Math Matters: Comparison of the Mathematics Requirements for Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science Degrees in Canada

Canadian Society for the Study of Higher Education. P.O. Box 34091, RPO Fort Richmond, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5T5, Canada. Tel: 204-474-6404; Fax: 204-474-7561; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://csshe-scees.ca/publications/canadian-journal-of-higher-education/

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Foreign Countries; Undergraduate Students; College Mathematics; Mathematics Education; Bachelors Degrees; Degree Requirements; Required Courses; Data Collection; Data Analysis; Comparative Analysis; Universities; Academic Standards

0316-1218

Education matters. Every year, more students are pursuing postsecondary education. In fact, during the 2012-2013 academic year, over two million students were studying in Canadian postsecondary institutions, making it even more important to ensure that our students are getting the education and training they need to succeed. Notably, it is not uncommon for university students to struggle with mathematics or even to say, "I'm bad at math." Yet, at the heart of mathematics are critical thinking and careful questioning--skills needed in most jobs. In this paper, I feature a study exploring mathematics requirements at Canadian postsecondary institutions. Specifically, the study examines mathematics requirements for general Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. The goal of the study is to offer potential suggestions to improve more students' mathematical abilities and better prepare them for future endeavours.

As Provided

32

2016

EJ1098270