Mathematics Major & Minor Requirements

Mathematics plays such pivotal roles in today’s modern civilization that it is nearly impossible to imagine living without the modern conveniences and applications that the field has brought about. People who understand the discipline understand more than an academic subject area; they understand the structures on which entire societies rest.

Mathematics, the abstract science of number, quantity and space, touches all the sciences and offers logic, rather than observation, as a vehicle to move scientists from hypothesizing a result to proving it with accuracy and certainty. At the upper level, studying math has very little to do with calculators. Math students work with their professors to write and prove theorems that are sophisticated and even beautiful explanations of hidden patterns all around us.

Mathematics prepares students exceptionally well for careers or graduate study. Students who have interests in other science programs find that mathematics degrees dovetail nicely to other scientific disciplines. The department offers academic contests, a colloquium series, summer research, independent study projects and study abroad opportunities that round out the degrees, preparing students for some of the fastest growing and highest paying occupations in the United States.

 

  • Major

    The Math Major

    Note: The grade point average of the coursework comprising the major must be no less than 2.00 with no mathematics course grade below C- (1.7). Students are strongly advised to consult with faculty in planning their major curriculum.

    FOR EITHER THE BACHELOR OF ARTS OR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE:

    Only MATH340 classes taken for 1 unit will count as electives towards the major.

    AND FOR THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE:

    Four other units in computer science with at least two at the 300 level, or two units beyond the introductory level in one of the following fields: physics (200 level or above), chemistry (200 level or above), or biology (numbered higher than 205).

    Students are expected to fulfill all prerequisites necessary for courses within the major. Prerequisites do not count toward the major unless otherwise noted.

    Notes:

    Students are strongly advised to complete either MATH306  or MATH320  prior to the senior year.

    Any MATH and CMSC double-major, or MATH major with CMSC minor, having earned at least an A- in MATH300 may exempt from CMSC222 but is required to complete an additional CMSC 300-level elective to complete the CMSC major or minor.

  • Math Minor

    The Math Minor

    Note: The grade point average of the coursework comprising the minor must be no less than 2.00 with no mathematics course grade below C- (1.7). Students are strongly advised to consult with faculty in planning their minor curriculum.

    Six units, including: