The Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics provides students with a strong theoretical foundation and practical applications to help graduates secure STEM-related jobs in the South Sound region. The program is structured so that you will see the three branches of mathematics: algebra, analysis, and geometry, and study one of these topics in depth. A two-quarter sequence of study in one of these branches is required, fostering a depth and maturity of mathematical thought in a modern context. The flexibility of this degree allows you to follow multiple pathways into the major and through the upper division courses while supporting your personal career goals.

Major Coordinators are Ruth Vanderpool and Zaher Kmail. 

Note: Mathematics major students cannot minor in Mathematics.

Mathematics degree requirements

To meet the degree requirements for a B.S. in Mathematics, you need to complete 79 credits, including a completed mathematics capstone experience, and earn 25 mathematics community points. You must earn a total of 180 quarter credits, or 225 quarter credits for a double degree, in order to earn a bachelor degree in your chosen major.

For more information, contact an academic advisor.

Mathematics Degree Requirements
Core Courses (49 credits)
A grade of at least 1.5 is required for TMATH 402 and TMATH 424. 
Extended core (5 credits)
The extended core requires one of the two classes listed below, with a minimum grade of at least 1.5.
Electives guaranteeing breadth of knowledge (20 credits)

A total of 20 credits must be taken and each area requires a minimum of three credits and at least one class. No more than 5 credits can be satisfied by a course numbered below 300. No more than 5 credits can be satisfied by TMATH 495 or TMATH 496, TMATH 498, or TMATH 499. Note that a class may satisfy two elective areas which will afford students the promised flexibility to tailor their studies toward their desired career goals.

Area: Computing
Area: Math in Culture
Area: Modeling
Area: Probability/Statistics
Area: Topology/Geometry
Additional Courses that count as general electives
Capstone experience

The Mathematics capstone experience typically consists of completing a project in two quarters, beginning with a directed reading course (TMATH 498), an undergraduate research experience (a Research Experience for Undergraduates or TMATH 499), an experiential learning course (such as TMATH 495), or an internship (TMATH 496). The capstone project will then be completed as part of TMATH 450, the Mathematics Capstone course. Students may petition for their capstone project to fulfill one elective area of knowledge in the mathematics major.

Capstone Requirement

The Mathematics Capstone class TMATH 450 must be completed and is designed to both provide opportunities to earn mathematics community points and to hone students' technical communication skills. Students must complete a research experience such as an independent reading, undergraduate research experience, special topics course, internship, or senior thesis before enrolling so that they can draw upon the experience and results when creating their paper and presentation.

To prepare to enroll in TMATH 450, the capstone project should be started no later than the summer before 450 is to be taken. The capstone experience culminates in a paper, which is used as a basis for enrollment in TMATH 450 in Winter quarter. The paper must be 75% complete to be considered for enrollment in TMATH 450, which is required for graduation. TMATH 450 is designed to provide extensive opportunities to hone technical communication skills.

Additional Requirements

All BS students must complete the following requirements prior to graduation from UW Tacoma:

  • 10 credits of foreign language - two quarters in college or two years in high school of a single language
  • 20 credits of VLPA - Visual, Literary and Performing Arts (humanities)
  • 20 credits of I&S - Individual and Societies (social science courses)

It is common for transfer students to have already met some or all of these requirements. Whatever a student is missing will become part of their study plan while at UW Tacoma.

Mathematics portfolio requirements

Portfolios are submitted as part of course requirements for TMATH 450.

Checklist of Portfolio Requirements for BS in Mathematics

Required materials and opportunities are assigned in key courses and are collected electronically beginning in TMATH 300. A completed portfolio is submitted as part of the course requirements for TMATH 450. Details about each item in the list below are provided through the Canvas course Mathematics Portfolio.

  • Mathematics Community Points: A minimum of 25 points earned by attending public math talks, giving math presentations, and attending math centered events.
  • TMATH 300's proof compilation: Identify the assignment from TMATH 300 where you chose one or more proofs to rewrite. The assignment then required minimally: 1) Rewritten Proof(s): typed, presented and solved completely & correctly. 2) A brief reflection describing why you chose the proof(s) that you did. 3) Your name and expected graduation date.
  • TMATH 350's Capstone Proposal.
  • TMATH 402's proof compilation: Identify the assignment from TMATH 402 where you chose one or more proofs to rewrite. The assignment then required minimally: a) Rewritten Proofs(s): typed, presented and solved completely & correctly. b) A brief reflection describing why you chose the proof(s) that you did.
  • TMATH 424's proof compilation: Identify the assignment from TMATH 424 where you chose one or more proofs to rewrite. The assignment then required minimally: a) Rewritten Proof(s): typed, presented and solved completely & correctly. b) A brief reflection describing why you chose the proof(s) that you did.
  • TMATH 450's essay & supporting work.
  • TMATH 450's Capstone paper, presentation & marked rubric.