Mathematics Department

Math Course Selection and Advice

for students majoring in mathematics

Students majoring in Mathematics usually complete a core of between 4 and 6 required courses (depending upon Calculus background and which, if any, of the Calculus courses may be omitted), plus 6 elective courses.

Core Courses for Math Majors

The core courses for the major are:

  • MT103 Calculus II (Math and Science Majors) -- MT105 Calculus II-AP (Math and Science Majors) may substitute
  • MT202 Multivariable Calculus
  • MT210 Linear Algebra
  • MT216 Introduction to Abstract Mathematics
  • MT310 Introduction to Abstract Algebra
  • MT320 Introduction to Analysis

Notes for Freshman Majors

  1. Students with no Calculus AP credit or with no Calculus background will usually start with MT102 Calculus I (Math and Science Majors), before continuing to MT103 Calculus II (Math and Science Majors).
  2. Students with Calculus AP credit and a year of a "Calculus AB" curriculum will usually enroll directly in MT105 Calculus II-AP (Math and Science Majors) and then continue to MT202 Multivariable Calculus.
  3. Highly motivated students who studied a year of a "Calculus BC" curriculum and achieved a score of 5 on the Calculus BC Advanced placement exam should consider enrolling directly in MT202 Multivariable Calculus.
  4. More complete information on choosing your first course from among the Calculus courses MT102, MT103, MT105, and MT202 is available on our Math and Science Calculus Information pages.
  5. In a handful of special cases, it may be both possible and reasonable to bypass the Calculus sequence altogether and begin either with the MT210 Linear Algebra course, or even the MT216 Introduction to Abstract Mathematics course. We highly recommend that you talk to the Assistant Chair for Undergraduates (or e-mail the Department) directly if you think this might be appropriate for you.
  6. Our recent experience has shown that about one third of eventual majors take MT202 as a first course at BC; slightly more than this number take MT103/MT105 as a first course at BC; and slightly less than this number take MT102 as a first course.
Elective Courses for Math Majors

Majors must also complete six (6) elective courses chosen at the level of MT400 or higher. (Usually, majors take no elective courses until second semester of sophomore year at the earliest.)

More information about elective courses can be found on our Department website on the Math Major Requirements page.