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Programs - Mathematics Major

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Information for Prospective Mathematics Majors

Prospective mathematics majors should complete the following five mathematics courses (or their high school equivalents) by the end of the sophomore year: Mathematics 130, 135, 150, 235 and 300. Note that Mathematics 130, 135, 150 and 235 are sequenced, although the last two may be taken together. These courses, along with Mathematics 300, are prerequisites for many electives in mathematics, a number of which are offered only in alternate years. Students who are interested in computer science electives should complete Computer Science 121, or otherwise satisfy the prerequisites for Computer Science 231 by the end of the sophomore year.
 

 

Major Requirements

Mathematics 130 (Calculus I) is prerequisite to a mathematics major. With departmental approval, this prerequisite may be satisfied by work done in high school or in other college courses. The major in mathematics consists of eleven Mathematics or Computer Science courses numbered above 131 and must include:

  1.  Mathematics 135 (Calculus II: Multivariable Calculus)
  2. 150 (Linear Algebra and Mathematica with Applications)
  3. 235 (Differential Equations and Infinite Series)
  4. 300 (Introduction to Proof, Analysis and Topology)
  5. 355 (Abstract Algebra I) and 
  6. At least one course from each of the three following groups:

Group A

  • Computer Science 231 (Data Structures),
  • Computer Science 325 (Numerical Analysis), 
  • Mathematics 210 (Mathematical Modeling) and 
  • Mathematics 341 (Mathematical Statistics)

Group B

  • Mathematics 221 (Discrete Methods), 
  • Mathematics 255 (Elementary Number Theory) and 
  • Mathematics 365 (Geometry)

Group C

  • Mathematics 335 (Vector Calculus and Partial Differential Equations), 
  • Mathematics 340 (Probability) and 
  • Mathematics 435 (Complex Analysis)

NOTE: General college regulations require that (at least) five courses in the major must be at the 300- or 400-level.

Group A, B, and C establish breadth in three areas of mathematics, and students are encouraged, therefore, to consider courses outside these groups as potential electives for inclusion in their majors.

 

Graduate School

A student who intends to go to graduate school in mathematics should: (1) take the course work portion of the honors requirements in either pure mathematics or applied mathematics, (2) take the Graduate Record Examination, including the Advanced Test in Mathematics, during the fall semester of the senior year, and (3) acquire a reading proficiency in French, German or Russian.
 

 

Certificate for Secondary School Teaching

Mathematics 340 and 365 are required for students who intend to seek North Carolina certification in the teaching of secondary school mathematics. Mathematics 210 and 481 are also recommended for such students.

 

(last update: 22 August 2005)