BA/BS Pure Mathematics
The Pure Math major is intended for those who would like a more structured way of exploring more areas of pure mathematics. This is appropriate for those considering graduate study in mathematics or for careers in industry that require a heavy mathematics background. There is no distinction between the BA and BS degrees. Review a current list of electives. The major and minor checklists are available here.
Program Requirements and Policies
- Fourteen courses beyond Calculus II are required to complete the major.
- Students in the School of Engineering may, with certain exceptions, choose mathematics as a second area of concentration. To do so, a student must notify the dean of engineering through the Department of Mathematics at least one semester before graduation. The student must complete a program that simultaneously satisfies the conditions for a degree from the School of Engineering and the concentration requirements of the Department of Mathematics.
- Majors are advised to complete Math 42 and Math 70 by the end of their second year and are encouraged to take Math 61 (Discrete Mathematics), Math 63 (Number Theory), or Math 65 (Bridge to Higher Mathematics) to prepare themselves for the proofs in higher-level mathematics courses.
Course Requirements
For Pure Mathematics Majors Matriculating Fall 2025
To major in Pure Mathematics, a student must take 14 courses beyond Calculus II (Math 34). These courses must include the following:
- Seven (7) Math courses
- Math 42: Calculus III
- Math 70: Linear Algebra
- Math 65: Bridge to Higher Mathematics
- One (1) coding/computation course:
- Math 87: Mathematical Modeling
- Math 123: Mathematical Aspects of Data Analysis
- Math 125: Numerical Analysis
- Math 126: Numerical Linear Algebra
- CS 11: Introduction to Computer Science
- Another approved course
- Math 153: Ordinary Differential Equations OR Math 51: Differential Equations
- Math 135: Real Analysis I
- Math 145: Abstract Algebra I
- Four (4) upper-level Math courses
- Math courses numbered in the 130s, 140s, 160s, 170s, or 180s, not used to fulfill any requirement above.
- These must be selected from at least three different decades.
- Approved Math 190 topic courses may also be used.
- Two (2) additional Math courses
- Math courses numbered 120 or above, not used to fulfill any requirement above.
- One (1) elective
- Any Math course numbered 50 or above, or a course from the related fields list list of electives.
NOTE: A student considering graduate school in Mathematics is strongly urged to complete 135/136 and 145/146.