BA or BS?
The Mathematics Department offers two undergraduate degrees: the B.A. in Mathematics and the B.S. in Mathematics. The B.A. has fewer mathematics course requirements and more general education requirements. The B.S. requires more mathematics courses, an applied mathematics concentration, and fewer general education courses. Here is a summary of the breakdown of credit hours (numbers are approximate).
| Summary of Credit Hours | ||
|---|---|---|
| B.A. | B.S. | |
| Math Courses | 29 | 41 |
| Applied Concentration | 0 | 9 |
| The KU Core and general education | 47 | 37 |
| Electives | 44 | 33 |
| Total Credits | 120 | 120 |
Students wishing to attend graduate school in mathematics or to pursue a career that makes substantial use of mathematics (as an actuary, for example) should get a B.S. in mathematics. Many students majoring in mathematics are interested in a liberal arts degree; if that is your goal, you may consider the B.A. in mathematics.
Students who wish to teach mathematics at the high school level should pursue a math major (either B.A. or B.S.) and participate in the UKanTeach program. Students who wish to teach mathematics at the middle school level should get a Bachelor's degree (B.S.E.) from the School of Education.
