Mathematics Curriculum

The sequence of courses for the first four semesters of mathematical study is identical for each math major at VU, and there is sufficient room to fulfill general education requirements, or to begin studying in a second (or third) field of interest.

By the beginning of the fifth semester, the student has generally decided in which field of the mathematical sciences he or she has interests, and begins the appropriate sequence of upper division courses.

You can obtain help in deciding which mathematics courses suit your needs by contacting any faculty member in the Department.

Programs

General Education
Mathematical Analysis
Operations Research
Mathematics Education
Statistics (including Actuarial Science)

Major: A minimum of 36 credit hours in mathematics constitutes a major. Students must complete the core, survey elective, theory electives, and advanced electives as specified below:

Core:
Math 131 or 151, 152, 264, 265, 399, 499.

Survey Elective:
One course chosen from: Math 240, 253, 269.

Theory Electives:
Two courses chosen from Math 451, 461, 421. One course chosen from Math 452, 462, 422.

Advanced Electives:
Three additional courses of 3 credits or more numbered above 300.

A math major must also complete CS 157. Mathematics majors are strongly encouraged to take CS 158 and 225.

Completion of the degree requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences with a major in mathematics leads to a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree.

Complementary Major: A student with a first major in another discipline may take a complementary major in mathematics. A minimum of 30 credit hours in mathematics constitutes a complementary major. Students must complete the core, survey elective, theory elective, and advanced electives as specified below:

Core:
Math 131 or 151, 152, 264, 265, 399, 499

Survey Elective:
Math 240, 253, or 269

Theory Elective:
One course chosen from Math 451, 461, 421.

Advanced Electives:
Three additional courses of 3 credits or more numbered above 300

Recommended Electives:
Students interested in the following areas of study should choose the recommended electives.

Secondary Education:

Survey Elective: Math 240
Theory Electives: Math 461, 421, (462 or 422)
Advanced Electives: Math 314, 312, one more course

Actuarial Science:

Survey Elective: Math 240
Theory Electives: Math 421, 422, (451 or 461)
Advanced Electives: Math 341, 342, 344,

Operations Research:

Survey Elective: Math 240
Theory Electives: Math 421, 422, 451
Advanced Electives: Math 322, 344, 320

Scientific Mathematics:

Survey Elective: Math 253
Theory Electives: Math 451, 452, 461
Advanced Electives: Math 430, 434, one more course

Traditional Pure Mathematics:

Survey Elective: Math 253
Theory Electives: Math 451, 452, 461, 462,
Advanced Electives: Math 434, one more course.