Mathematics Major

Requirements for the Major in Mathematics

The mathematics major is organized by tracks that help students define and explore their interests. Students should work closely with an advisor in the Mathematics Department to select courses.

The mathematics major requires the following:

1. Single Variable Calculus (MATH 030 PO  and MATH 031 PO )
2. Multivariable Calculus or Vector Calculus (MATH 032 PO  or MATH 067 PO )
3. Linear Algebra (MATH 060 PO )
4. Eight additional upper-division courses within one of the tracks
5. The senior exercise includes participation in the Seminar in Mathematical Exposition (MATH 190 PO ) and the Senior Thesis (MATH 191 PO ), writing a paper on a mathematical project under the direction of a departmentally approved advisor and the oral presentation of the paper. To be considered for distinction in the senior exercise, a student must produce an excellent senior thesis and, in addition to requirements of the chosen track, must take two or more mathematics courses numbered 120 or above for a letter grade. An excellent thesis will exhibit qualities including, but not limited to: (i) substantial mathematical content, either original research or exposition of an advanced topic; (ii) lucid accurate writing; (iii) appropriate mathematical and historical context; (iv) coherent intellectual organization.
6. All math majors (including double majors) must have a math professor as one of their academic advisors.

Based upon prior work, students may opt out of some or all of the first three requirements (Calculus and Linear Algebra). After Single Variable Calculus (MATH 030 PO  and MATH 031 PO ), many students follow Multivariable Calculus (MATH 032 PO ) with Linear Algebra (MATH 060 PO ). However, students who plan to continue with mathematics are encouraged to take Linear Algebra followed by Vector Calculus (MATH 067 PO ).

The general mathematics track develops a broad understanding of all of the mathematical sciences. Students who are also majoring in another subject could find this track appropriate, as might those who are interested in becoming high school mathematics teachers. The pure mathematics track is especially appropriate for students who want to understand mathematics on its own terms, particularly those who plan on graduate study in mathematics. The applied mathematics track helps students develop an individualized curriculum in mathematics that is motivated by, and helpful to, other fields of inquiry, such as economics, biology or other sciences. This track is particularly appropriate as preparation for post-baccalaureate employment in industry or graduate study in applied mathematics. The statistics track provides a background in both theory and practice in data analysis, appropriate for both employment and graduate study.