Mayflower Hill 5830, Waterville ME 04901 Phone 207-859-5831 Fax 207-859-5846
Major in Mathematics
What's it all about? Well, it's about mathematics! Not mathematics as you may have met it in high school, a set of arbitrary rules for doing things, but rather mathematics as an intellectual pursuit. Someone once said that mathematics is the one discipline where nothing need ever be taken on faith: everything is susceptible of proof. Proof is one of the main themes of the math major.
The other main theme is probably the amazing imagination of mathematicians, who come up with so many incredible ideas and beautiful theories. We hope that as you go through the major you will grow in your appreciation of this beauty as you learn more and more mathematics.
The math major is the right major to choose if you are interested in going to graduate school in mathematics (pure or applied). It may also be an appropriate choice if you are interested in graduate work in other fields, such as physics, statistics, and economics, which make intensive use of mathematics. Most of all, the math major is for people who love mathematics!
Major Requirements
The requirements for the mathematics major are structured around a few core courses, to which students add a number of electives. Students should work closely with their advisors to tailor their selection of courses to their interests. Students aiming for graduate school in mathematics should go well beyond the minimum requirements to acquire as broad a base of knowledge as they can.
Required Courses
- Completion of one year of Calculus
- Linear Algebra (MA253)
- Introduction to Abstract Mathematical Thought (MA274)
- Abstract Algebra (MA333)
- Real Analysis (MA338)
- Either Topics in Analysis (MA439) or Topics in Abstract Algebra (MA434)
Elective Courses
Four more three- or four-credit mathematics courses numbered 300 or above (excluding MA484). In exceptional cases, with the permission of the department, another 400-level course may be substituted for MA439 or MA434.
Although Mathematics 302 and 352 are not specifically required, the department strongly recommends that mathematics majors complete both courses.
What can I do with a math major?
This is a common question, and a good one. There are lots of things that one can do with a math major. Our students have gone on to...
- Graduate school in mathematics, physics, geology, economics, engineering, operations research, statistics, etc.
- Professional schools in law and medicine.
- Careers in finance, consulting, teaching, various aspects of computing, insurance, management, etc.
To find out more, check out our alumni page to find out what past mathematics students have ended up doing. Also, check out our mathematical careers page.
Preparing for Graduate School
Many mathematics majors choose to go to graduate school in mathematics, applied mathematics, or related fields. Some time back, we published an article in the Mudd Pi (the department newsletter) on how students should go about preparing for graduate school.