Mathematics (BA/BS)

The field of mathematics sits midway between the sciences and the humanities. Like the sciences, mathematical thought is very analytical, precise, and rigorous. But like the arts and humanities, mathematics is about exploring places of incredible grace and beauty, some of which can only be accessed through the power of imagination. You can explore geometry in ten-dimensional space, learn about advanced and exotic number systems, and study statistical techniques for finding patterns in data sets, all in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Students majoring in mathematics can choose a track from three areas: applied mathematics, pure mathematics, and secondary teaching. Applied mathematics studies physical, biological, and sociological aspects; pure mathematics focuses on the development of mathematical principles for their own sake; and secondary teaching prepares students to teach math. Regardless of your focus, the mathematics major will teach you the art of disciplined and logical thought, skills that are very valuable to future employers. A mathematics degree prepares you for work in fields like engineering, computer programming, information technology, financial planning, data management, business, and education.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Use the language of mathematics correctly in the context of linear algebra and multi-variable calculus.
• Read and interpret written mathematics expressed using definitions, axioms, theorems, proofs and conjectures.
• Write clear and logical explanations of mathematical ideas.
• Apply computational and problem solving skills to investigate new mathematical questions.
• Demonstrate familiarity with the remarkable breadth of classical mathematics, including at least one area from algebra (groups of symmetries, factorization in commutative rings), analysis (limits, derivatives, integrals, and series), and number theory (prime numbers, Diophantine equations, and quadratic reciprocity).
• (Pure track) Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of a more advanced topic in algebra, analysis or topology. Use appropriate software (such as LaTeX) for mathematical writing in the context of proofs in this area.
• (Secondary teaching track) Understand some of the foundations of geometry, and the history and applications of calculus, as appropriate for secondary teaching. Use software (such as Desmos, Mathematica) in this context.

The department offers undergraduate preparation for positions in government, business, and industry and for graduate work in mathematics and statistics. Each student’s major program is individually constructed in consultation with an advisor.

Upper-division courses used to satisfy major requirements must be taken for letter grades, and only one D grade (D+ or D or D–) may be counted toward the upper-division requirement. At least 12 credits in upper-division mathematics courses must be taken in residence at the university.

Statistical Methods I (MATH 425) cannot be used to satisfy requirements for a mathematics major or minor.

To qualify for a bachelor’s degree with a major in mathematics, a student must satisfy the requirements for one of three options: the standard track, pure mathematics, or secondary teaching. In each option, most courses require calculus as a prerequisite, and in each option some of the courses require satisfying the bridge requirement.

• Standard Track
• Pure Mathematics
• Secondary Teaching

Mathematics Major - Standard Track

¹

For students who have completed Calculus with Theory I-III (MATH 261–263) with a grade of mid-C or better, the department will waive the requirement for Fundamentals of Analysis I-II (MATH 316–317).

²

Sequences include Fundamentals of Analysis I-II (MATH 316–317), Fundamentals of Number Theory I-II (MATH 347–348), Elementary Numerical Analysis I-II (MATH 351–352), Fundamentals of Abstract Algebra I-II (MATH 391–392), Geometries from an Advanced Viewpoint I-II (MATH 394–395), Functions of a Complex Variable I-II (MATH 411–412), Partial Differential Equations: Fourier Analysis I (MATH 421M) - Partial Differential Equations: Fourier Analysis II (MATH 422), Introduction to Analysis I-III (MATH 413–415), Introduction to Topology (MATH 431–432), Introduction to Abstract Algebra I-III (MATH 444–446), Introduction to Mathematical Methods of Statistics I-II (MATH 461–462), Introduction to Mathematical Methods of Statistics I (MATH 461) - Stochastic Processes (MATH 467); credit for these courses cannot count for both the two-term Fundamentals sequence and the four upper-division electives.

³

After completing Introduction to Mathematical Methods of Statistics II (MATH 462), students cannot receive credit for: Statistical Models and Methods (MATH 343), Probability and Statistics for Data Science (MATH 345M), nor Probability and Statistics for Data Science (DSCI 345M).

⁴

Students can only use one of the following toward the two-course upper-division requirement: Statistical Models and Methods (MATH 343), Probability and Statistics for Data Science (MATH 345M), Probability and Statistics for Data Science (DSCI 345M), and Introduction to Mathematical Methods of Statistics II (MATH 462).

Mathematics Major - Pure Mathematics

¹

For students who have completed Calculus with Theory I-III (MATH 261–263) with grades of mid-C or better, the department will waive the requirement for Fundamentals of Analysis I-II (MATH 316–317).

²

The two-term abstract algebra sequence—Introduction to Abstract Algebra I (MATH 444), Introduction to Abstract Algebra II (MATH 445)—cannot also count toward the two upper-division electives.

³

Students can only use one of the following toward the two-course upper-division requirement: Statistical Models and Methods (MATH 343), Probability and Statistics for Data Science (MATH 345M), Probability and Statistics for Data Science (DSCI 345M), and Introduction to Mathematical Methods of Statistics II (MATH 462).

⁴

After completing Introduction to Mathematical Methods of Statistics II (MATH 462), students cannot receive credit for: Statistical Models and Methods (MATH 343), Probability and Statistics for Data Science (MATH 345M), nor Probability and Statistics for Data Science (DSCI 345M).

Mathematics Major - Secondary Teaching

¹

For students who have completed Calculus with Theory I-III (MATH 261–263) with grades of mid-C or better, the department will waive the requirement for Fundamentals of Analysis I-II (MATH 316–317).

Four-Year Degree Plan

The degree plan shown is only a sample of how students may complete their degrees in four years. There are alternative ways. Students should consult their advisor to determine the best path for them.

To enroll with courses that have prerequisites, students must complete the prerequisite course with grades of C– or better or P. All upper-division mathematics courses must be taken for letter grades to count toward a mathematics major or minor, and only one D grade (D+ or D or D–) may be counted toward the upper-division requirements for the major or minor.

• Standard Track
• Pure Mathematics
• Secondary Teaching

Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics: Standard Track

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics: Standard Track

Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics: Pure Mathematics

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics: Pure Mathematics

Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics: Secondary Teaching

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics: Secondary Teaching