Mathematics Major Requirements

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The Mathematics Major

At least ten one-semester courses are required for the major in mathematics. The foundation consists of required courses in calculus and algebra: MATH 131, 132 (or equivalents), 241, 242, 243, and 244. Mathematics majors begin their studies in the three semester MATH 131, 132, 241 calculus sequence. Majors who enter with advanced placement credit in calculus, or who have taken a year-long calculus course in high school, may begin in MATH 136 or MATH 241 as appropriate. Students who need a more intensive first course may also begin in MATH 133, 134. (Advanced placement credits may also be used to count toward the ten required courses for the major.) The calculus sequence is followed by the one semester course Principles of Analysis (MATH 242) which studies the theoretical foundations of the calculus. In addition, in their second year, mathematics majors normally take the two semester sequence Algebraic Structures-Linear Algebra (MATH 243, 244).

Beyond the six basic courses discussed above, majors are required to take at least four courses numbered above 300. These courses are electives, subject to the guiding principles that each major's course selections should include both a broad range of courses within mathematics and a study of at least one area in depth. Beginning with the class of 2004, to demonstrate breadth, mathematics majors must complete at least one semester-long upper-level course in three of the following four areas: Analysis, Algebra, Geometry and Topology, and Applied Mathematics. The college catalog course listings for the department show which regular upper-level mathematics courses fall within each of the four breadth areas, and all majors will consult with their academic advisers no later than the end of their second year to plan their major course selections with this requirement in mind. The four upper-level courses must also include a full-year linked sequence in some subject to provide depth.

We make every effort to keep these descriptions up to date, but the final authority on college and departmental policy is the College Catalog. The Catalog should always be consulted when planning your curriculum.

Last modified: 30 January 2004