The Mathematics & Statistics Major
Chart Your Major
What classes you should take depends a great deal on what you find most interesting and on what your goals are. Discuss your options with your adviser and also talk to the instructors of particular courses that interest you.
If you are interested in the sciences
The department offers a variety of courses to give you a solid mathematical experience. Calculus III and Linear Algebra are fundamental courses. You may also want to consider taking one or more of the following: Intro to Probability and Statistics, Differential Equations, Differential Equations and Numerical Methods, Discrete Mathematics, Advanced Topics in Continuous Applied Mathematics.
If you are interested in computer science
Consider taking some of these: Calculus III, Linear Algebra, Modern Algebra, Discrete Mathematics. Many of our students are double–majoring in mathematics and computer science.
If you are interested in economics
Calculus will give you a good, basic experience. You may consider other courses as well, so be sure to discuss your options with your adviser. If you are contemplating graduate school in economics, the economics department recommends you to take MTH 211, 212, 225 and 243. Taking a solid course in statistics is also a good idea (any of MTH 245, 246, 247 and 346 would do). Many economics majors want to take MTH 222 as well. Double–majoring in mathematics and economics is a good choice.
If you are interested in applied mathematics
The following courses work specifically with applications: MTH 204 222, 264, 353 and 364. Other courses that contain many applications and are important for anyone considering graduate school in applied mathematics are: MTH 211, 225, 245, 246, 247, 254, 270, 325 and 346. In addition, many topics courses are often on applied topics, such as: MTH 224, 333 and 343.
If you are interested in theoretical mathematics
The following courses work with abstract structures: MTH 217, 233, 238, 243, 246, 255, 325, 333, 342 and 343.
If you liked Calculus
There are many reasons for liking calculus. If you delighted in the geometry, for example, you should consider MTH 224, 225, 325 and 342. If you enjoyed the power of calculus to describe and understand the world, you will want to take MTH 222. If you are fascinated with the ideas of limit and infinity and want to get to the bottom of them, you should take MTH 243 or 217.
If you liked Linear Algebra
You will like MTH 233 very much, and you will also like MTH 217, 238 and 333.
If you liked Discrete Mathematics
The natural sequel to Discrete Mathematics is MTH 254 or 255 and then 353. In addition, you may be interested in MTH 246 and in CSC 252 (counts 2 credits toward the mathematics major).
If you are interested in graduate school in mathematics
Take a lot of courses, but be sure to take MTH 233, 243, 254, 325 and as many of MTH 222, 333, 342 and 343 as possible. You should also consider taking a graduate course at the University of Massachusetts.
If you are interested in graduate school in statistics
Our statistics offerings are MTH 245, 246, 247, 290 and 346. In addition, you may wish to take a special studies or a course at the University of Massachusetts or Mt. Holyoke. Graduate schools in statistics will expect that you had Real Analysis (MTH 243) to enter a Ph.D. program.
If you are interested in graduate school in operations research
Operations research is a relatively new subarea of mathematics, bringing together mathematical ideas and techniques that are applied to large organizations such as businesses, computers, and governments. You should take MTh 211 and at least some of the courses listed for statistics above, some combinatorics (MTH 254) and some computer science. Consider also Topics in Applied Mathematics and Numerical Analysis.
If you want to be a teacher
Certification requirements vary widely from state–to–state. If you are interested in teaching in secondary school, a mathematics major plus practice teaching may be enough to get started. In Massachusetts, the major should include either MTH 233 or 238 and one of MTH 245, 246 or 247. A course involving geometry, such as MTH 224 or 342 is also helpful. You should also have some introduction to computers. For guidelines, look at the list of courses listed in the MAT program. Finally, while MTH 307 Topics in Mathematics Education is rarely offered, something equivalent is taught as a special studies whenever there are MAT students.
If you are interested in teaching elementary school, most of your required courses will be in the education department. In the mathematics department, our concern would be that you are comfortable with mathematics, have seen its variety, and most important, that you enjoy it. For all that, you should take the mathematics courses which appeal to you most. For education courses, the latest information is that you should take EDC 235, 238, 346, 347, 404 (practice teaching), and one elective to be certified. Note that during the semester when you take practice teaching EDC 404, you will likely be unable to take a math course. Plan ahead and consult the education department.
If you want to be a doctor
You are doing fine by majoring in mathematics. A course in statistics would be a very good idea. Other areas of mathematics that would be useful are differential equations and combinatorics.
If you want to be an actuary
Take MTH 245, 246, 247, 290 and 346 and the actuarial exams that are offered periodically. Advancement as an actuary is achieved by passing of a series of examinations. Informal student study groups often form (ask around!).
If you want to get a good job when you graduate
A major in mathematics prepares you well, regardless of which courses you choose. Math majors learn to think on their feet; they aren't frightened of numbers and they're at home with abstract ideas. Often, this alone is what employers are looking for. That said, we should add that knowledge of computer programming is very useful, as is some familiarity with statistics.
if you want something we don't have
If you are interested in a subject we do not offer, you should talk to professors whose fields of interest are closest to the subject, as a special studies. The arrangement must be approved by the department, but reasonable requests are not refused. If your interest is particularly strong, you might consider an honors project, or summer research work. You should also consider taking a course (or courses) at one of the consortium schools.
If you aren't really sure what you want...
Some courses for trying things out: MTH 217, 222, 224, 245, 254 and 264. Also, you can visit several courses the first week of any semester before making a decision.
