary classes with a grade of C or above and with a B- or above in LEDU 433 will be granted a waiver to satisfy the California subject matter requirements to obtain a teaching credential in mathematics. 

Pure Mathematics (53 Credits)

Students planning to pursue mathematics in graduate school will find this concentration particularly appropriate.

In addition to the program courses above, this concentration must complete the following:

Program Courses32
Concentration Courses
MATH 331Probability3
MATH 410Introduction to Real Analysis II3
MATH 415Number Theory and the History of Mathematics3
MATH 440Complex Variables3
MATH 450Abstract Algebra II3
Select 6 credits from the following:6
Biostatistics
Numerical Analysis
Mathematical Statistics
Operations Research
Ordinary Differential Equations
Classical Geometry
Statistics and Data Science Consulting Practicum
Linear Algebra II
Advanced Topics in Mathematics
Statistics and Data Science Capstone
Directed Research
Concentration Course Requirements: 21 credits
Core Curriculum Requirements57-61
General Electives6-10
Total Credits120

Statistics and Data Science (56 credits)

The Statistics and Data Science concentration is designed to equip students to obtain valid data and use it to answer the questions they face on the job and in the world, with a biblical worldview. 

Program Courses32
Concentration Courses
CSCI 106Data Structures3
MATH 318Biostatistics3
MATH 319Statistics II3
MATH 331Probability3
MATH 332Mathematical Statistics3
MATH 380Statistics and Data Science Consulting Practicum3
MATH 455Linear Algebra II3
Statistics and Data Science Capstone 1
Select one of the following courses:3
Advanced Business Analytics with Machine Learning and AI 2
Programming for Data Science I
Programming for Data Science II 2
Database Management
Topics in Computer Science 2
Concentration Course Requirements: 24 credits
Core Curriculum Requirements57-61
General Electives3-7
Total Credits120
1

MATH 470 is to be taken in place of one of the credits of MATH 405, 2 credits of which are required for the Math major.

2

This course requires a prerequisite which is not a major or concentration requirement. See department for advising.

NOTE: The course sequence table is designed by the major department and is one way that the classes will work out properly in sequence for your major. However, there are alternative or flexible ways to rotate some of the classes within the same year/level and sometimes between year levels. Please contact your major department advisor to discuss flexible alternatives in scheduling the sequence of your classes.

Taking coursework during the summer session may also be an option to accelerate your degree path.

See Core Curriculum Program section for a list of approved Core Curriculum courses.

Mathematics, B.S. Applied and Computational Mathematics (MAAC)

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 103 or 1653BBST 103 or 1653
CSCI 1053CSCI 1063
GNST 1021KNES 1071
MATH 1504MATH 1514
Foreign Language (See Core Curriculum)4MATH 2043
 15 14
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 209 or 2103BBST 209 or 2103
BBST 2513ENGL 100 or 1123
MATH 2504MATH 305 or 3153
MATH 2913Communication (see Core Curriculum)3
Literature (see Core Curriculum)3Science (see Core Curriculum)3
 16 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 3653BBST 3543
HIST 200, 201, or POSC 2253ENGL 3133
MATH 321 or 3313MATH 305 or 3153
Behavioral Science (see Core Curriculum)3MATH 332 or 3333
General Elective3KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1
 Graduation Application due in Registrar's Office
 15 13
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3
BBST 4656 (fulfills BBST 465 Integration Seminar requirement)3MATH 332 or 3333
CSCI 2203MATH 335 or 4403
MATH 321 or 3313MATH 4553
MATH 4052Philosophy (see Core Curriculum)3
Fine Arts (see Core Curriculum)3 
 17 15
Total Credits 120

Mathematics, B.S. Math Education (MAME)

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 103 or 1653BBST 103 or 1653
GNST 1021CSCI 1053
MATH 1504KNES 1071
PSYC 200 (fulfills Behavioral Science Core Curriculum requirement)3MATH 1514
Foreign Language (See Core Curriculum)4MATH 2043
 15 14
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 209 or 2103BBST 209 or 2103
BBST 2513LEDU 3413
LEDU 3013MATH 305 or 3153
MATH 2504Communication (see Core Curriculum)3
MATH 2913KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1
 Science (see Core Curriculum)3
 16 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 3653BBST 3543
ENGL 100 or 1123ENGL 3133
LEDU 4253LEDU 3303
MATH 331 or 3413MATH 305 or 3153
MATH 4153MATH 318 or 3323
 Fine Arts (see Core Curriculum)3
 Graduation Application due in Registrar's Office
 15 18
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3
BBST 4656 (fulfills BBST 465 Integration Seminar requirement)3HIST 200 or POSC 225 (fulfills History Core Curriculum requirement)3
MATH 331 or 3413LEDU 43312
MATH 4052LEDU 4383
MATH Elective (upper-division)3LEDU 450
LEDU 4522
0
Literature (see Core Curriculum)3MATH Elective (upper-division)3
 Philosophy (see Core Curriculum)3
 17 17
Total Credits 128
1

Students who meet all requirements and pass the necessary classes with a grade of C or above and with a B- or above in LEDU 433 will be granted a waiver to satisfy the California subject matter requirements to obtain a teaching credential in mathematics. 

2

Students who wish to complete student teaching as an undergraduate must meet with an advisor. It is possible to complete LEDU 450/LEDU 452 prior to graduation if the Foreign Language requirement has already been met and coursework is taken during summer sessions. Cross-listed as SEED 514/SEED 515 at the graduate level. 

Mathematics, B.S. Pure Mathematics (MAPM)

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 103 or 1653BBST 103 or 1653
ENGL 100 or 1123CSCI 1053
GNST 1021KNES 1071
MATH 1504MATH 1514
Foreign Language (See Core Curriculum)4MATH 2043
 15 14
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 209 or 2103BBST 209 or 2103
BBST 2513MATH 305 or 3153
MATH 2504MATH 4403
MATH 2913Communication (see Core Curriculum)3
General Elective3Science (see Core Curriculum)3
 16 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 3653BBST 3543
MATH 3313ENGL 3133
MATH 410 or 4503MATH 305 or 3153
MATH 4153KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1
Behavioral Science (see Core Curriculum)3General Elective3
 Graduation Application due in Registrar's Office
 15 13
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3
BBST 4656 (fulfills BBST 465 Integration Seminar requirement)3HIST 200, 201, or POSC 2253
MATH 4052MATH Elective (upper-division)3
MATH 410 or 4503Fine Arts (see Core Curriculum)3
MATH Elective (upper-division)3Philosophy (see Core Curriculum)3
Literature (see Core Curriculum)3 
 17 15
Total Credits 120

Mathematics, B.S. Statistics and Data Science (MASD)

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 103 or 1653BBST 103 or 1653
CSCI 1053CSCI 1063
ENGL 100 or 1123KNES 1071
GNST 1021MATH 1514
MATH 1504MATH 2043
 Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
 14 18
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 209 or 2103BBST 209 or 2103
BBST 2513MATH 305 or 3153
MATH 2504MATH 3183
MATH 2913Communication (see Core Curriculum)3
 Science (see Core Curriculum)3
 13 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 3653BBST 3543
MATH 3193ENGL 3133
MATH 3313MATH 305 or 3153
MATH 4553MATH 3323
Behavioral Science (see Core Curriculum)3KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1
 Graduation Application due in Registrar's Office
 15 13
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3
BBST 4656 (fulfills BBST 465 Integration Seminar requirement)3HIST 200, 201, or POSC 2253
BUSN 427, CSCI 305, CSCI 306, CSCI 402, or CSCI 4403MATH 4701
MATH 3803Fine Arts (see Core Curriculum)3
MATH 4051Philosophy (see Core Curriculum)3
Literature (see Core Curriculum)3General Elective3
 16 16
Total Credits 120

NOTE: The course sequence table is designed by the major department and is one way that the classes will work out properly in sequence for your major. However, there are alternative or flexible ways to rotate some of the classes within the same year/level and sometimes between year levels. Please contact your major department advisor to discuss flexible alternatives in scheduling the sequence of your classes.

Taking coursework during the summer session may also be an option to accelerate your degree path.

See Core Curriculum Program section for a list of approved Core Curriculum courses.

Mathematics, B.S. Applied and Computational Mathematics (MAAC)

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 1014HNRS 1054
HNRS 1024HNRS 1064
CSCI 1053CSCI 1063
GNST 1021MATH 1514
MATH 1504MATH 2043
 16 18
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 2104HNRS 2304
HNRS 2154HNRS 2314
MATH 2504MATH 305 or 3153
MATH 2913Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
 Science (see Core Curriculum)3
 15 18
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 3244HNRS 3374
HNRS 3262HNRS 3392
KNES 1071MATH 305 or 3153
KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1MATH 332 or 3333
CSCI 2203 
MATH 321 or 3313 
 14 12
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 4434HNRS 4584
BBST 4656 (fulfills BBST 465 Integration Seminar requirement)3MATH 332 or 3333
MATH 321 or 3313MATH 335 or 4403
MATH 4052MATH 4553
General Elective2 
 14 13
Total Credits 120

Note: Those that took at least 2 years of a foreign language in high school may replace the foreign language requirement with general elective credit. At most 8 credits may be obtained through KNES classes; at most 8 credits may be obtained through applied music classes. 

Mathematics, B.S. Math Education (MAME)

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 1014HNRS 1054
HNRS 1024HNRS 1064
GNST 1021CSCI 1053
MATH 1504MATH 1514
PSYC 2003MATH 2043
 16 18
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 2104HNRS 2304
HNRS 2154HNRS 2314
LEDU 3013LEDU 3413
MATH 2504MATH 305 or 3153
MATH 2913Science (see Core Curriculum)3
 18 17
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 32414HNRS 3374
HNRS 3262HNRS 3392
KNES 1071LEDU 3303
LEDU 4253MATH 305 or 3153
MATH 331 or 3413Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
MATH 4153 
 16 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 4434HNRS 4584
BBST 4656 (fulfills BBST 465 Integration Seminar requirement)3LEDU 43322
MATH 331 or 3413LEDU 4383
MATH 4052MATH 318 or 3323
MATH Elective (upper-division)3MATH Elective (upper-division)3
KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1 
 16 15
Total Credits 132
1

HNRS 324 satisfies the requirement for HIST 200 or POSC 225.

2

Students who meet all requirements and pass the necessary classes with a grade of C or above and with a B- or above in LEDU 433 will be granted a waiver to satisfy the California subject matter requirements to obtain a teaching credential in mathematics. 

Note: Those that took at least 2 years of a foreign language in high school need not take a foreign language class. At most 8 credits may be obtained through KNES classes; at most 8 credits may be obtained through applied music classes. LEDU 433 must be taken concurrently with LEDU 438. In addition to the listed classes, LEDU 450 and LEDU 452 (12 credits) are required for a teaching credential.

Mathematics, B.S. Pure Mathematics (MAPM)

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 1014HNRS 1054
HNRS 1024HNRS 1064
GNST 1021CSCI 1053
MATH 1504MATH 1514
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4MATH 2043
 17 18
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 2104HNRS 2304
HNRS 2154HNRS 2314
MATH 2504MATH 305 or 3153
MATH 2913MATH 4403
 15 14
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 3244HNRS 3374
HNRS 3262HNRS 3392
MATH 3313MATH 305 or 3153
MATH 410 or 4503General Elective3
MATH 4153 
 15 12
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 4434HNRS 4584
BBST 4656 (fulfills BBST 465 Integration Seminar requirement)3MATH Elective (upper-division)3
MATH 4052MATH Elective (upper-division)3
MATH 410 or 4503KNES 1071
General Elective3KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)
 Science (see Core Curriculum)3
 15 14
Total Credits 120

Note: Those that took at least 2 years of a foreign language in high school may replace the foreign language requirement with general elective credit. At most 8 credits may be obtained through KNES classes; at most 8 credits may be obtained through applied music classes. 

Mathematics, B.S. Statistics and Data Science (MASD)

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 1014HNRS 1054
HNRS 1024HNRS 1064
GNST 1021CSCI 1053
MATH 1504MATH 1514
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4MATH 2043
 17 18
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 2104HNRS 2304
HNRS 2154HNRS 2314
MATH 2504CSCI 1063
MATH 2913KNES 1071
 MATH 305 or 3153
 15 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 3244HNRS 3374
HNRS 3262HNRS 3392
MATH 3183MATH 305 or 3153
MATH 3313MATH 3323
MATH 4553 
 15 12
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 4434HNRS 4584
BBST 4656 (fulfills BBST 465 Integration Seminar requirement)3BUSN 427, CSCI 305, CSCI 306, CSCI 402, or CSCI 4403
MATH 3193MATH 4701
MATH 3803KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1
MATH 4051Science (see Core Curriculum)3
 General Elective2
 14 14
Total Credits 120

Note: Those that took at least 2 years of a foreign language in high school may replace the foreign language requirement with general elective credit. At most 8 credits may be obtained through KNES classes; at most 8 credits may be obtained through applied music classes.