The Mathematics major requires 72 credits:
A. Required Core Courses:
- Mathematics 101 or 111, 120, 210 or 211 Calculus
- Mathematics 232 Linear Algebra
- Mathematics 236 Mathematical Structures
B. Electives (36 credits): Six courses from among:
- Mathematics courses numbered above 236
- Computer Science 252, 254, 352
- Statistics 250, 320, 340
- CS 252 Algorithms
- CS 254 Computability and Complexity
- CS 352 Advanced Algorithms
- MATH 240 Probability
- MATH 241 Ordinary Differential Equations
- MATH 244 Geometries
- MATH 251 Chaotic Dynamics (not offered in 2021-22)
- MATH 261 Functions of a Complex Variable (not offered in 2021-22)
- MATH 271 Computational Mathematics
- MATH 312 Elementary Theory of Numbers (not offered in 2021-22)
- MATH 321 Real Analysis I
- MATH 331 Real Analysis II
- MATH 332 Advanced Linear Algebra
- MATH 333 Combinatorial Theory (not offered in 2021-22)
- MATH 341 Partial Differential Equations
- MATH 342 Abstract Algebra I
- MATH 344 Differential Geometry (not offered in 2021-22)
- MATH 352 Topics in Abstract Algebra
- MATH 354 Topology
- MATH 361 Complex Analysis
- STAT 250 Introduction to Statistical Inference
- STAT 320 Time Series Analysis
- STAT 340 Bayesian Statistics
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: Mathematics 312, 332, 342, 352
- Analysis: Mathematics 251, 261, 321, 331, 361
- Applied Mathematics: Mathematics 240 (formerly Mathematics 265), 241, 271, 341, Statistics 250 (formerly Mathematics 275), Statistics 320 (formerly Mathematics 315), Statistics 340 (formerly Mathematics 315)
- Discrete Structures: Mathematics 333, Computer Science 252, 254, 352
- Geometry and Topology: Mathematics 244, 344, 354
Of the six advanced courses, at least four must be Carleton courses with a Mathematics designation. Advanced courses substituted for Mathematics 232 or Mathematics 236 must also be Carleton courses with a Mathematics designation.
In addition, each senior major must complete an integrative exercise, Mathematics 400 (6 credits) which can be either a group or individual project. 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 Mathematics 232 and/or for Mathematics 236. Advanced courses substituted for Mathematics 232 or Mathematics 236 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, Chemistry 123, 224, and Computer Science 111.