Area 2 Guidelines (GE 2026)
Area 2: Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning
Introduction
In Area 2 students will develop a basic understanding of the nature, scope, successes and limitations of mathematics, statistics, computer science, and related fields. Lower-division Area 2 courses introduce fundamental concepts of each discipline, and as a result should not be interdisciplinary in nature. Courses should place the basic knowledge presented in a larger context and show the breadth of application to other disciplines and/or daily life.
In addition, students also learn to make reasoned arguments based on qualitative and quantitative evidence/data in these courses. An integral part of our polytechnic identity, these courses also provide essential foundational knowledge for more advanced study in mathematics, statistics, computer science, the physical and life sciences, and/or engineering. As a result, these courses also emphasize analyzing mathematical, statistical, scientific, and computational problems using logic, fundamental principles, and quantitative analysis. Courses in this area should include an appropriate writing component as a way for students to develop and demonstrate their understanding of basic scientific, mathematical, statistical, and computational concepts.
Template Requirements
The current list of courses approved for Area 2 can be found in the Cal Poly catalog.
| subarea | UNITS | Curriculum Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| 2¹: Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | 2 guidelines |
¹ This subarea is part of the Golden Four sequence. As outlined by CSU policy, students admitted in Fall 2016 or later must receive a grade of C- or better to complete the requirement.
Area 2 Curriculum Guidelines
As you review the sections that follow, please note that "Educational Objectives" refer to what students will learn by completing that subarea while "Criteria" refer to how the course is designed to support that learning. Together, these objectives and criteria are referred to as our "(curriculum) guidelines". Additional information about GE curriculum guidelines can be found here.
2: Mathematics and Quantative Reasoning
Educational Objectives
Mathematics/quantitative reasoning includes mathematics, statistics, and computer science. Area 2 should not exclusively focus on learning a programming language. After completing an Area 2 course, students should be able to:
- EO1 Analyze mathematical, statistical, and/or computational problems using mathematical abstraction, logic, and fundamental principles and techniques of the mathematical or statistical sciences;
- EO2 Describe the quantitative and/or computational aspects that underlie phenomena related to topics which arise in other disciplines and/or daily life;
- EO3 Apply techniques in mathematics, statistics, and/or computer science to formulate and develop strategies to solve problems in other disciplines and/or daily life;
- EO4 Articulate fundamental mathematical, statistical, and/or computational concepts using appropriate vocabulary;
- EO5 Identify and evaluate the limits of models, data, analytical techniques, and/or computational techniques;
- EO6 Demonstrate proficiency and fluency in using mathematical abstraction, computation, logic and/or statistical analysis to reason quantitatively and qualitatively.
Criteria
The course proposal and expanded course outline for courses in Area 2 must clearly indicate how the course meets each of the following criteria:
- CR1 Develop the skills and knowledge needed to study more advanced topics presented in upper division Area 2 courses;
- CR2 Require disciplinary appropriate writing assignments that comprise at least 10% of overall course grade (e.g., lab reports, math proofs, essay questions, word problems, exam questions).
Sources:
- AS-986-25 "Resolution on Template for General Education 2026"(pdf). 25 February 2025
- AS-913-21 "Resolution to Establish Area F in the General Education 2020 Template" (pdf). 2 March 2021
- AS-879-19 "Resolution on Subject Area Guidelines (I) for General Education 2020" (pdf). 4 June 2019.
Last updated September 9, 2026