Departments & Programs

Mathematics

Major in Mathematics—B.S.

Purpose

The B.S. degree is designed to provide students with an extensive background in mathematics. It provides appropriate training for those students who plan to do graduate work in mathematics (Program I), or in related areas such as astronomy, biology, chemistry, cognitive science, computer science, economics, geology, or physics (Program II).

Required Courses

Program I

1. Writing, same as B.A. degree.

2. Foreign language, 3 credit hours (or the equivalent) at or above the second-year level.

3. Arts and humanities, two courses; social and historical studies, two courses; natural sciences, fulfilled by major.

4. Concentration requirements, at least 39 credit hours of mathematics, including:

  • M303, M311, and M312
  • at least one of M343 or M365
  • at least one of the sequences M413–M414 or M413–M415
  • at least one of the sequences M403–M404, M403–M405, M403–M409, or M403–M453
  • two additional courses at the 400- or 500-level excluding M491. M490 may be used with the approval of the director of undergraduate studies

Students are strongly encouraged to take at least one 500-level course in mathematics.

Program II

1. Writing, same as B.A. degree.

2. Foreign language, 3 credit hours (or the equivalent) at or above the second-year level.

3. Arts and humanities, two courses; social and historical studies, two courses; natural sciences, fulfilled by major.

4. Concentration requirements, at least 33 credit hours of mathematics, including:

  • M301 (or M303), M311, M312, M343, and M344
  • at least one of the sequences M413–M414 or M413–M415
  • at least one of the sequences M441–M442, M463–M464, M463–M466, or M471–M472

5. Computer Science C211 or A201 or another course approved by the mathematics department. This requirement may be waived for students who can demonstrate proficiency in computer programming.

6. Outside concentration: a concentration approved by the department consisting of 9 credit hours in one of the following departments: Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Economics, Geology, Physics, Statistics, or other departments with approval of the mathematics department.

Language Recommendations

Students preparing for graduate study in mathematics or a science are strongly encouraged to study French, German, or Russian.

Students must also complete the degree requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences.