Students arrange a major in mathematics by developing an Individualized Mathematics Proposal (IMaP). An IMaP outlines a complete, coherent plan of study consistent with the goals of the individual student that satisfies the math major requirements. The courses included in a student’s IMaP are determined after consultation with a math faculty member and approved by the math program director.
A path through the major as described by a student’s IMaP normally includes two semesters of calculus, one semester of linear algebra, and at least seven intermediate or advanced mathematics courses. The intermediate courses must include two transition courses (from among MATH 242, MATH 244, and MATH 252) and courses from at least three different mathematical perspectives (computation/modeling, continuous/analytic, discrete/combinatorial, axiomatic/algebraic). Students must take at least two Level III courses, at least one of which must be part of a designated Level II–Level III sequence.
Up to two related courses from Statistics and Data Science or from Computer Science may count towards the math major as listed on the IMaP form. A student may also find a course outside of MSCS that contributes significantly to a mathematical path of study and may petition to have the course included in his or her IMaP.
The items below outline several possible paths through the mathematics major. Consult with a mathematics faculty member about creating an IMaP and the best possible path through the major for you.
For students beginning in Calculus I:
- First year: Calculus I (MATH 119 or 120) and Calculus II (MATH 126)
- Sophomore year: Linear Algebra (MATH 220) in the fall, Number Theory in Budapest (MATH 239) in January, and another 200-level elective in the spring
- Junior year: Two transition courses and an elective
- Senior year: Two or more 300-level courses
For students beginning in Calculus II:
- First year: Calculus II (MATH 126 or 128) and Linear Algebra (MATH 220)
- Sophomore year: a 200-level elective in the fall, Number Theory in Budapest (MATH 239) in January, and a transition course in the spring
- Junior year: Another transition course and a 200- or 300-level elective
- Senior year: Two or more 300-level courses
For students beginning in Linear Algebra:
- First year: Linear Algebra (MATH 220) and one or two 200-level electives
- Sophomore year: Two transition courses
- Junior and Senior years: Lots of 200- and 300-level electives
For students also majoring in Computer Science:
- In their first year, students considering majors in both Math and Computer Science (CS) should take Math and CS courses according to their placement.
- The Computer Science major requires two math courses: Linear Algebra (MATH 220) and Discrete Math (MATH 234).
- Other courses that are popular among Math and CS double-majors include Modern Computational Mathematics (MATH 242), Probability Theory (MATH 262), Computational Geometry (MATH 269), Graph Theory (MATH 332), and Theory of Computation (CSCI 333).
For students also majoring in Statistics and Data Science:
- Up to two Statistics and Data Science (SDS) courses can count toward both a Math major. Specific SDS courses that may count toward the Math major are listed on the IMaP form.
- Students considering advanced study in statistics should take Real Analysis (MATH 244) and Probability Theory (MATH 262).
For students also majoring in Physics:
- The Physics major requires Calculus I (MATH 119 or 120), Calculus II (MATH 126 or 128), Linear Algebra (MATH 220), Multivariable Calculus (MATH 226), and Differential Equations (MATH 230).
- It is also recommended that physics majors take Complex Analysis (MATH 340) and Differential Equations II (MATH 330).
- Along with the 7 courses listed above, a student can double major in physics and mathematics by completing two transition courses.
- Note that the math courses required for the Physics major satisfy the continuous/analytic (C) and modeling/computation (M) perspectives for the Math major. To satisfy a third perspective for the Math major, students should either include Abstract Algebra (MATH 252) as one of their transition courses, or take another math course that satisfies either the axiomatic/algebraic (A) or discrete/combinatorial (D) perspective.
For students planning to earn secondary school teaching licensure:
- Required Math courses: Calculus I (MATH 119 or 120), Calculus II (MATH 126 or 128), Linear Algebra (MATH 220), Real Analysis I (MATH 244), Abstract Algebra (MATH 252), Probability Theory (MATH 262), Geometry (MATH 356)
- Required Statistics course: Statistics I (SDS 172)
- For math education students, Teaching of Mathematics (EDUC 350) counts as a Level II elective for the Math major.
- To complete the Math major, students must take two more math electives, one of which must be a Level III course.
Areas of emphasis
The mathematics major does not have different tracks, but by designing an Individualized Mathematics Proposal (IMaP) with the help of a mathematics faculty member, students can complete their majors in a variety of ways. Here are some popular area of emphasis:
Pure Mathematics
Students interested in graduate school in theoretical mathematics should take a broad range of 200-level courses and as many 300-level courses as possible. At the 200-level, the “transition” courses Real Analysis I (MATH 244) and Abstract Algebra I (MATH 252) are a must. A variety of courses with different perspectives will provide excellent breadth of knowledge. Advanced courses in Real Analysis II (MATH 344) and Abstract Algebra II (MATH 352) are extremely valuable. Courses in Topology (MATH 348), Combinatorics (MATH 364), and Complex Analysis (MATH 340) are highly recommended. Students should be also consider topics courses (MATH 382/384) and research opportunities. Graduate programs increasingly expect successful applicants to have had an undergraduate research experience.
Applied Mathematics
Students interested in graduate school in applied mathematics should take a broad range of 200-level and 300-level courses in mathematics, statistics, computer science, and other fields. Mathematics courses such as Multivariable Calculus (MATH 226), Differential Equations (MATH 230), Real Analysis I (MATH 244), Modern Computational Mathematics (MATH 242), Probability (MATH 262), and Operations Research (MATH 266) teach material that is used in a wide variety of applications to the biological, physical, and social sciences. Advanced mathematics courses in Differential Equations II (MATH 330), Complex Analysis (MATH 340), and Real Analysis II (MATH 344) are highly recommended. Students should be also consider topics courses (MATH 382/384) and research opportunities. Graduate programs increasingly expect successful applicants to have had an undergraduate research experience.
Secondary School Teaching
Students planning to teach secondary school mathematics complete a standard mathematics major (with certain courses prescribed by state certification requirements). In addition, they take several courses in the Department of Education and devote part of one senior semester to student teaching.
General Mathematics Major
Many mathematics majors do not continue on to graduate study in mathematics or a related field. In fact, the majority of St. Olaf math graduates enter employment in areas such as business, technology, finance, actuarial work, consulting, non-profit organizations, and more. For those students, a broad and deep mathematics major will serve them well, as mathematical study develops practical skills in critical thinking, abstract reasoning, problem solving, teamwork, communication, and more. Students should take math courses of interest, along with related courses in computing, statistics, and data science. For more sample careers, search the alumni directory for mathematics majors and see the kind of professions Oles have entered.
Double Majoring
Many students combine mathematics with another major or concentration. Doubling with majors in the sciences and economics is especially common, as is combining mathematics with computer science or statistics and data science. Each year, students also graduate with a math major in religion, philosophy, art, English, theater, etc. as well as mathematics.