Core Courses:
These courses are prerequisites for the advanced courses and should be taken as soon as possible.

Calculus sequence (Math 120-121-122 or Math 124-125)
Linear Algebra (Math 130)
Multivariate Calculus (Math 131)
Introduction to Modern Analysis (Math 172)

Breadth Courses
Modern Algebra (Math 225)
Two math electives (Math 105, 114, 115, or any
courses beyond Math 125)

Depth Courses
Four additional courses at the 200 level, one a capstone course to be selected with the major advisor (internships and reading courses will meet this requirement only with departmental approval)

(Total twelve or thirteen courses, depending on student's choice of calculus sequence)

Pure mathematics is the study of mathematics as an end in itself. Many students are originally attracted to mathematics because of its powerful applications, but a taste for pure mathematics often develops after studying the subject.  Students planning to study mathematics in graduate school should consider programs in either pure or applied mathematics. Suggested courses: Math 214 (Modern Analysis); Math 216 (Complex Analysis); Math 226 (Modern Algebra II); and Math 228 (Topology).

Applied mathematics is the study of mathematics as applied to the natural or social sciences. The heart of the field is modeling--translating aspects of natural or social phenomena into mathematical objects that can be studied with such mathematical tools as differential equations, linear systems, and stochastic processes. Suggested courses: Math 212 (Numerical Analysis); Math 214 (Modern Analysis); Math 216 (Complex Analysis); Math 217-218 (Probability and Statistics and Topics in Statistics); and Math 244 (Differential Equations).

Actuarial science is the study of finance and insurance. Study in this field requires a grounding in mathematics and statistics and an understanding of economics and business management. Suggested courses: Math 212 (Numerical Analysis); Math 217-218 (Probability and Statistics and Topics in Statistics); Math 244 (Differential Equations); and appropriate courses in economics or business management.

A major who maintains at least a 3.2 average (4.0 scale) in courses required for the major may apply for the departmental honors program. A student's application in writing must be directed to a prospective honors advisor or the department chair by the end of the student's junior year. Honors may be achieved in one of two ways:

1. A unified four-course sequence as a senior (some parts of which may consist of reading courses), followed by a comprehensive examination.

2. An honors project to be presented at an oral defense or at a department seminar. This project may be an independent or joint research thesis, or it may be a programming project. Supporting course work may be required. Students interested in pursuing the honors program should consult their department advisor. The student registers for Math 297, for course credit for an honors thesis.

Upon satisfactory completion of the program, the department may recommend graduation with honors, high honors, or highest honors.

Total: 6 or 7 courses, depending on student's choice of calculus sequence. (Reading courses and internships are accepted only with departmental approval.) The two elective courses depend on the student's interest. For instance, a student interested in the physical sciences could take Math 172 (Introduction to Modern Analysis) and Math 244 (Differential Equations), while Math 217-218 (Probability and Statistics and Topics in Statistics) might be more appropriate for social sciences. See the department for further suggestions.

Certificate requirements include courses in education and in mathematics. Consult the Education Department for information on required courses in education and the most recent state guidelines. The mathematics department recommends the completion of a regular math major, with Math 126 (Elementary Number Theory) and Math 128 (Modern Geometry) included as the two elective Breadth Courses.

The mathematics department offers courses to help students using mathematics as a tool for studying other areas; see Math 113 (Mathematical Problem Solving) and Math 217-218 (Probability and Statistics, and Topics in Statistics). Outside the department, COPACE offers IDND 17 (Foundations of Quantitative Thinking).

Calculus is an essential tool for; every serious student of mathematics or the natural sciences. It also is used in economics and other disciplines. The Department of Mathematics offers two calculus tracks: Math 120-121-122; and Math 124-125.; Both tracks are open to first-year students with appropriate scores on the placement test. Math 124 is geared towards students who have had prior experience with (regular and AP) calculus.  Strong students in the physical sciences are urged to start with Math 124. The Mathematics Department generally recommends that even students with a high AP score take Math 124. In exceptional circumstances, first-year students may enroll in Math 130.

All students who intend to take mathematics courses or who need to satisfy the University's mathematics proficiency requirement (with the exception of students with Advanced Placement credit in calculus) must take the mathematics placement test, available online as well as given during orientation and preregistration. Based on placement test scores, some students will be required to pass IDND 17 (Foundations of Quantitative Thinking), offered through COPACE, before they enroll in a Formal Analysis course. Other students, who place at levels ranging from precalculus through Math 124, must begin in a course corresponding to their placement test scores. This course must not be higher or lower than the test score indicates. Students may challenge their placement by taking backup placement tests.