Requirements for Mathematics Degree
For the undergraduate curriculum in liberal arts and sciences, major in mathematics, leading to the degree bachelor of science, see Liberal Arts and Sciences, Curriculum.
The program in mathematics offers training suitable for students planning to enter secondary school teaching, to work in mathematics and computation for industry or government, or to continue their studies in graduate school. The requirements for an undergraduate major in mathematics are designed so that the student may have opportunity for appropriate specialization to meet one or more of the foregoing objectives and, at the same time, obtain a thorough introduction to the mathematics underlying all of them.
Graduates understand a broad range of mathematical topics and are familiar with a broad range of mathematical models. They have skills for solving problems in diverse situations. They can construct rigorous arguments to demonstrate mathematical facts. They can communicate their mathematical methods to others and can justify their assumptions.
The requirements for an undergraduate major include:
(a) Math 165, 166, 201, 265, 317, 301, 414, and either 266 or 267.
(b) 15 additional credits in mathematics courses at the 300 level or above.
(c) The courses used to satisfy a) and b) above must include one of the sequences 301, 302; 414, 415; 435, 436.
(d) In addition to the credits in (b), either Math 492 or 2 credits of C I/LAS 480C. (C I/LAS 480C is available only for students seeking secondary school certification).(e) Communication Proficiency requirement: The department requires a grade of C or better in each of English 150 and 250 (or 250H) and an upper-level communication skills requirement that may be met by writing an acceptable undergraduate thesis (Math 491) or by taking at least one of Engl 302, 305, 314 or Jl MC 201. A grade of C- or better is required.
The department strongly recommends that each student majoring in mathematics include in the program substantial supporting work beyond the minimum general education requirement of the college in one or more areas of application of mathematics, such as other mathematical sciences, engineering, natural science, or social science. In particular, it recommends that each student take Com S 207, 208; Phys 221, 222; and Stat 341, 342 (or Math 304). It also recommends that students contemplating graduate study in mathematics acquire a reading knowlege of French, German, or Russian. Credits earned in Math 104, 105, 140, 141, 142, 150, 151, 160, 181, 182, 195, 196, cannot be counted toward graduation by mathematics majors.
The department offers a minor in mathematics which may be earned by credit in Math 201, 265, (266 or 267), (307 or 317), and 301.
