Planning is important, especially as a mathematics major.

Why?

First, the Mathematics Department does not offer every course every quarter. In fact, not all upper division courses are offered every year -- some are offered every other year.

Second, two students majoring in math may have completely different ways in which they each complete the major, depending upon their respective priorities.

Third, and probably most important to many of you, planning can ensure you graduate on time.

Below are several tools to assist you in creating your quarter by quarter plan for how you will complete your math major. Follow these steps:

1) Print out the requirements sheet that corresponds to your math major program:

• Pure Mathematics, B.A.
• Applied Mathematics, B.A.
• Mathematics-Scientific Computation, B.S.
• Mathematics-Secondary Education, B.A.
• Mathematics-Applied Science, B.A.
• Mathematics-Computer Science, B.A.
• Mathematics/Economics, B.A.
• Mathematics Probability and Statistics B.S.

2) Print out the Planning Matrix.

3) Spend some time with both of these documents and the UCSD General Catalog:

1. Look at what the requirements are for your major.
2. Look up the courses and decide which courses you are interested in taking.
3. List these courses on your Planning Matrix, along with the prerequisites (note there is a column on the Planning Matrix where you can list the prerequisites).

4) Next, look each course up on our Planned Course Offerings:

1. Make a check mark in the appropriate place for each quarter a course on your Planning Matrix is offered.
2. Note that we do not offer every course every quarter. Some courses we only offer every other year (such as Math 193AB). So, use the Planned Course Offerings as a tool, remembering that there is no gaurantee that you will be able to take a certain course when you plan on taking it. You may even want to come up with a plan "B" for certain requirements.
3. You can meet with the Math Advising Officer once you come up with your quarter by quarter plan. The Math Advising Officer can review your plan with you and point out where any issues may exists.

5) Print out the Quarter by Quarter Planning Sheet:

1. Using the completed Planning Matrix, create your Quarter by Quarter Plan.
2. Use a pencil -- you will probably have to move things around a few times before you come up with a workable plan.
3. First, work in prerequisite courses into your quarter by quarter plan.
4. Second, work in those courses that are requirements with no choice.
5. Third, work into your plan courses you want to take that are only offered one quarter a year.
6. Finally, work the remaning courses into your plan.

Remember, it is YOUR responsibility to know the requirements of your major and to complete those requirements on time. Ideally, you will meet annually with academic advisors in both your college and major department to ensure satisfactory academic progress towards your degree. You can meet with your departmental advisors quarterly once you commence upper division courses (numbered 100-194).

The Math Advising Office is located in AP&M 6016. Walk-in advising hours are: Mondays through Fridays 10am-Noon and 1pm-4pm. You can also arrange an appointment with the Math Advisor.