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:
- 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 — through generous donors — 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.
- Opportunities to do real statistical consulting work through the Quantitative Consulting Center.
- Key card access to well-equipped math and computer laboratories within the Lim Center. Our laboratories offer hands-on experiences and opportunities to put learning into action.
- Be mentored by expert faculty who integrate their Christian faith into their lives as researchers, teachers and ministers in local or global communities. Students have opportunities to be involved in directed research with faculty, participate in presentations at various conferences and co-author peer-reviewed journal articles. Learn more about our faculty and student research.
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 ScienceStudents 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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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 virtually all quantitative fields. As a well-equipped professional, you can expect to impact the world for Jesus Christ in professions such as:
- Actuary
- Analyst (e.g. data, financial, market research, mathematical, operations research)
- Data scientist
- Statistician
- Math teacher
- Programmer
In addition, many of Biola's mathematics graduates pursue higher education. Graduate studies at distinguished schools such as: University of Minnesota; University of Southern California; University of California, Irvine; University of California, Los Angeles: 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.
11% job growth
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for mathematicians and statisticians is projected to be much faster than average between 2023 and 2033.
BLS projections are not specific to Biola University students or graduates.
I will highly encourage students to join Mathematics if they want to truly understand how mathematics works from a biblical perspective...While this is a tough program, professors are here to help you every step of the way and ensure your academic success. In regards to the secondary education emphasis, Biola has allowed me to truly stand out as an educator.
Mathematics, B.S. '22
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!
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.
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.
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.
