Undergraduate Programs
Through the Department's learning objectives, Georgetown undergraduates majoring in mathematics gain knowledge, skills and abilities that equip them to enter mathematics-intensive professions or to begin graduate study in mathematics or statistics. Both Georgetown math majors and minors graduate well-prepared to enter a range of professions in which logical, quantitative reasoning and problem-solving are essential. Many also choose to begin graduate study in fields such as law, medicine, physics and economics.
We offer courses for non Majors, Undergraduate Majors leading to either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, an Undergraduate Minor, and a Major with Honors. Students with advanced placement credits should review the information for proper placement.
The Major
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers two programs for majors, one leading an A.B. degree and the other leading to a B.S. degree. Both majors normally finish Calculus I and II (MATH-035-036), Multivariable Calculus (MATH-137), Linear Algebra (MATH-150), and Introduction to Proof and Problem Solving (formerly called Foundations of Mathematics) (MATH-200) by the end of the sophomore year. Intro. to Proof is a gateway course, preparing students for some of the more theoretical upper level courses. If a student cannot finish all 5 courses by the end of the sophomore year, Linear Algebra would be the best course to be deferred to the fall of junior year.
A. B. Degree
In addition to the 5 foundational courses listed above, required upper level courses for the A. B. degree are Analysis I (MATH-310), Abstract Algebra (MATH-215), and four one-semester mathematics electives at the 200 level or higher. (Math-140 may be substituted for one of the 200-level electives.)
B. S. Degree
In addition to the seven required courses for the A. B. degree, the students must take Mathematical Statistics I (MATH-233) or Introduction to Mathematical Statistics (MATH-140), Complex Analysis (MATH-316), Computer Science I (COSC-071) or its equivalent, and four one-semester mathematics electives at the 200 level or higher.
Comments
One of the four electives for the B.S. degree can be a mathematically intensive course in another discipline (approved by the Department Chair) such as Physical Chemistry I and II (CHEM-219-220), Algorithms (COSC-330), Codes and Ciphers (COSC-350), Theoretical Computer Science (COSC-385), Artificial Intelligence (COSC-387), Microeconomic and Macroeconomic Theory (Honors) (ECON-103-104), Applied Game Theory (ECON-459), Relativity and Quantum Physics (PHYS-211), Electricity and Magnetism (PHYS-214), Classical Mechanics (PHYS-231), Electrodynamics and Optics (PHYS-234), or Quantum Mechanics (PHYS-253). In order that each mathematics major see some significant applications of mathematics from the point of view of another discipline, the Department recommends that the student take several of these courses.
The Minor in Mathematics
Students must complete the three semester Calculus sequence (MATH-035, 036, 137), Linear Algebra (MATH-150), and three other one-semester courses at the level of MATH-140 or above. (Students entering before 2008 may take MATH-040 in place of MATH-140, although it is recommended that they take MATH-140.)
While some courses may be waived due to Advanced Placement or departmental placement test, at least two courses at the 200 level or above must be taken from our department.
Honors in Mathematics
A junior majoring in mathematics may apply to perform a research project in the senior year with a mathematics faculty mentor leading to a substantial paper and an oral presentation. A committee of three mathematics faculty members will decide whether to approve the initial application, and whether to approve the final paper prior to the oral presentation. Normally an applicant should have a B+ average in mathematics courses to participate, and will take an independent study tutorial (MATH-301) during the Fall semester of the senior year in preparation for writing the Honor's Thesis in the Spring.
For course listings in Mathematics, see our Courses page
