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:

  • Honors

    Honors Program in Mathematics

    The Mathematics Honors Program is designed for outstanding students with intellectual initiative and desire to pursue academic achievement beyond the level of standard course work. Its purpose is to provide these students the opportunity to broaden and deepen their knowledge of the major field.

    Eligibility and Admission to the Honors Program

    To be eligible for admission to the Honors program a student should have:

    • 18.5 or more units of completed work,

    • A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.3

    • 3.5 or more units in mathematics, at the MATH235 level or higher, with a cumulative GPA in all such courses of at least 3.3,

    • At least two semesters remaining before intended graduation

    Program of Study Requirements

    A successful Program of Study must fulfill each of the following requirements:

    1. Complete 2 units of Math 340 as part of the writing of their honors thesis

      1. These units of Math 340 are in addition to Math major requirements. Students cannot double count a 1-unit Math 340 toward the major (as 300-level elective) and toward their honors program.

    2. Complete an Honors Thesis Project and deliver results to the campus community:

      1. As a written thesis paper, and

      2. As a public presentation

    3. Maintain a GPA of at least 3.3 throughout the program

    To gain admission to the Honors Program, the student should first recruit a continuing Mathematics faculty member to serve as their Honors Project Advisor.

    Honors Thesis Project: To demonstrate superior achievement, Honors students are required to complete a dedicated Honors Thesis Project. A written thesis must be completed and approved by the Project Advisor and at least one additional department reader before submission to the Boatwright Library for official documentation of Honors completion and archiving (strict deadlines dictate completing the thesis and submitting to readers several weeks before the end of the semester when the student will graduate). At the

    discretion of the Department, an alternative work that presents a comparable challenge to intellectual initiative and academic achievement may be substituted. In addition to the written thesis, the Honors Project must be presented publicly to Mathematics and Statistics department faculty and students.

    Grade Point Average: Honors students must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.3 while in the program. Exceptions require approval by the Mathematics Honors Program Coordinator.

    Withdrawal from the Program: If at any time the student or the Honors Project Advisor decide that Honors work should not continue, the student or the Honors Advisor should submit a request for withdrawal to the Mathematics Honors Program Coordinator.

    Recognition of Honors Work

    A student who successfully completes the Honors Program will receive a degree with Departmental Honors, to be noted on the student’s permanent record along with the title of the Honors Thesis or comparable work. The student’s diploma and the Commencement Program will also indicate achievement of Departmental Honors, and the Honors Thesis or equivalent will be preserved in a separate collection in Boatwright Library.

    Special Cases

    Double majors who wish to pursue an Honors Program that integrates mathematics with their other field, should consult with the Mathematics Honors Program Coordinator in planning their Honors Program.

    If you have questions about the Honors Program in Mathematics, contact Dr. Jeremy LeCrone.