Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Academic Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Applied Mathematics, Applied and Computational Mathematics Concentration, BS


This degree is recommended for students who wish to work in the research and development area of industry. This program also prepares a student for graduate study in applied mathematics, numerical analysis, or operations research.

The concentration in Applied and Computational Mathematics, offered by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics , provides a solid foundation in classical applied mathematics as well as computational mathematics, which could be informally described as “how to employ mathematics on computers wisely.” A graduate could seek direct employment assisting a group of scientists with the formulation and solution of problems. There is a great need in local and national technical industries for people with sufficiently strong mathematical knowledge to participate on such teams. For example, modern techniques for solving partial differential equations are very sophisticated; the best method in a given situation depends on the properties of the model. Once a numerical approximation has been formulated, the techniques to solve that, and the commercial software available to do it, again require informed decisions.

24 upper division units of mathematics are required for this degree. If upper division requirements are fulfilled using transferred lower division courses, then additional upper division math courses will need to be taken to obtain the required number of upper division units.

Summary of Degree Units

University Graduation Requirements 47
Major Preparation 25
Major Core Requirements 28
Specialized Tracks 15
University Electives 5
Total 120

Program Roadmaps

The 4-Year Roadmap is available online. Roadmaps should be used in consultation with the catalog and your advisor to identify additional requirements for completing the major (for example, course grade minimums). Associate Degrees (ADT) Pathways are also available online.

Major-Specific Graduation Requirements

All courses in the Preparation and Required in the Major must be completed with a grade of “C- or better”, and the following Preparation for the Major course with a grade of “C or better”: 100W. 

University Requirements


Students must satisfy all of the major and Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements , which includes unit, GPA, and residency requirements as well as the below identified General Education , American Institutions, Graduation Writing Assessment and Physical Education requirements. Courses that meet Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements are noted with an area designation (see Course Abbreviations ).

Core Lower Division General Education (30 units)


Of the 39 units required by the university, 9 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Courses that meet GE Areas A1, A2, A3 or B4 must be passed with a “C-” or better to meet the requirement. Consult with major advisor for details.

Upper Division General Education (9 units)


Of the 9 units required by the university, 0 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Consult with major advisor for details.

American Institutions (6 units)


Complete one 6 unit sequence of American Institutions (US123) courses, which also satisfies GE Area D. Students may also satisfy the American Institutions Requirement  with other courses, but these may not satisfy other GE areas.

The American Studies (AMS 1A /AMS 1B ; 12 units) and Humanities Honors (HUM 1A /HUM 1B /HUM 2A /HUM 2B ; 24 units) sequences satisfy the American Institutions Requirement and additional GE Areas (see the course description for details).

Consult with a major advisor to select the appropriate sequence.

Physical Education (2 units)


All SJSU undergraduate students, regardless of major, have an opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills in physical activities. To accommodate students’ needs and interests, the university offers a diverse selection of activity courses .

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement


At SJSU, students must pass both the SJSU Writing Skills Test (WST) and a 100W course. Exceptions to the GWAR may be found at Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) .

A grade of C or better (C- not accepted) is required to meet graduation requirement.

Major Preparation (25 units)


Major Requirements (43 units)


Lower Division Requirements (19 units)


Specialized Track (15 units)


Complete one of the following two tracks. Tracks are a cluster of courses used for advising purposes. Tracks will not appear on transcripts or diplomas. Please see an advisor in the Mathematics and Statistics department for more details.

University Electives (5 units)


Total Units Required (120 units)