Major Requirements

The Mathematics Department offers a major in mathematics leading either to the B.A. degree or the B.S. degree. Each program provides a broad education in fundamentals and problem-solving strategies. The B.A. option offers a basic major in mathematics. The B.S. option is designed for students with an additional strong interest in science or engineering.  Both options are appropriate for students who plan to pursue graduate study in the same or related fields.

The Mathematics Department offers two minors—a minor in mathematics and, jointly with the Computer Science department, a minor in data science. Data Science is an emerging field that combines computer science and statistics.  The minor in Data Science teaches programming skills, programming languages Java and R, data analytics, models and visualizations. Minors in mathematics and data science complement majors in many fields, including biology, business, chemistry, and earth and environmental science. The department also offers courses to support secondary teacher certification in cooperation with the Education Department through the MAEd. The program meets all content requirements for effective high school teaching and for licensure in Virginia. Further, the department offers coursework for students seeking certification in elementary education.

The math placement codes indicate levels of mathematics preparation for incoming students. A student’s application file, transcripts, and SAT or ACT scores form the basis for placement. The levels are coded by letters: H, A, B, C, D. Students may challenge their placements by contacting the department chair.

Major: Mathematics (BA)

Course Number And Title

Sem. Hrs.

MATH 171: Calculus I 4
MATH 172: Calculus II 4
MATH 273: Multivariable Calculus 4
MATH 205: Foundations of Logic and Proof 4
MATH 217: Linear Algebra 4
One of the following*:
MATH 210: Introductory Statistics
MATH 274: Ordinary Differential Equations
4
MATH 319: Algebraic Structures I 4
One of the following*:
MATH 419: Algebraic Structures II
MATH 471: Real Analysis
4
Three other courses at the 300/400 level
(excluding MATH 325 and MATH 326)
12
MATH 487: Mathematics Senior Seminar 1
Total within department 45

Major: Mathematics (BS)

Course Number And Title

Sem. Hrs.

MATH 171: Calculus I 4
MATH 172: Calculus II 4
MATH 273: Multivariable Calculus 4
MATH 205: Foundations of Logic and Proof 4
MATH 217: Linear Algebra 4
One of the following*:
MATH 210: Introductory Statistics
MATH 274: Ordinary Differential Equations
4
MATH 319: Algebraic Structures I 4

Two of the following*:
MATH 410: Mathematical Models
MATH 419: Algebraic Structures II
MATH 471: Real Analysis

8
Two other courses at the 300/400 level
(excluding MATH 325 and MATH 326)
8
Four courses in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, psychology or economics approved by advisor 16
MATH 487 Mathematics Senior Seminar 1
Total within department 61

Minor Requirements: Mathematics

Course Number And Title

Sem. Hrs.

MATH 171 Calculus I 4
MATH 172 Calculus II 4
One of the following:
MATH 205: Foundations of Logic and Proof
MATH 217: Linear Algebra
MATH 273: Multivariable Calculus
4
Two of the following:
MATH 310: Statistical Models
MATH 316: Probability
MATH 319: Algebraic Structures I
MATH 333: Number Theory
MATH 340: Modern Geometries
MATH 350: Numerical Methods
MATH 410: Mathematical Models
MATH 419: Algebraic Structures II
MATH 471: Real Analysis
MATH 489: Research in Mathematics
8
Total 20

A 2.0 GPA and a grade of C- or higher is required for all courses in the Mathematics minor.

Minor Requirements: Data Science

Course Number And Title

Sem. Hrs.

CS 112 Computer Programming I 4
CS 212 Computer Programming II 4
CS 311 Data Structures 4
MATH 210: Introductory Statistics 4
MATH 310 Statistical Models 4
Total 20

Mathematics majors interested in seeking Virginia licensure in mathematics 6-12 must complete a mathematics major including the following courses to gain admission to the 5th Year MAEd Program.

Course Number And Title

Sem. Hrs.

MATH 210: Introductory Statistics 4
MATH 316: Probability 4
MATH 333: Number Theory 4
MATH 340: Modern Geometries 4
MATH 471: Real Analysis 4
One of the following:
CS 110: Introduction to Computer Programming with Visual BASIC
CS 112: Computer Programming
4
MATH 300: Teaching Assistant Program 1
Total 25