Mathematics & Computer Science

Revisions to the Math Major

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science has revised the requirements for the mathematics major, beginning in 2024-25. The revisions incorporate several new classes that will be taught for the first time in 2023-24. 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.

Students who plan to declare the major during 2023-24 should consult with a faculty member in the department to determine whether the new major or old major requirements are a better fit for their background and interests.

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.

New 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	MA375
MA408: History of Mathematics	MA321 and MA375 or consent of the instructor
MA410: Complex Analysis	MA375
MA416: Partial Differential Equations	MA204 AND MA275 AND MA315
MA417: Mathematical Statistics	MA313 and either MA117 or MA217
MA418: Numerical Analysis	MA275 AND MA315
MA421: Abstract Algebra 2	MA321
MA475: Real Analysis 2	MA375

Report an issue - Last updated: 04/05/2024