Mathematics & Computer Science

Math Major

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science has revised the requirements for the mathematics major, beginning in 2024-25. The revised major will be more flexible than the prior requirements, allowing students to focus mainly on pure mathematics, applied mathematics, or statistics – or to sample from all of these areas.

Notes on specific classes

MA120 (Applied Linear Algebra) and MA221 (Advanced Linear Algebra)

MA120 (Applied Linear Algebra) and MA221 (Advanced Linear Algebra) are new courses that will be required for the major. MA221 will have MA120 as a prerequisite. Starting in 2024-25, these two courses will replace MA220 (Linear Algebra) which will no longer be offered. This change should not affect any student that has already declared a major or minor in mathematics. But if you have already taken MA220 (Linear Algebra), please talk to your academic advisor to discuss any potential changes in your plans.

MA275 (Sequences and Series)

MA275 (Sequences and Series) is a new course that will be a prerequisite for many upper-level courses beginning in 2024-25. If you have not already taken MA375 (Real Analysis), you should take MA275 as soon as possible.

Math Major Requirements

Total courses required, assuming no prior credit: 14.

Required Introductory Courses

MA120: Applied Linear Algebra
MA125: Pre-Calculus & Calculus or MA126: Calculus 1
MA129: Calculus 2

Required Mid-Level Courses

MA204: Calculus 3
MA221: Advanced Linear Algebra
MA275: Sequences and Series
ONE OF: MA201: Discrete Math, MA237: Statistical Methods 1, or MA251: Number Theory

Required Upper-Level Courses

ONE OF: MA321: Abstract Algebra 1 or MA375: Real Analysis 1
ONE OF: MA313: Probability or MA315: Ordinary Differential Equations

Electives

Four one-unit elective courses, at the 200-level or above (not taken as required courses)
At most one course can be at the 200 level. The department maintains a list of non-mathematics courses that can substitute for this 200-level elective
At least one of these electives must be at the 400-level
Independent study course (MA255, MA355, MA455) cannot be used to satisfy this requirement

Thesis

Students must complete a senior thesis, which includes taking MA499 and presenting their work in a written thesis as well as a departmental talk or poster.

Talk Attendance

Students must fulfill the talk attendance and write-up requirement as described on the department’s web page.

Prerequisite Revisions

Existing Math courses and their new prerequisites for the 2024-25 academic school year
Course	Prerequisites Beginning in 2024-25
MA110: Mathematical Explorations	None
MA117: Elem Prob and Stats	None
MA120: Applied Linear Algebra	None
MA125/MA126: Calculus 1	None
MA129: Calculus 2	MA125 or MA126
MA201: Foundations of Discrete Mathematics	Any two of: MA117, MA217, MA120, MA125, MA126, MA129 or equivalent
MA204: Calculus 3	MA129
MA217: Intro Probability and Statistics	MA125 or MA126. No Credit after MA117
MA221: Advanced Linear Algebra	MA120 Applied Linear Algebra and one of: MA117, MA217, MA125, MA126, MA129 or equivalent
MA237: Statistical Methods 1	MA217 or (MA117 and either MA125 or MA126)
MA251: Number Theory	Any two of: MA117, MA217, MA120, MA125, MA126, MA129 or equivalent
MA256: Mathematical Biology	MA120, either MA125 or MA126 and 1 college biology course
MA275: Sequences and Series	MA129
MA300: Geometry	MA120 and any two of: MA201, MA221, MA251, MA275
MA313: Probability	MA120 and MA204
MA315: Ordinary Differential Equations	MA120 and MA275
MA321: Abstract Algebra 1	MA221 and MA251
MA325: Graph Theory	MA120 and either MA201 or MA251
MA375: Real Analysis 1	MA204 and MA275 and one of (MA201, MA221 or MA251)
MA400: Topology	Mathematics 375
MA408: History of Mathematics	(Mathematics 321 and 375) or one of these courses and consent of instructor
MA410: Complex Analysis	consent of instructor or Mathematics 375.
MA416: Partial Differential Equations	Mathematics 315 or some experience with ordinary differential equations with consent of instructor
MA417: Mathematical Statistics	MA313 and either MA117 or MA217
MA418: Numerical Analysis	Mathematics 315 or some experience of ordinary differential equations with consent of instructor
MA421: Abstract Algebra 2	MA321
MA475: Real Analysis 2	MA375

Report an issue - Last updated: 08/12/2024