Mathematics Requirements

The Department of Mathematics offers courses for students who: (1) plan a career in an area of theoretical or applied mathematics; (2) need mathematics as support for their chosen major; or (3) elect to take mathematics as part of their liberal arts education or to fulfill the area requirement in quantitative reasoning.

The department offers majors in mathematics and in mathematical sciences as well as minors in mathematics and (together with Computer Science and Statistics) data science. Majors in mathematics and in mathematical sciences can be taken with honors.

Colby mathematics majors in recent years have entered graduate school to do advanced work in mathematics, computer science, economics, statistics, and natural sciences. They also have used the major as a solid foundation for careers in teaching, law, medicine, banking, insurance, management, computer industry, data analytics and other areas.

All incoming students who intend to enroll in mathematics courses in the fall semester are required to complete the mathematics placement questionnaire prior to registration.

Chair, Professor Leo Livshits

Professors Fernando Gouvêa, Leo Livshits, and Scott Taylor; Associate Professors Nora Youngs; Assistant Professors Ayomikun Adeniran, Stephanie Dodson, Tamar Friedmann, and Evan Randles; Visiting Assistant Joseph Hoisington, Samuel Lin, Changningphaabi Namoijam, and Jack Peto; Research Associate Jan Holly

Completion of each of the following with a grade of C- or higher: Mathematics 160 or 165; Mathematics 253, 274, 333, 338, and either 434 or 439; four additional courses selected from Mathematics 262 and any three- or four-credit mathematics courses numbered 300 or above (excluding 484). In truly exceptional cases, with the permission of the department, another 400-level course may be substituted for 434 or 439.

The department recommends that students complete Mathematics 274 before the end of their sophomore year. Students considering graduate school in theoretical or applied mathematics should complete additional mathematics coursework beyond the minimal requirements and should consult department faculty regarding graduate school admission criteria as early as possible.

Completion of each of the following with a grade of C- or better: Mathematics 160 or 165, 253, 274, 311; SC 212; one three- or four-credit course from Computer Science; three additional three- or four-credit courses selected from mathematics courses numbered 200 or above; one “Topics” course in mathematics numbered 400 or above (excluding 484).

A student who completes Psychology 214/215 or Economics 293 or 393 with a grade of C- or better may substitute an additional mathematics course numbered 200 or above (excluding MA 484) for SC 212. Students considering graduate school in theoretical or applied mathematics should complete additional mathematics coursework beyond the minimal requirements and should consult department faculty regarding graduate school admission criteria as early as possible. The department recommends that Mathematics 274 be completed before the end of the sophomore year.

An honors program is available for students majoring in mathematics and mathematical sciences who have a grade point average of at least 3.25 in all mathematics and statistics courses numbered 200 or higher and who complete Mathematics 484 as a pre-approved program of independent study in mathematics with a mathematics faculty supervisor culminating in both a written paper and a colloquium presentation. If the faculty supervisor and the faculty second reader recommend approval, and the department concurs, students who successfully complete the requirements will graduate with “Honors in Mathematics” or with “Honors in Mathematical Sciences.”

Completion of each of the following with a grade of C- or better: Mathematics 160 or 165, Mathematics 253,  three additional three- or four-credit courses selected from mathematics courses numbered 120 or above (excluding MA484) and SC212, and one mathematics course at the 300 level or above (excluding MA484).

A major and minor in data science are described in the Data Science section of the catalogue.

The point scale for retention of the majors and minors applies to all courses in the majors/minors. No requirement for the majors or minors may be taken satisfactory/unsatisfactory.