A strong mathematics background is essential to an increasing variety of careers. The Department of
Mathematics encourages students to select a coherent body of courses in mathematics and in other disciplines
that are consistent with their academic goals.
The Department of Mathematics offers four options for the major in mathematics. Each student majoring in
mathematics should select an option that meets their academic needs by completing a Program Declaration form
in consultation with the Department's Chief Undergraduate Advisor. Ideally, this should be done prior to
completing two mathematics courses beyond the calculus sequence. As appropriate, students can change their
Program Declaration to select a different option or modify the program of study subject to the approval of
the Chief Undergraduate Advisor.
All options for the mathematics major require:
A complete calculus sequence: MATH 106, 107, 208 or 108H, 109H, or equivalent.
A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in those courses used to satisfy the Advanced Mathematics course
requirements.
An approved Program Declaration form.
Program Assessment: In order to assist the department in evaluating its programs, all
majors should plan to participate in:
an exit interview
an exit exam
during their last semester before graduation. Please make arrangements with the Chief Undergraduate
Advisor.
Option C (Concentration)
This option is ideal for students wishing to combine a strong mathematics education with a coherent body
of course work in another discipline. Specific requirements above calculus are as follows:
The 8 required mathematics courses must be distributed as follows:
MATH 314
Either MATH 221 or 380
Either MATH 310 or 325
At least three Advanced Mathematics courses at the 400 level
Two additional Advanced Mathematics courses
Any Plan A minor or an approved 18-hour concentration outside of mathematics.
One 400-level course in the area of the concentration may be substituted for one of
the required 400-level Advanced Mathematics courses, provided the course makes significant use of advanced
mathematics. The Chief Undergraduate Advisor must approve the substitution.
Option E (Education)
This option is ideal for students interested in teaching
mathematics at the secondary level. Specific requirements above calculus are as follows:
MATH 221, 310, 314, 350, 380, 405, 407, 408
An education minor or an approved 18-hour concentration in education
Option R (Research Experience)
This option is recommended for students interested in
independent work and for students planning to pursue graduate work in mathematics. Specific requirements
above calculus are as follows:
The 8 required mathematics courses must be distributed as follows:
MATH 221, 310, 314, and 325
At least three Advanced Mathematics courses at the 400 level
One more Advanced Mathematics course
An approved undergraduate research experience. A variety of options exist for meeting this requirement.
They include 1) research experiences such as an REU or UCARE that leads to a project paper, 2) a senior
honors thesis or a thesis approved for graduation with distinction, or 3) a grade of P in MATH 496,
Undergraduate Research Seminar (this course would be in addition to the Advanced Mathematics courses
requirement above). To satisfy this requirement, students must file with the Chief Undergraduate Advisor a)
a "Research Experience" contract that is approved by the Chief Undergraduate Advisor, and b) the thesis,
research papers, or projects as required by the contract. Visit with the Chief Undergraduate Advisor for
more information.
Option S (Statistics)
This option is recommended for students interested in a
mathematics major and a strong body of course work in statistics. Specific body of course work in statistics.
Specific requirements above calculus are as follows:
The 8 required mathematics courses must be distributed as follows:
MATH 314 and MATH/STAT 380
MATH 310 or 325
At least three Advanced Mathematics courses at the 400 level. For the purpose of this
requirement, one 400-level statistics course may be substituted for one 400-level Advanced Mathematics
course.
Two more Advanced Mathematics courses
Nine hours of statistics numbered 300 or above in addition to MATH/STAT 380
Under any option, students may substitute a more advanced course in the same area
for a required mathematics course. Interested students should visit with the Chief Undergraduate Advisor for
more information about this option.
Requirements for the Minor in Mathematics
A complete calculus sequence plus two advanced courses
A complete calculus sequence. Plan B is restricted to
students with more than one minor.
Pass/No Pass. For majors or minors, no calculus course can be taken pass/no pass. For the
major, at most 3 of the 24 hours of advanced courses may be taken on a pass/no pass basis. For Plan A minor,
one advanced course may be taken pass/no pass if approved by the student's major department.
Prerequisites. The prerequisites listed for a course may be replaced by equivalent
preparation. A prerequisite for all advanced courses is successful completion of the calculus sequence MATH
106–107–208 (MATH 106H-107H). Additional or specific prerequisites may also be listed. Two courses past
calculus are required for all 400-level mathematics courses. Prerequisites for 400-level statistics courses
are given with the descriptions. All topics, independent study, reading courses, and seminars require
permission before registering. Students with special circumstances in their preparation should confer with
the chief adviser or vice chair for guidance in selecting the proper course.
Persons with previous credit in any calculus course may not register for or
earn credit in MATH 100A, 101, 102, 103, or 104, without first receiving special written permission from the
vice chair.
Graduate Work. The advanced degrees of master of arts, master of science, master of arts
(or science) for teachers, and doctor of philosophy, are offered. For details of these programs, see the
Graduate Bulletin
