Requirements for Majors and Minors

Course Requirements for the Major

There are two concentrations within the mathematics major, classical mathematics and statistics. The coursework required for completion of the major in each concentration is given below.

Classical Mathematics
A student must have credit for the following core courses:

Three semesters of calculus (MATH 11, 12, 21 or the equivalent)
MATH 18 Introduction to Computer Science
MATH 22 Foundations of Analysis
MATH 24 Linear Algebra
MATH 35 Abstract Algebra

In addition, majors must have credit for at least four other courses selected with the consent of the department. However, neither MATH 3 nor MATH 10 may be used to satisfy the requirements for the major.

Statistics
A student must have credit for the following core courses:

Three semesters of calculus (MATH 11, 12, 21 or the equivalent)
MATH 18 Introduction to Computer Science
MATH 22 Foundations of Analysis
MATH 24 Linear Algebra
MATH 36 Probability
MATH 41 Analysis
MATH 46 Mathematical Statistics

In addition to the core courses, majors must also have credit for two of the following:
MATH 6 Elements of Statistics
MATH 26 Data Analysis
MATH 29 Design and Analysis of Experiments
MATH 64 Linear Algebra II

Additional Requirements for the Major

Majors should present to the department, through their advisor and prior to the start of the senior year, a written statement on how their major program will meet expectations that go beyond the accumulation of units of credit as follows:

1. Mathematics is a vital component in the methods used by other disciplines. Therefore majors are expected to present a program of study that includes courses that use mathematics in significant ways. While many such courses may be found in the natural sciences, suitable courses may also be found in other disciplines, such as economics.
2. Majors are also expected to attain a depth of study within mathematics, as well as breadth. Therefore majors are expected to present a program of study that will fulfill these expectations. Ordinarily depth of study results from election of a two-course sequence that systematically progresses into one of the branches of mathematics, algebra, analysis, or geometry, broadly conceived. A concentration in statistics within the mathematics major will automatically meet the expectation of depth of study.

Senior Exercise

The Senior Exercise begins promptly in the fall of the senior year with independent study, under the guidance of a member of the department, concerning a topic of interest to the student, and approved by the department. The senior typically finds a topic and a faculty member to work with on that topic, at the end of the junior year, or, if necessary, at the very beginning of the senior year.

The independent study project culminates in a lecture by the senior, a lecture appropriate for an audience of fellow upper-class majors in mathematics. The lecture is followed (up to a week later) by a take-home examination (on the subject matter associated with the lecture), for which a week is allowed. Normally, the Senior Exercise is completed prior to the Thanksgiving break. A detailed Senior Exercise Description can be found in the "Academic Program" section of this website.

Suggestions for Majoring in Mathematics

Students wishing to keep open the option of a major in mathematics typically begin with the study of calculus in their first year, and normally complete the calculus, the initial computer science course, and MATH 22 (Foundations of Analysis) by the end of the sophomore year. A major is usually declared no later than the second semester of the sophomore year. Those considering a mathematics major, and those having declared a mathematics major, will find it useful to plan the entire course sequence, fulfilling the requirements of the major, reviewing, and updating the plan with advice from a member of the department.

The requirements listed above are minimal. Anyone who is planning a career in any of the mathematical sciences, or who intends to read for honors, is encouraged to consult with one or more members of the department concerning further studies that would be appropriate. Similarly, any student who wishes to propose a variation of the major program is encouraged to discuss the plan with a member of the department prior to submitting a written proposal for a decision by the department.

Course Requirements for the Minor

There are two minors in mathematics. Each minor deals with core material of a part of the discipline, and each reflects the logically structured nature of mathematics through a pattern of prerequisites. A minor consists of satisfactory completion of the courses indicated.

Mathematics
The calculus sequence 11, 12, 21, and four courses from the following:
7, 22, 24, 27, 30, 33, 35, 41, 52.

Statistics
The calculus sequence 11, 12, 21, and four courses from the following:
6, 24, 26, 29, 36, 46.

Deviations from the list of approved courses must be ratified by the mathematics department. Students considering a minor in mathematics are urged to speak with a member of the department about the selection of courses and the ways in which the major discipline and a proposed mathematics minor are related.