Departments & Programs

Mathematics

Major in Mathematics—B.A.
Purpose

The Math B.A. major is for a student who:

  • likes to be challenged,
  • enjoys solving puzzles,
  • has other interests and talents outside of math,
  • desires flexibility and choice in major requirements,
  • has strong analytical skills and wants to develop them further,
  • wants to keep options open for a variety of career fields.

Students choosing this major should carefully consider the different types of courses available and how different areas of math may complement her/his interests and goals. Math B.A. majors take courses in at least two areas (see "coursework" below). Math B.A. majors gain general analytical and problem-solving skills that are both useful and marketable. They also gain a broad perspective of the power and beauty of mathematics.

Required Courses

Majors must complete the following:

  1. M211–M212, M211–M213, or M211–S212.
  2. M301 or M303, and M311.
  3. Five additional courses representing at least two of the eight areas of mathematics listed below. Of these, two courses must be 400-level "M" courses. If courses are chosen from only two areas, the two 400-level "M" courses must occupy distinct areas:
    • Algebra and Number Theory: M353, M403, M404, M405, M409, M453
    • Analysis: M312, M413, M414, M415
    • Applied Mathematics: M348, M371, M447, M448, M451, M471, M472
    • Differential Equations: M343, M344, M441, M442
    • Geometry and Topology: M321, M420, M435, M436
    • Logic: M391, M482
    • Mathematics Education and History: T336, M380, T403
    • Probability and Statistics: M360, M365, M463, M464, M466

For any mathematics course not listed above, the department will determine whether it will count toward the conditions in number 3.

At most, one course from mathematics education and history may count toward the five required courses.

With approval of the Department of Mathematics, one course outside of mathematics that has significant mathematical content may count toward the five required courses as long as conditions in number 3 are still satisfied. Computer Science C211 or A201 is recommended.

Recommendations
  • In addition to studying mathematics courses, all majors are strongly encouraged to study in depth another discipline that uses mathematics.
  • Majors are also strongly encouraged to take a computer programming course.
  • Majors interested in professional work or graduate study should take additional mathematics courses at the 300 and 400 levels.