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B.S. in Mathematics

It’s no secret: The STEM fields — science, technology, engineering and math — are on the rise. Around the world, demand is growing for mathematicians with a strong grasp of statistics, operations research, data analysis and problem-solving skills. In Biola’s mathematics major, you’ll receive a strong foundation that prepares you for success in a variety of industries, as well as graduate school or teaching.

In addition to its strong curriculum, expert faculty members and biblical integration, Biola’s mathematics program offers several key advantages:

  • Students have the opportunity to take part in the Putnam Exam, a nationwide contest for math students.
  • Small classes give you an opportunity to form deep relationships with your professors and fellow students.
  • Biola’s Research Assistant in Math Program (RAMP) offers a research environment where Biola math and computer science majors are supported in research projects that complement their academic goals. Research assistants through RAMP are paid to assist faculty with research.
  • Biola’s location in Southern California — one of the world’s largest and most diverse metropolitan areas — is ideal for internships and job opportunities.
  • Well-equipped laboratories at the Lim Center offer hands-on experience and opportunities to put your learning into action.

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Concentrations

  • Actuarial Science

    Students who wish to pursue actuarial science or related fields should choose this concentration.

  • Applied Mathematics

    The applied mathematics concentration focuses on the use of mathematics in real world problems, and is ideal for students who are interested in preparing for careers in business or industry.

  • Computer Science

    The computer science concentration allows a mathematics major the opportunity to focus on the more mathematical aspects of computer science. Math students interested in becoming computer programmers should choose this concentration.

  • Pure Mathematics

    The pure mathematics concentration allows the student flexibility in the selection of upper-division courses. A faculty advisor will aid the student in making these choices. The student planning to pursue mathematics in graduate school would find this particularly appropriate.

  • Secondary Instruction

    Biola's Mathematics Secondary Instruction program 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 subject matter waiver program. Students must consult with both their major advisor and a School of Education advisor.

    Students who wish to prepare to teach mathematics at the secondary level should select this concentration to work toward a preliminary single-subject 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. Students who meet all requirements and pass the necessary classes with a grade of C or above will be granted a waiver to satisfy the California subject matter requirements to obtain a teaching credential in mathematics.

  • Statistics and Data Science
    Students who wish to pursue any of the data analysis fields such as statistics, data science, or business analytics should choose this concentration. Because of our hands-on apprentice approach in the practicum course and quantitative consulting center, you'll work closely with faculty and learn how to complete the full arc of data analysis projects.

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Courses

What will I study as a mathematics major?

Throughout your mathematics course work, you will explore math with a Christian worldview and build a strong foundation in the core curriculum for the pure and applied fields of mathematical science and secondary education. Some program highlights and interesting topics you will learn about include:

  • Rational and trigonometric functions
  • How to discover, write and present proofs
  • Topics from matrices, determinants and vector spaces
  • Numerical solutions of non-linear equations
  • Bayes' Theorem
  • Secondary school curriculum, assessment, teaching methods and classroom management
  • Introduction to computer hardware and software
  • Planning, implementing and organizing effective instruction
  • Written and oral presentation of research

Bible and Theology Coursework

As part of Biola’s commitment to a biblically centered education, most undergraduate students complete 30 credits of biblical and theological studies as a part of their degree program. Learn more about our Bible and theology core.

Career Outlook and Preparation

What can you do with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics?

A degree in mathematics provides an exceptional foundation for careers in fields like engineering, statistics, education, computer science and operations research. As a well-equipped professional, you can expect to impact the world for Jesus Christ in professions such as:

  • Petroleum or mineral engineering
  • Pharmacy sciences/administration
  • Mathematics and computer science
  • Statistician or logistician
  • Market research analyst
  • Aerospace, mechanical or electrical engineer
  • Professor or secondary school teacher
  • Computer programmer
  • Industrial mathematician

In addition, many of Biola's mathematics graduates pursue higher education, while others move directly into rewarding careers. Professional highlights include:

  • Secondary education teachers
  • College professors
  • Statistical analysts
  • Graduate studies at distinguished schools such as: University of Minnesota; University of Southern California; University of California, Irvine; University of California, Los Angles: University of California, Riverside; University of California, San Diego; California State University, Long Beach; and Portland State University

For more information on matching your degree choice and math career, especially in the field of analytics, visit Analytics @ Biola. Students interested in mathematics degrees may also be interested in related engineering degrees such as the B.S. in Robotics and B.S. in Engineering.

31% job growth

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for mathematicians and statisticians is projected to be much faster than average between 2021 and 2031.

BLS projections are not specific to Biola University students or graduates.


Joyce Weaver

I have experienced much growth and learning by coming alongside fellow math majors and professors, as we strive for a deeper understanding of God and math through every proof and computation.

Joyce Weaver
Mathematics, B.S. '17
Brian Thompson

During my time at Biola University, I have seen how God has integrated mathematics into our universe and how searching for mathematical truths is a form of worshiping Him. I have enjoyed countless hours studying the beauty of mathematics with friends, colleagues, and professors. I am excited to continue studying mathematics at the graduate level with the tools that Biola has equipped me with.

Brian Thompson
Mathematics, B.S. '21
Joseph Lane

There isn't enough space in a quote to share all the blessings God has gifted me through the Biola Math Department. All I can say is that I arrived at Biola knowing no one, but on leaving felt as though I'd left family. Besides the academic rigor and career training, I have been mentored, guided, and inspired to use my gifts to serve God and others—just like I'd been served by the Christ-like faculty and upperclassmen.

Joseph Lane
Mathematics, B.S. '21
Colin Van Meter

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Biola as a math major and computer science minor. The environment fostered close relationships with classmates and professors without compromising on excellent education.

Colin Van Meter
Mathematics, B.S. '21
Cassidy Millonzi

Biola fully equipped me to go out into the world not only in my field but more importantly, spiritually. I was surrounded on all sides with support from friends, professors, and counselors. I can say with complete confidence that the professors at Biola are there to support me in all ways- I can’t begin to count how many times I went to a professor and was met with prayer, support, grace, and kindness. As I am now going out into the world to become a math teacher, I feel fully prepared to lead and support my students in Christ, and how math and my faith all fit together. I feel blessed to be a Biola alumnus. I am thankful for an education that has fully equipped me to practice my faith and worship the Lord in all aspects of my life, particularly in my field!

Cassidy Millonzi
Mathematics, B.S. '21

Admissions

Admissions Process

Learn about Biola’s admissions requirements, steps to apply, application deadlines and more at our Undergraduate Admissions page.

Schedule a Visit

Learn more about this program by attending an upcoming event for prospective students and parents, or by scheduling a personalized visit.

Visit Biola

Tuition and Financial Aid

Biola is more affordable than you might think — dramatically lower than the “sticker price” in most cases — with 100% of incoming undergraduate students receiving some form of financial aid.

Faculty


Learning Opportunities

Research Assistant in Math Program (RAMP)

The goal of RAMP is to create an undergraduate research environment where Biola math and computer science majors are supported in research projects that:

  1. Complement their academic goals
  2. Facilitate department growth
  3. Further Biola’s mission together

Participating RAMP research assistants are paid to assist faculty with research. The program is supported exclusively through private donors and all donations are tax deductible. We believe that the greater the success of RAMP, the more equipped our students will be to fulfill the biblically mandated mission of Biola University, which is to “equip men and women in mind and character to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ.

For the completed list of projects, see biola.edu/math-and-computer-science-department/current-students.

Teaching Assistant (TA)

Teaching Assistants (TAs) are student workers who help faculty run their courses. Primary responsibilities usually include grading papers and holding tutoring hours in the math lab for student questions. Some of the benefits include:

  • TAs gain teaching-related experience such as tutoring and grading
  • TAs experience the joy of biblical service
  • TAs obtain review, reinforcement, and clarification of their mathematical skills
  • TAs earn an hourly wage based on their year and experience.

To become a TA, inform the department or tell the professor of a class you’re interested in that you’d like to be considered as a TA for them. TA selection for the semester occurs by joint faculty decision before the semester begins.

Putnam Exam Participant

The Putnam Exam is a national mathematics contest for undergraduate students, run by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA). It is a full-day contest, held each year on the first Saturday of December. Questions can range over a wide variety of math topics: calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, probability, number theory, and more. There are 120 points available on the exam (12 questions, 10 points each), but the median score is usually 3 points or fewer. It is considered an accomplishment to score even one point on the Putnam Exam.

Why should I participate in the Putnam Exam?

  • A strong Putnam Exam score can lead to being accepted to a high-caliber graduate school for mathematics
  • The MAA offers cash prizes to top scorers; the Biola math/CS department offers smaller cash prizes to those scoring at least a certain number of points
  • It's a fun, challenging experience: a chance to put your God-given math skills to the test

To participate in the Putnam Exam, contact Biola's Putnam facilitator, Dr. DiMuro, and ask to join the team. All Biola students who do not yet have an undergraduate degree (and who have not already participated in the contest four times) are eligible to participate. Contact Dr. DiMuro at joseph.dimuro@biola.edu.

Quantitative Consulting Center (QCC)

For opportunities for students to get involved with live statistical consulting for on and off-campus clients, see biola.edu/quantitative-consulting-center.

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Format

You'll study in person at Biola University's campus in Southern California.

Total Credits

Total program credits include major-specific courses and Biola's core curriculum.

Standard Completion Time

This indicates the standard duration of this program. Completion time may vary depending on transferred coursework and preferred courseload.

Accreditation

Biola University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Additional accreditations may apply to specific programs.