Mathematics Major
Students must complete ten courses plus the capstone.
Required:
- Math 151 Calculus I (QUANT)
- Math 152 Calculus II (QUANT)
- Math 251 Calculus III (QUANT)
- Math 265 Introduction to Advanced Mathematics (CRITTHNK, WRITCOM)
- CmSc 150 Introduction to Programming (QUANT)
200-Level Electives: One of the following courses
- Math 245 Mathematical Modeling (WRITCOM, INFOLIT)
- Math 255 Linear Algebra (ORALCOM)
Capstone: One of the following courses
- Math 385 Senior Research Seminar (ORALCOM, WRITCOM)
- Math 386 Senior Experience Seminar (ORALCOM, WRITCOM)
Electives: Four additional 4-credit 300-level mathematics courses from the following list.
- Math 315 Graph Theory
- Math 325 Topology
- Math 331 Real Analysis
- Math 335 Probability and Statistics I
- Math 336 Probability and Statistics II
- Math 345 Differential Equations
- Math 350 Abstract Algebra
- Math 360 Complex Variables
- Math 375 Geometry
- Math 390 Special Topics in Mathematics
- CmSc 365 Theory of Computation
A student cannot get a Mathematics major in addition to the Actuarial Science major or Honors in Mathematics major.
A general 4-year plan for the Mathematics major appears below. Some students enter Simpson with college or AP credit for Calculus I and/or Calculus II and are prepared to start Calculus II or III in their first semester.
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | |
| First Year | Math 151 Calculus I | Math 152 Calculus II |
| CmSc 150 Introduction to Programming (either in fall or spring) |
||
| Second Year |
One or two of the following courses: | One or two of the other courses from the fall list |
| Math 245 Mathematical Modeling | ||
| Math 251 Calculus III | ||
| Math 255 Linear Algebra | ||
| Math 265 Introduction to Advanced Mathematics | ||
| Third Year | One 300-level mathematics elective | One 300-level mathematics elective |
| Fourth Year | One 300-level mathematics elective | One 300-level mathematics elective |
| Math 385 Senior Research Seminar OR | ||
| Math 386 Senior Experience Seminar (either in fall or spring) |
Most 300-level electives are offered once every other year. The usual two-year rotation for those classes appears below. Math 385 Senior Research Seminar and Math 386 Senior Experience Seminar are offered every semester.
| Fall Semester in Odd-Numbered Years | Spring Semester in Even-Numbered Years |
| Math 325 Topology | Math 315 Graph Theory |
| Math 335 Probability and Statistics I | Math 336 Probability and Statistics II |
| Math 345 Differential Equations | |
| Fall Semester in Even-Numbered Years | Spring Semester in Odd-Numbered Years |
| Math 331 Real Analysis | Math 345 Differential Equations |
| Math 375 Geometry | Math 350 Abstract Algebra |
| Math 360 Complex Variables |
Electives recommended for particular career interests:
- Students wanting to teach high school should take Math 375 Geometry and either Math 335 Probability and Statistics I or an introductory statistics course offered by another department. To be certified to teach high school, a student must also complete a minor in Secondary Education.
- Students wanting corporate or industry employment should choose courses that connect with their interests, for instance Math 335 Probability and Statistics I for students interested in Economics and Math 245 Mathematical Modeling for students interested in the sciences. Contact any faculty member for advice.
- Students bound for graduate school in mathematics will be best prepared by taking Math 325 Topology, Math 331 Real Analysis, and Math 350 Abstract Algebra. And as many other 300-level electives as possible.