This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2026-2027 VCU Bulletin. Courses that expose students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning may be added and notification of additional program approvals may be received prior to finalization. General education program content is also subject to change. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
The curriculum in mathematical sciences promotes understanding of the mathematical sciences and their structures, uses and relationships to other disciplines. To this end, the scholarly growth of the faculty and students in the mathematical sciences is nurtured through study, research and a high standard of teaching. The curriculum provides a sound foundation for the student seeking to enter a career with a technological orientation or for the student who wishes to pursue graduate study in applied mathematics, biomathematics, mathematics, operations research, statistics, teaching mathematics in secondary schools or related fields.
A Bachelor of Science is offered jointly by the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics and the Department of Statistical Sciences and Operations Research. In the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences can choose a concentration of secondary teacher preparation, which prepares students for teaching mathematics in secondary schools when completed in conjunction with the Master of Teaching degree offered through the School of Education as part of the Extended Teacher Preparation Program.
Student learning outcomes
Upon completing this program, students will know how to do the following:
Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences core outcomes
- Solve mathematical problems
- Solve and interpret mathematical problems which originate from applications outside of mathematics
- Use technology to solve and/or explore mathematics problems
Secondary teacher preparation concentration-specific outcomes
- Write mathematics (not including mathematical proofs) clearly, concisely and correctly
- Write mathematical proofs clearly, concisely and correctly
- Read and comprehend mathematical works
- Collaborate in projects
- Make effective presentations to demonstrate their understanding of mathematical ideas
- Write prose about mathematics
- Use appropriate practices to teach secondary school level mathematical ideas
Special requirements
The B.S. in Mathematical Sciences requires a minimum of 120 credits. Along with the general education requirements of the College of Humanities and Sciences and the undergraduate degree requirements, students are required to take core courses and fulfill specific requirements for the degree.
Based on the results of the Mathematics Placement Test, students may be required to take MATH 151. No more than one course in mathematics (MATH) at the 100 level can count for the general requirements toward the degree. Credit for 100-level mathematical sciences courses cannot be applied toward the mathematical sciences courses required for the major in mathematical sciences.
Double major
Students who meet the requirements for two of the concentrations within the mathematical sciences curriculum can receive a double major. To initiate a double major, students must obtain the appropriate form from the Office of the University Registrar.
Second baccalaureate degree
For students possessing a bachelor’s degree and wishing to gain undergraduate preparation in an area of mathematical sciences, second baccalaureate degrees are offered through the department. For detailed information about these programs, refer to the “Academic regulations and general degree requirement” section of this bulletin.
Degree requirements for Mathematical Sciences, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in secondary teacher preparation
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General education | ||
| Select 30 credits of general education courses in consultation with an adviser. | 30 | |
| Major requirements | ||
| • Major core requirements | ||
| MATH 201 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II 1 | 4 |
| MATH 307 | Multivariate Calculus 1 | 4 |
| MATH 310 | Linear Algebra (satisfies AI literacy ancillary requirement) 1 | 3 |
| • Additional major requirements | ||
| MATH 255 | Introduction to Computational Mathematics | 3 |
| or CMSC 210 | Computers and Programming | |
| MATH 300 | Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning 1 | 3 |
| MATH 407 | Real Analysis | 3 |
| MATH 490 | Mathematical Expositions | 3 |
| Concentration requirements | ||
| MATH 324 | Mathematical Problem Solving | 3 |
| MATH 404 | Algebraic Structures and Functions | 3 |
| MATH 424 | Modeling with Mathematics | 3 |
| MATH 430 | The History of Mathematics | 3 |
| MATH 505 | Modern Geometry | 3 |
| Concentration electives 2 | 6 | |
| Ancillary requirements | ||
| MATH 200 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (satisfies general education quantitative foundations) 1 | 4 |
| STAT 212 | Concepts of Statistics | 3 |
| Natural science sequence (select one sequence from the list below) | 8-10 | |
| Natural science elective (different from chosen science sequence) | 3-4 | |
| AI literacy elective (any three credit course offered through the minor in AI studies in humanities and sciences) | 3 | |
| Open electives | ||
| Select any course. | 35 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
These courses/credits require a minimum grade of C.
Six additional upper-level credits in the mathematical sciences (MATH, STAT, OPER, CMSC) or the completion of a minor or a double major (which could be in education).
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.
Natural science sequence
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following sequences: | 8-10 | |
| Sequence 1 | ||
| BIOL 151 | Introduction to Biological Sciences I (satisfies general education BOK for natural sciences and AOI for scientific and logical reasoning) | 3 |
| BIOZ 151 | Introduction to Biological Science Laboratory I | 1 |
| BIOL 152 | Introduction to Biological Sciences II | 3 |
| BIOZ 152 | Introduction to Biological Science Laboratory II | 1 |
| Sequence 2 | ||
| CHEM 101 | General Chemistry I (satisfies general education BOK for natural sciences and AOI for scientific and logical reasoning) | 3 |
| CHEZ 101 | General Chemistry Laboratory I | 1 |
| CHEM 102 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEZ 102 | General Chemistry Laboratory II | 1 |
| Sequence 3 | ||
| PHYS 201 | General Physics I (satisfies general education BOK for natural sciences and AOI for scientific and logical reasoning) | 4 |
| PHYS 202 | General Physics II | 4 |
| Sequence 4 | ||
| PHYS 207 | University Physics I (satisfies general education BOK for natural sciences and AOI for scientific and logical reasoning) | 4 |
| PHYZ 207 | University Physics I Laboratory | 1 |
| PHYS 208 | University Physics II | 4 |
| PHYZ 208 | University Physics II Laboratory | 1 |
What follows is a sample plan that meets the prescribed requirements within a four-year course of study at VCU. Please contact your adviser before beginning course work toward a degree.
Recommended course sequence/plan of study
| Freshman year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall semester | Hours | |
| MATH 200 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (satisfies general education quantitative foundations) | 4 |
| UNIV 101 | Introduction to the University (recommended) 1 | 1 |
UNIV 111  Play course video for Introduction to Focused Inquiry: Investigation and Communication | Introduction to Focused Inquiry: Investigation and Communication (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| General education courses | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 13 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| MATH 201 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II | 4 |
| MATH 310 | Linear Algebra (satisfies AI literacy ancillary requirement) | 3 |
| UNIV 200 | Advanced Focused Inquiry: Literacies, Research and Communication (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| General education courses | 5 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Sophomore year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| MATH 255 or CMSC 210 | Introduction to Computational Mathematics or Computers and Programming | 3 |
| MATH 300 | Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning | 3 |
| STAT 212 | Concepts of Statistics | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Open elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| MATH 324 | Mathematical Problem Solving | 3 |
| MATH 307 | Multivariate Calculus | 4 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Open electives | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 16 | |
| Junior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| MATH 407 | Real Analysis | 3 |
| MATH 430 | The History of Mathematics | 3 |
| Natural science sequence (select one of the following) (BIOL 151, CHEM 101, PHYS 201 PHYS 207 and PHYZ 207 satisfy general education BOK for natural sciences and AOI for scientific and logical reasoning) | 4-5 | |
| BIOL 151 & BIOZ 151 | Introduction to Biological Sciences I and Introduction to Biological Science Laboratory I | 4 |
| CHEM 101 & CHEZ 101 | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry Laboratory I | 4 |
| PHYS 201 | General Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 207 & PHYZ 207 | University Physics I and University Physics I Laboratory | 5 |
| Open electives | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 16 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| MATH 404 | Algebraic Structures and Functions | 3 |
| Concentration elective (upper level) | 3 | |
| Natural science sequence (continue sequence from the fall semester) | 4-5 | |
| BIOL 152 & BIOZ 152 | Introduction to Biological Sciences II and Introduction to Biological Science Laboratory II | 4 |
| CHEM 102 & CHEZ 102 | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry Laboratory II | 4 |
| PHYS 202 | General Physics II | 4 |
| PHYS 208 & PHYZ 208 | University Physics II and University Physics II Laboratory | 5 |
| Open electives | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 16 | |
| Senior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| MATH 424 | Modeling with Mathematics | 3 |
| MATH 505 | Modern Geometry | 3 |
| Natural science elective 2,3 | 3-4 | |
| Open electives | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| MATH 490 | Mathematical Expositions | 3 |
| Concentration elective (upper-level) | 3 | |
| Open electives | 8 | |
| Term Hours: | 14 | |
| Total Hours: | 120 | |
Recommended course to apply as open elective; credits currently not included in displayed semester total credit hours. Open elective credits required in later semesters will need to be adjusted accordingly.
Different science than chosen for sequence.
Not required for students who declare a double major of mathematical sciences teacher preparation track, and secondary education
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.