Major Programs

Lafayette's Department of Mathematics administers three major programs: A.B. in Mathematics, B.S. in Mathematics, and A.B. Joint Major in Mathematics and Economics. This page provides detailed descriptions of these programs.

It is also possible for students to minor in mathematics. The requirements are simple: Calculus III (Math 263) and at least three higher-numbered courses, including at least two at the 300-level.

Mathematics majors

Lafayette's mathematics programs provide a rigorous introduction to the central ideas of algebra and analysis, complemented with electives of direct interest to students who intend to pursue careers in actuarial science, data analysis, finance, higher education, management, secondary education, and many other fields in which mathematical techniques are used or taught. Students who have pursued less mathematics-centered careers, like law and medicine, have found that the mathematician's habits of logical thought and careful abstraction are valuable there too. Small upper-level classes, seminars, and independent study and research projects give mathematics students the opportunity to study particularly interesting topics in depth.

It is important that students who wish to major in mathematics take Mathematics 290 and 300 during the first two years to ensure the widest possible selection of electives in the third and fourth years. It is also recommended that students who wish to major in mathematics take the time to plan ahead: some courses are prerequisites for other courses, some courses are corequisites for others, and some courses are only available in certain semesters or certain years. To assist you there is a chart of the advanced courses regularly available to mathematics majors, with prerequisites indicated, a list of recently offered and upcoming regularly offered courses, and a list of special topics classes and seminars that will be offered or have run recently. Consult the course catalog or your friendly neighborhood math prof for more details! Career advice for math majors with various special interests may be found here.

Several changes in the major requirements have been implemented recently. Mathematics 275 has been replaced by two courses, Math 290 (Transition to Theoretical Mathematics) and Math 300 (Vector Spaces); Math 290 is a prerequisite for Math 300 and also for some other advanced courses. Math 290 was offered for the first time in the spring of 2007, and Math 300 will be offered for the first time in spring 2008.

Math majors who were required to take 275 but have not completed it should satisfy the requirement by taking Math 290 and Math 300; Math 300 will "count" as one of the required 300-level electives.

Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics

Requirements for graduating classes through 2009

Mathematics 161, 162, 263, 275 or 300, 282*, 351, 356, and at least three additional mathematics courses numbered 300 or higher.

Computer Science 102 is recommended as an elective for students in this major.

* Mathematics 282 may be replaced by Mathematics 182, 264, or any 300-level elective.

Requirements for graduating classes starting in 2010

Mathematics 161, 162, 263, 290, 300, 351, 356, and three elective courses in mathematics numbered 300 or higher (Mathematics 264 or 282 may replace one 300-level elective); and the AB Common Course of Study.

Computer Science 102 and Mathematics 400 are recommended as electives for students in this major.

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

Requirements for graduating classes through 2009

Mathematics 161, 162, 263, 275 or 300, 282*, 351, 356, 400 or 496, and at least five elective courses in mathematics numbered 300 or higher; Physics 131 or 151; Physics 132, 133 or 152; and Computer Science 102.

* Mathematics 282 may be replaced by Mathematics 182, 264, or any 300-level elective.

Requirements for graduating classes starting in 2010

Mathematics 161, 162, 263, 290, 300, 351, 356, 400 or 496, and five elective courses in mathematics numbered 300 or higher (at least one 300-level elective must have Mathematics 351 or 356 as a prerequisite; Mathematics 264 or 282 may replace one 300- level elective); Computer Science 102; Physics 131 or 151; Physics 132, 133 or 152; and the BS Common Course of Study.

Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Economics

This interdisciplinary major gives mathematically talented students with career plans in economics or business a wide range of mathematical skills and significant experience with the fundamental ideas of economics and business. It also distinguishes them from the thousands of students around the country who major in economics and business. A distinctive feature of the program is the senior capstone experience, in which students integrate their study of mathematics and economics. Administration of the Joint Major in Mathematics and Economics and advising of students in the program is done by the Department of Mathematics.

Requirements
Mathematics 161, 162, 263, 272 or 275 or 300, 282, 306, 335, 336; Economics and Business 101, 211, 212, 218, 365, and two electives numbered 300 or higher; a capstone experience in the form of a one-semester course, taken during the senior year, designed to integrate the ideas and techniques students have encountered in their work in mathematics and economics. (The capstone experience may consist of Economics 313, Economics 324, Mathematics 301 or appropriate independent study or honors work. Students interested in graduate study in economics may substitute Mathematics 356 for the capstone course.)

Computer Science 102 is recommended as an elective for students in this major.

RobRoot@Lafayette.edu