The Mathematics major requires 72 credits:

  •  A. Required Core Courses (take either MATH 101: Calculus with Problem Solving or MATH 111: Introduction to Calculus and either MATH 210: Calculus 3 or MATH 211: Introduction to Multivariable Calculus and either MATH 134: Linear Algebra with Applications or MATH 232: Linear Algebra and all of remaining courses listed):
  •  B. Electives (36 credits): Six courses from among:
  • CS 252: Algorithms
  • CS 254: Computability and Complexity
  • CS 352: Advanced Algorithms (not offered 2024-25)
  • MATH 240: Probability
  • MATH 241: Ordinary Differential Equations
  • MATH 244: Geometries (not offered 2024-25)
  • MATH 251: Chaotic Dynamics
  • MATH 271: Optimization
  • MATH 282: Number Theory (not offered 2024-25)
  • MATH 295.00: Numerical Differential Equations (24/FA)
  • MATH 321: Real Analysis I
  • MATH 331: Real Analysis II
  • MATH 332: Advanced Linear Algebra (not offered 2024-25)
  • MATH 333: Combinatorial Theory
  • MATH 341: Partial Differential Equations
  • MATH 342: Abstract Algebra I
  • MATH 344: Differential Geometry
  • MATH 349: Methods of Teaching Mathematics (not offered 2024-25)
  • MATH 352: Galois Theory (not offered 2024-25)
  • MATH 354: Topology (not offered 2024-25)
  • MATH 361: Complex Analysis (not offered 2024-25)
  • MATH 362: Representation Theory of Finite Groups (not offered 2024-25)
  • MATH 395.01: Introduction to Analytic Number Theory (25/WI)
  • STAT 250: Introduction to Statistical Inference
  • STAT 320: Time Series Analysis
  • STAT 340: Bayesian Statistics (not offered 2024-25)

At least four of these electives must be Carleton courses with a MATH designation. At least three of the following five areas of mathematics must be represented by the six electives (36 credits).

  • Algebra:
  • MATH 282: Number Theory (not offered 2024-25)
  • MATH 332: Advanced Linear Algebra (not offered 2024-25)
  • MATH 342: Abstract Algebra I
  • MATH 352: Galois Theory (not offered 2024-25)
  • MATH 362: Representation Theory of Finite Groups (not offered 2024-25)
  • Analysis:
  • Applied Mathematics:
  • Discrete Structures:
  • CS 252: Algorithms
  • CS 254: Computability and Complexity
  • CS 352: Advanced Algorithms (not offered 2024-25)
  • MATH 333: Combinatorial Theory
  • Geometry and Topology:

Of the six advanced courses, at least four must be Carleton courses with a Mathematics designation. Advanced courses substituted for MATH 232: Linear Algebra or MATH 236: Mathematical Structures must also be Carleton courses with a Mathematics designation.

In addition, each senior major must complete an integrative exercise. Normally, that integrative exercise is a two-term group project. At the department’s discretion, a one-term independent project may be available. The group project would be MATH 399: Senior Seminar: Senior Seminar (6 credits) and MATH 400: Integrative Exercise: Integrative Exercise (3 credits). The independent project would be MATH 400: Integrative Exercise (6 credits).

Majors must also accumulate eight talk credits during their junior and senior year by attending colloquia and the comps talks of their fellow mathematics or statistics majors. Students who major in both Mathematics and Statistics must accumulate a total of thirteen talk credits. We encourage majors to participate in the numerous activities that take place in the department.

Potential majors with especially strong preparation may petition the department for permission to substitute an advanced course for MATH 232: Linear Algebra and/or for MATH 236: Mathematical Structures. Advanced courses substituted for MATH 232: Linear Algebra or MATH 236: Mathematical Structures must also be Carleton courses with a Mathematics designation.

There are many patterns of courses for the major depending upon a student’s mathematical interests and career goals. A guide for majors, which supplies information about suitable patterns of courses, is available on the Mathematics and Statistics Department website.

Major under Combined Plan in Engineering:

In addition to completing requirements for the mathematics major listed above including Mathematics 241 and 341, the student should take the following courses required for admission to engineering schools: Two terms of 100-level Physics, CHEM 123: Principles of Chemistry I & Lab, CHEM 224: Principles of Chemistry II & Lab, and CS 111: Introduction to Computer Science.