This sample program is suggested for those considering graduate school in a math-related discipline:

Year
 1   MAT 131    MAT 132     MAT 211
    or MAT141  or MAT142

 2   MAT 205    MAT 305     MAT 331      MAT 260

 3   MAT 320    MAT 310     MAT 313

 4   MAT 322    MAT 342   MAT elective   MAT 401/2

Students considering graduate school in mathematics should take several more undergraduate MAT classes. They should also consider signing up for a senior thesis and taking departmental honors. Here are some reasons for the above choice of courses.

• MAT 313 (Abstract Algebra)-- this is the best algebra course if you aim for graduate study in mathematics and can only take one. (Fall)

• MAT 331 (Problem solving with computers)-- important because computers play an ever-increasing role in today's mathematics. (Fall and Spring)

• MAT 322 (Analysis in several dimensions) -- essential preparation for graduate level mathematics; good background for study in any science. (Spring)

• MAT 342 (Applied complex analysis) -- choosing between MAT 341 and 342, we recommend 342 since it is so different from anything else. (Spring)

• MAT 401/2 (Seminar in Mathematics) -- this is a bridge to graduate level mathematics. It may be repeated: topics change each semester.

• MAT 311 (Number theory)-- this classical subject has surprising applications (to cryptography, for example). (alternate years-- Spring)

• MAT 316 (Invitation to Modern Mathematics)-- aims to give students an idea of what research in mathematics is about. The grade is based on homework and a project. (Spring)

• MAT 318 (Classical Algebra)-- goes deeply into the topics of high school algebra from a historical perspective. (Fall and Spring)

• MAT 341 (Applied Real Analysis) -- the classical equations governing heat flow, wave motion, and electric charge distribution. (Fall)

• MAT 351 (Differential equations: Dynamics and Chaos) -- studies systems which evolve with time, sometimes in a chaotic manner. (Spring)

• MAT 360 (Geometric Structures)-- contrasts Euclidean with other geometries, emphasizing topics relevant to the high school curriculum. (Spring)

• MAT 362 (Differential Geometry of Surfaces) -- studies the shapes of low-dimensional spaces and how they curve. (alternate years -- Spring)

• MAT 364 (Topology and Geometry) -- a broadly based introduction to mathematical theories of space, shape and form. (Fall)

Return to An Overview of the Mathematics Major.