Minor in Mathematics

The program's goal is to allow students to explore contemporary mathematics, either as a topic for its own sake or to gain a deeper knowledge of a specific area most relevant to the student's work in their major field of concentration. In consultation with the Minor Program Director of the Math Department, the student should develop a plan that complements their work in their chosen field of concentration. The plan can be to gain a broad knowledge of mathematics, in which case we recommend courses in algebra, complex analysis, and real analysis. Alternatively, students with a strong interest in a more specialized area of mathematics can choose a sequence of courses in that field.

The mathematics minor provides a structure that encourages students to explore mathematical ideas for their own sake in an open-minded, intellectually curious way, which is the primary goal of a liberal arts education. The program allows both a minor in math that supplements students’ work in their major field of concentration and a minor in math that will enable students to explore new directions. A student who decides to minor in mathematics might want to learn more math because they have always been curious and enthusiastic math learners and want to build a deeper understanding of the mathematical ideas present throughout their work in their chosen disciplines. We also welcome students from the humanities or social sciences who have enjoyed learning math and would like to continue to explore more advanced ideas in mathematics, whether or not they are directly relevant to their major work.

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.

In addition to the four Mathematics department courses, one junior seminar offered by the department is required, which can be taken either in the junior or senior year.