Mathematics Major

Departmental information and a statement of philosophy for mathematics can be found on the opening page of the curriculum section.

Mathematics credit by proficiency

For information on earning credit by proficiency in mathematics, please see the "Credit by Proficiency" section of this catalog.

Mathematics Major Requirements (43 s.h.)

  1. Complete all of the following:
    • MATH 131Pm    Calculus I (4)
    • MATH 132Pm    Calculus II (4)
    • MATH 210Pm    Introduction to a Computer Algebra System (1)
    • MATH 221Pm    Foundations of Mathematics (3)
    • MATH 231Pm    Multivariable Calculus (3)
    • MATH 240Pm    Linear Algebra (4)
    • MATH 385P      Mathematics/Computer Science Junior Seminar (2)
    • MATH 421Pm    Abstract Algebra I (3)
    • MATH 431Pm    Real Analysis I (3)
    • MATH 485P      Mathematics/Computer Science Senior Seminar (1)
  2. Complete one of the following:
    • COSC 110Pm    Introduction to Computer Science (3)
    • COSC 115Pm   Scientific Programming (3)
  3. Complete 12 s.h. of the following electives:
    • MATH 250Pm    Differential Equations (3)
    • MATH 310Pm   Geometry (3)
    • MATH 330Pm    Mathematical Modeling (3)
    • MATH 341Pm    Probability (3)
    • MATH 342Pm    Statistics (3)
    • MATH 370Pm    Numerical Analysis (3)
    • MATH 422Pm    Abstract Algebra II (3)
    • MATH 432Pm    Real Analysis II (3)
    • MATH 390/490 Topics in Mathematics (3)
  4. Complete all requirements for the Communication Skills Endorsement

Communication skills endorsement

The department believes that it is essential that majors in computer science and mathematics are able to speak, read, and write satisfactorily within the discipline. As such, many courses throughout the major include activities that evaluate students' ability to communicate.

The department faculty meet annually to discuss and evaluate each major's communication skills. Students can expect to be evaluated at least once during each academic year. Students whose skills in one or more areas (speaking, reading, and writing) are not sufficient must work with her/his adviser to design an improvement plan.

The final evaluation of a student's communication skills occurs in MATH/COSC 385P Mathematics/Computer Science Junior Seminar (2) and MATH/COSC 485P Mathematics/Computer Science Senior Seminar (1). In these courses, students are required to give two oral presentations and write a paper covering the topic used in the second presentation. Reading and research skills are also covered in these courses.

Typical sequence of courses for the math major

Freshman year
COSC 110Pm Introduction to Computer Science
MATH 131Pm Calculus I
MATH 132Pm Calculus II
Central core courses and electives

Sophomore year
MATH 231Pm Multivariable Calculus
MATH 221Pm Foundations of Mathematics
MATH 240Pm Linear Algebra
MATH 210Pm Introduction to a Computer Algebra System
Central core courses and electives

Junior year
MATH 385P Mathematics/Computer Science Junior Seminar
MATH 421Pm Abstract Algebra I* and
MATH 422Pm Abstract Algebra II* or
MATH 431Pm Real Analysis I* and
MATH 432Pm Real Analysis II*
Two courses from:
MATH 250Pm Differential Equations*
MATH 370Pm Numerical Analysis*
MATH 310Pm Geometry*
MATH 390/490 Topics: Mathematics*
Central core courses and electives

Senior year
MATH 485P Mathematics/Computer Science Senior Seminar
MATH 421Pm Abstract Algebra I* and
MATH 422Pm Abstract Algebra II* or
MATH 431Pm Real Analysis I* and
MATH 432Pm Real Analysis II*
Two courses from:
MATH 330Pm Mathematical Modeling*
MATH 341Pm Probability*
MATH 342Pm Statistics*
Central core courses and electives

*Offered in alternate years.