B.A./B.S. in Mathematics or Statistics & Data Science

On this page: Comparing the B.A. and the B.S. | The B.A. in Mathematics or SDS | The B.S. in Mathematics or SDS | Double Degrees | Mid-Career Writing Assessment (MCWA)

The information and requirements given here apply to the 2024–2025 catalog. For other catalog years, please consult the archive.

Upon declaring a major in mathematics or statistics & data science, students must select a degree in which the major will appear. We offer your choice of a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.).

These degrees have many common requirements, including minimum units, English composition, and many of the general education courses. There are some differences, however.

Below, you can find the requirements specific to the two degrees. For requirements specific to each major, regardless of degree, see:

Our major checklists also provide a good overview of the requirements for the degree/major of your choice.

Comparing the B.A. and the B.S.

As far as the mathematics or statistics coursework is concerned, the B.A. and B.S. are identical.

The requirements for the two degrees differ only in the following ways:

Second language requirement (details below).
Science/application course requirements (details below).

The B.A. in Mathematics or SDS

**Note: These requirements changed significantly in Spring 2022 to coincide with a new General Education program. If you entered the university in 2021 or earlier, see here for your B.A. degree requirements.**

Language Requirement: Students must demonstrate fourth semester proficiency in a second language.
The degree is not science-intensive. Students need to complete only the Exploring Perspectives: Natural Scientist course, as specified in the University General Education requirements.

The B.S. in Mathematics or SDS

Language Requirement: Students must demonstrate second semester proficiency in a second language.
Laboratory Science Courses Requirement: The degree is science-intensive and requires two of the following laboratory science courses:
- First-semester courses (no prerequisites other than mathematics): , , , & ( or )^(*), & ^(*), , & ^(*), , ,
- Courses that require one or more science prerequisites: , , , , , & ( or )^(*), & ^(*), , & ^(*), , , , , ,

^(*) Lecture and lab must both be taken to constitute one lab science course.

Application Courses Requirement: (This requirement applies only to the Math major, except the Mathematics Education emphasis. For SDS majors, this requirement has been replaced with an SQL/Data Management course.) Students must complete at least three units of coursework that applies advanced mathematics to other academic fields. These courses must have a pre- or co-requisite of at least Calculus I (MATH 122B or higher). Up to 3 units of MATH 493 internship credit may apply to application course requirements.

Note: B.S. students may satisfy both the Application Course Requirement and one of the Laboratory Science Courses by completing one of the Physics courses.

Choose from the following:

Agric & Biosystems Eng	, , , ;
Agric & Resource Economics	, , ;
Astronomy	;
Atmospheric Sciences	, , , ;
Biochemistry	, ,
Biomedical Engineering	, ;
Civil Engineering	;
Chemical & Environmental Engr	, , , , , ;
Chemistry	, , , , , , ;
Computer Science	, , , , , , , , , , , ;
Computer Science UA South	;
Ecology & Evolutionary Biology	, , (ECOL 496N not offered recently);
Economics	,;
Engineering	, , ;
Environmental Science	, , ;
Geography & Development	;
Geosciences	, , , , , , , ;
Hydrology and Water Resources	, , (HWRS 421 not offered recently), , ;
Information Sci, Tech & Arts	, , ;
Molecular & Cellular Biology	;
Materials Science & Engr	, , , ;
Mathematics	;
Optical Sciences	, OPTI 303, ;
Physics	, , , , , , , ,; Note: PHYS 143 is only 2 units; 6 units are required.
Physiology	, , ;
Planetary Sciences	;
Retailing & Consumer Science	;
Systems & Industrial Engr	, ;
Wildlife & Fisheries Science	, ;
Watershed Management	;
or courses approved by your academic advisor.

Double Degrees

Students pursuing a second major that has a degree title different from that of the first major are technically double degree students. Additional requirements may apply to double degree students that do not pertain to double major students (students with two majors that have exactly the same degree title). See an advisor for details.

Mid-Career Writing Assessment (MCWA)

Every undergraduate degree program at the University of Arizona requires satisfaction of the MCWA. a grade of A or B in ENGL 102, ENGL 108 (for ESL students), or ENGL 109H (for qualified students) will satisfy the requirement. If you earn less than a B in your second-semester composition course, you have several options for completing the MCWA. You may:

repeat your second-semester English course (with GRO, if eligible) and earn at least a B, or
complete ENGL 307, 308, or 313 with a grade of at least D.