CSUSM

Special Field in Mathematical Sciences

for Liberal Studies majors only


The advisor for Liberal Studies students choosing a Special Field in Mathematics is Dr. David Chien. Anyone needing more information about the Special Field than is given below can contact him by e-mailing him here, calling him at (619) 750-4153, or visiting him at his office in Room 6240, Craven Hall.


The Mathematics Special Field builds on the mathematics required for the Liberal Studies lower-division core to provide depth in exposure to the power, beauty, and utility of mathematical thought. In studying mathematics, students develop the ability to explore, to conjecture, and to reason logically, as well as the ability to use effectively a variety of mathematical methods to solve problems. As a result, students are better prepared to teach according to the new standards called for at the elementary and middle school level, or to enter careers in government or private industry.


Twelve (12) units of Mathematics are required for the special field. These 12 units are in addition to the 6 units of Mathematics required for the Liberal Studies Lower Division Core. (For the lower-division 6 units of Mathematics, MATH 210 and 212 are recommended for future teachers.)

There are two pre-approved options for the Liberal Sudies Special field concentration in Mathematics:

Option I

Option II


With both of the options, MATH 260 Calculus with Applications, III may be substituted for MATH 160 or MATH 162.


Approved List of Electives

MATH 330 Introduction to the History of Mathematics

MATH 350 Foundations for Theoretical Mathematics

MATH 360 Foundations of Analysis

MATH 362 Differential Equations

MATH 370 Discrete Mathematics

MATH 372 Introduction to Number Theory

MATH 374 Linear Algebra

MATH 410 Modern Geometry

MATH 440 Mathematical Statistics

MATH 464 Numerical Analysis and Computing

MATH 470 Introduction to Abstract Algebra

MATH 472 Introduction to Graph Theory

MATH 474 Introduction to Combinatorics

MATH 480 Introduction to Optimization


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