Minor in Mathematics

Overview/Goals: The mathematics minor provides a structure that encourages students to explore contemporary mathematical ideas in an open-minded, intellectually curious way, with a wide focus, in the spirit of a liberal arts education, or with a more specialized focus, in order to pursue a deeper knowledge of a specific area of mathematics that is immediately relevant to the student's work in their major field of concentration. Ideally, a student who decides to minor in mathematics is a curious and enthusiastic math learner who wants to build a deeper understanding of mathematical ideas that go beyond the requirements of their chosen major. Such students might be coming from one of the more quantitative disciplines, but we also welcome students from the humanities or social sciences who have enjoyed learning math and want to explore more advanced mathematical topics, whether or not these topics are directly relevant to their major work.

Getting Started: Interested students should develop a plan that complements their work in their chosen field of concentration, in consultation with the Minor Program Director of the math department.  If the plan is to gain a broad overview of mathematics, we recommend a spectrum of courses in algebra, complex analysis, real analysis and geometry. Students with a strong interest in a more specialized area of mathematics can choose a sequence of courses in that particular field.

Prerequisites: The prequisites for the minor are the same as for the major: 

• Calculus: solid background knowledge of calculus of several variables (typically acquired in courses like 201 or 203 or 216 or 300)
• Linear Algebra: solid background in matrices, linear transformations and vector spaces (typically acquired in courses like 202 or 204 or 217 or 216/218)
• Rigorous Proofs: some experience with formal mathematical arguments (typically acquired in courses like 214, 215 or 216)

Requirements: There are two main components:

• Coursework: The minor requires four Mathematics department courses at the 300-level or higher. By permission, one of these can be a cognate if it fits into the student's plan and is approved in advance. These courses cannot be counted toward the student's major or towards other minors. No more than one reading course can be counted toward the minor requirements. Courses must be taken for a grade (rather than P/D/F).
• Research Seminar: In addition to the course work, the minor requires participation in one junior seminar in the mathematics department. For students pursuing a minor, this seminar can be completed in the junior or the senior year. The junior seminar must also be taken for a grade (rather than P/D/F).

Restrictions/Additional Information: Due to the overlap in topics, minoring in both MAT and PACM is not permitted. Students with strong interest in these minors should consult the respective minor program directors to make a selection and plan their additional studies.

Application: To apply to be considered for a mathematics minor, visit this link: https://forms.office.com/r/xKAHR2tiLy. You will need to upload a copy of your internal transcript.