Students trained in mathematics can teach in secondary schools, pursue graduate work in computer science or mathematics, work in government and industry, or use quantitative techniques in the related natural or social sciences. Students may satisfy part of the distribution requirements by any combination of two courses in this department except Mathematics 110. The Major in Mathematics Normally a student with good preparation in mathematics who intends to major in mathematics or one of the natural sciences will start with Mathematics 201, but a student who has had some work in calculus may wish to start with a more advanced course, and is encouraged to consult with the department to make such arrangements. Students planning to major in the sciences using applied mathematics should complete Mathematics 203 in their sophomore year, even at the cost of delaying completion of their distribution requirements. They should then consult with their major advisers to determine which other courses in mathematics are essential to their programs.
Mathematics majors are eligible for the teacher education program.
In order to assure proper scheduling, students wishing to become certified to teach mathematics should inform the chairs of both the Mathematics and Education Departments as soon as possible. However, those who intend to pursue graduate studies in mathematics should take all four. As part of the senior obligation, each junior majoring in mathematics is expected to solve at least two of the problems appearing in current issues of The American Mathematical Monthly, Mathematics Magazine, SIAM Review, School Science and Mathematics, or the Journal of Recreational Mathematics. Each senior is expected to solve at least four such problems and to submit a thesis. The senior thesis is due by April 15.