Minoring in Math

Here are the requirements to obtain a minor in mathematics:

• Math 30
• Math 31
• One of Math 32, 33LA, 39 or 42
• 6 units in upper division Mathematics numbered between 108 and 179 (inclusive) but excluding MATH 151 and those numbered between 160 and 169 (inclusive).

Note that because of the overlap in the material, Math 129A/39 and Math
123/33LA can not both count towards the minor. The same also holds for the
following pairs of courses: Math 133A/33A and Math 123/33LA, Math 33LA/33A and Math 134 (Prior to fall 2020).

To be awarded a minor, at least 12 units of coursework must be completely distinct and separate from the coursework in the major, and coursework for the minor must include a minimum of 6 upper-division units (University Policy S16-4). Minor preparation or support courses do not count toward the 12 distinct units. Of the coursework for the minor, at least 6 units must be completed in residence at SJSU. The minimum aggregate GPA for all coursework required for the minor must be at least 2.0.  Each course in the minor must have a grade of C- or better.

You may use more than 5 courses to get the minor but a minimum of 5 courses is required.  Math classes that are “in preparation for your major” count as distinct. The catalog will indicate which classes are in preparation for your major.

Example 1. BS Computer Science with a minor in Math

For this degree program, students are required to take Math 30, 31, 42 and 39 in preparation for their major and those classes will count as distinct from the major.  You may include the 4 classes in your minor form.

Note that courses that are used as major electives will not count as distinct. For example, if as CS major takes Math/CS 143C as a major elective, it will not count as distinct units (that’s ok because there are enough lower division distinct units) but will count as an upper division minor course.

Example 2. BS Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Math

For this degree program, students are required to take Math 30, 31, 32, 33A in preparation for their major and those classes will count as distinct. You may include the 4 classes in your minor form. Mechanical Engineering majors need 2 upper division classes to complete their minor. 

• How should I select upper division math classes?

  • Select the ones that interest you or that complement your major. Please check the course prerequisites on the online catalog. Do not take a class if you have not satisfied the prerequisites.

    - Pure Math classes: Math 108, 113, 115, 126, 128A, 128B, 129B, 131A, 131B, 138

    - More calculus: Math 112, 132

    - (Applied) Discrete Math: 127, 142, 146, 179

    - Applied Math: Math 134, 133B, 143C, 143M, 170, 177, 178

• Is there a grade requirement?

  • Of course. You need to earn at least a C- on each course in the minor form. Moreover, your minor GPA must be 2.00 or above.

• How do you apply for the Minor?

  • Instructions and information regarding applying for a math minor can be found on the CoS website.  All forms are submitted to the College of Science.  Do not send your forms to the Math & Stats department or to the minor advisor.  The best time to apply for a minor is the semester you are taking your last lower division course for the minor.