B.A. or B.S. in Mathematics

http://www.math.miami.edu

Major

The requirements for a major in mathematics vary according to the objectives of the student. There are seven courses required of all mathematics majors. 

An additional four courses are required, selected from one of the following track options:

• Core Mathematics
• Applied Analysis
• Computational Mathematics
• Probability and Statistics
• Mathematical Economics
• Individualized

Writing Requirement

In order to satisfy the College of Arts and Sciences writing requirement, students majoring in mathematics must obtain writing credit in one of the following courses: MTH 433, MTH 461, MTH 502, MTH 504, MTH 520, MTH 533, MTH 561, and in three more writing courses from other departments.

Curriculum Requirements

The requirements of a major in mathematics vary according to the objectives of the student. There are seven courses required of all mathematics majors. An additional four courses  are required selected from one of six track options:

Core Courses and Track Options

¹

Course work in physics is desirable.

²

It is possible to select other 500 level mathematics courses among the three, with prior approval of the Mathematics Department.

³

 For the Additional Major in Mathematics, students not in the College of Arts and Sciences should use the requirements of their school or college's degree in place of the other requirements listed here.

⁴

The 120 credits must include a writing intensive course in mathematics and three writing intensive courses from other departments, not including WRS 105, WRS 106 WRS 107 and ENG 106.

⁵

 Three credits in a language other than English at 200-level or higher are required. Prerequisites may be required.

⁶

For BS in Mathematics, the credits must be from Biology, Chemistry, Geological Sciences or Physics in a course that counts towards a major in that department. For BA in mathematics, the credits must be earned from Biology, Chemistry, Ecosystem Science & Policy (only ECS 111, ECS 112, or ECS 202), Geological Sciences, Marine Sciences (except MSC 313 and MSC 314), Physical Science or Physics. APY 203 and GEG 120 may also count. 

⁷

For BS in Mathematics, electives must include MTH 224 or CSC 120.

*

Notes

• It would be useful for students planning to do graduate study in mathematics to complete the following courses:  MTH 531, MTH 532, MTH 533, MTH 534, MTH 561, MTH 562.
• Students interested in actuarial science should choose the Probability and Statistics option; for these students a finance minor is recommended.
• Transfer students will be permitted to apply up to 14 transfer credit hours towards the major; however, the courses MTH 461 (or MTH 561) and MTH 433 (or MTH 533) must be completed at the University of Miami.
• A grade of C- or better is required for each course applied toward the major; the overall quality point average for University of Miami courses applied toward the major must be 2.5 or above.

Requirements for Departmental Honors in Mathematics:

*

The student must attain at least a B in each course used to fulfill this requirement. In addition, the student must attain at least a 3.5 average over all courses counted toward the mathematics major and an overall  (university-wide)  average of at least 3.3.

Possible Plan of Study

  The B.A. and B.S. degrees in Mathematics differ only in the College of Arts and Sciences general education requirements. Here is a possible plan of study.

Mission

The objective of the Bachelor’s degree in mathematics is to provide students with a core knowledge of mathematics essential to the understanding of science and other disciplines.

Goals

Students should gain substantial problem solving and critical reasoning skills, and they should develop an understanding of the conceptual underpinnings of mathematics. The knowledge gained through this program should provide the necessary background in mathematics for those students planning to go on to graduate study in mathematics and related fields. This knowledge should also prepare those students who will be immediately entering careers in science, business, education or other fields which are increasingly making use of mathematics. 

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate an understanding of elementary real analysis and advanced calculus. They will understand the nature of analytic reasoning and logical analytic proofs. They will develop the ability to communicate ideas in analysis, and, in particular, the ability to formulate and present abstract arguments in analysis.
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of modern abstract algebra. They will understand the nature of algebraic reasoning and logical algebraic proofs. They will develop the ability to communicate algebraic ideas, and, in particular, the ability to formulate and present abstract algebraic arguments.
• Students will acquire a solid understanding of advanced material within a mathematics “specialty path” which synthesizes and extends their lower-division work. The path is selected by the individual student depending on his/her particular interests.