Mathematics BA

Major: Mathematics
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 181.0
Co-op Options: Three Co-op (Five years); One Co-op (Four years); No Co-op (Four years)
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 27.0101
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 15-2021

About the Program

The mathematics major at Drexel provides a supportive learning environment in which students obtain a firm grounding in the core areas of mathematics and apply this knowledge to problems encountered in a technological society. The Department of Mathematics offers students the option of either a BA or a BS degree.

The Mathematics Department takes pride in offering a balanced and flexible curriculum. Three very different kinds of skills are emphasized in the mathematics major:

Abstract Reasoning

All students majoring in mathematics take courses that emphasize abstract reasoning. Students read and write proofs, and graduate well prepared to enter a PhD program in mathematics.

Computing

All students majoring in mathematics take a series of computing courses. This emphasis on computing is one of the distinctive features of the mathematics program at Drexel, and provides students with a competitive advantage in the job market.

Mathematical Modeling

All students majoring in mathematics take multidisciplinary courses that focus on the interplay between mathematics and an area of application. Students often use electives to focus on an area of personal interest. The Department of Mathematics encourages students to minor in a subject where mathematics is applied. The Department provides an advisor to assist students in selecting electives and planning career paths.

Additional Information

For additional information about Mathematics, contact Academic Advisor Paige Chmielewski pr37@drexel.edu.

Degree Requirements (BA)

General Education Requirements
CIVC 101Introduction to Civic Engagement1.0
COM 230Techniques of Speaking3.0
COOP 101Career Management and Professional Development *1.0
ENGL 101Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research3.0
or ENGL 111 English Composition I
ENGL 102Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing3.0
or ENGL 112 English Composition II
ENGL 103Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres3.0
or ENGL 113 English Composition III
UNIV S101The Drexel Experience1.0
UNIV S201Looking Forward: Academics and Careers1.0
College of Arts and Sciences Core Curriculum
Engaging the Natural World *6.0-8.0
Analyzing Cultures & Histories *6.0-8.0
Understanding Society & Human Behavior *6.0-8.0
Cultivating Global Competence *6.0-8.0
Perspectives in Diversity *3.0-4.0
Computer Science sequence:9.0
Computer Science Principles
Introduction to Computer Science
Computer Programming I
Computer Programming II
Any BIO, CHEM, PHYS, or PHEV course3.0-4.0
Free Electives **66.0
Core Mathematics Requirements
MATH 121Calculus I ***4.0
MATH 122Calculus II4.0
MATH 123Calculus III4.0
MATH 200Multivariate Calculus4.0
MATH 201Linear Algebra4.0
MATH 210Differential Equations4.0
MATH 220 [WI] Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning3.0
MATH 331Abstract Algebra I3.0-4.0
or MATH 401 Elements of Modern Analysis I
Math Major Electives †30.0
Select a minimum of 30 credits from the following:
Survey of Geometry
Discrete Mathematics
Combinatorics
Math Competition Problem Solving Seminar
History of Mathematics
Mathematics of Investment and Credit
Differential Equations II
Numerical Analysis I
Numerical Analysis II
Introduction to Optimization Theory
Probability and Statistics I
Probability and Statistics II
Probability and Statistics III
Mathematical Applications of Symbolic Software
Mathematical Applications of Statistical Software
Techniques of Data Analysis
Actuarial Mathematics
Vector Calculus
Complex Variables
Partial Differential Equations
Abstract Algebra II
Linear Algebra II
Elements of Modern Analysis I
Abstract Algebra I
Elements of Modern Analysis II
Introduction to Topology
Mathematical Finance
Introduction to Graph Theory
Cryptography
Introduction to Monte Carlo Methods
Tensor Calculus
Total Credits181.0-192.0
*

See Core Curriculum List for complete list of course options.

**

Students not participating in co-op, will take one additional credit of Free Elective instead of COOP 101.

***

Math majors must pass MATH 121 with a grade of B or higher.

†

If a student takes both of MATH 331 and MATH 401, then one of these can count as a Mathematics Elective. Up to 3 mathematics-related courses from other departments may be substituted for Mathematics Electives with departmental permission. MATH special topics courses may be substituted for Mathematics Electives with departmental permission.

Writing-Intensive Course Requirements

In order to graduate, all students must pass three writing-intensive courses after their freshman year. Two writing-intensive courses must be in a student's major. The third can be in any discipline. Students are advised to take one writing-intensive class each year, beginning with the sophomore year, and to avoid “clustering” these courses near the end of their matriculation. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.

A "WI" next to a course in this catalog may indicate that this course can fulfill a writing-intensive requirement. For the most up-to-date list of writing-intensive courses being offered, students should check the Writing Intensive Course List at the University Writing Program. Students scheduling their courses can also conduct a search for courses with the attribute "WI" to bring up a list of all writing-intensive courses available that term.

Sample Plan of Study (BA) 

4 year, no co-op

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
CS 150 or 1643.0CIVC 1011.0CS 1723.0VACATION
ENGL 101 or 1113.0CS 1713.0ENGL 103 or 1133.0 
MATH 121*4.0ENGL 102 or 1123.0MATH 1234.0 
UNIV S1011.0MATH 1224.0MATH 2203.0 
Engaging the Natural World***3.0-4.0Engaging the Natural World***3.0-4.0Understanding Society & Human Behavior***3.0-4.0 
 14-15 14-15 16-17 0
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM 2303.0Mathematics (MATH) courses**6.0MATH 2104.0VACATION
MATH 2004.0Free electives6.0Mathematics (MATH) course3.0 
MATH 2014.0Analyzing Cultures & Histories***3.0-4.0Understanding Society & Human Behavior***3.0-4.0 
Perspectives in Diversity***3.0-4.0 Analyzing Cultures & Histories***3.0-4.0 
Cultivating Global Competence***3.0-4.0 Free elective3.0 
 17-19 15-16 16-18 0
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
Mathematics (MATH) course**3.0MATH 401 or 3313.0-4.0UNIV S2011.0VACATION
Any BIO, CHEM, PHYS, or PHEV course3.0-4.0Mathematics (MATH) course**3.0Mathematics (MATH) course**4.0 
Free electives9.0Free electives6.0Free electives10.0 
 Cultivating Global Competence***3.0-4.0  
 15-16 15-17 15 0
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
Mathematics (MATH) course**4.0Mathematics (MATH) course3.0Mathematics (MATH) course**4.0 
Free electives12.0Free electives11.0Free electives10.0 
 16 14 14 
Total Credits 181-192
*

Math majors must pass MATH 121 with a grade of B or higher.

**

If a student takes both of MATH 331 and MATH 401, then one of these can count as a Mathematics Elective. Up to 3 mathematics-related courses from other departments may be substituted for Mathematics Electives with departmental permission. MATH special topics courses may be substituted for Mathematics Electives with departmental permission.

***

See Core Curriculum List for complete list of course options.

4 year, 1 co-op

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
CS 150 or 1643.0CIVC 1011.0COOP 101**1.0VACATION
ENGL 101 or 1113.0CS 1713.0CS 1723.0 
MATH 121*4.0ENGL 102 or 1123.0ENGL 103 or 1133.0 
UNIV S1011.0MATH 1224.0MATH 1234.0 
Engaging the Natural World†3.0-4.0Engaging the Natural World†3.0-4.0MATH 2203.0 
  Understanding Society & Human Behavior†3.0-4.0 
 14-15 14-15 17-18 0
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM 2303.0Analyzing Cultures & Histories†3.0-4.0MATH 2104.0Any BIO, CHEM, PHYS, or PHEV course3.0-4.0
MATH 2004.0Mathematics (MATH) courses***6.0Analyzing Cultures & Histories†3.0-4.0Mathematics (MATH) course***3.0
MATH 2014.0Free electives6.0Mathematics (MATH) course***3.0Free elective9.0
Cultivating Global Competence†3.0-4.0 Understanding Society & Human Behavior†3.0-4.0 
Perspectives in Diversity†3.0-4.0 Free elective3.0 
 17-19 15-16 16-18 15-16
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
MATH 401 or 3313.0-4.0UNIV S2011.0COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCE
Cultivating Global Competence†3.0-4.0Mathematics (MATH) course***4.0  
Mathematics (MATH) course***3.0Free electives9.0  
Free electives6.0   
 15-17 14 0 0
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
Mathematics (MATH) course***4.0Mathematics (MATH) course***3.0Mathematics (MATH) course***4.0 
Free electives12.0Free electives11.0Free electives10.0 
 16 14 14 
Total Credits 181-192
*

Math majors must pass MATH 121 with a grade of B or higher.

**

COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101.

***

If a student takes both of MATH 331 and MATH 401, then one of these can count as a Mathematics Elective. Up to 3 mathematics-related courses from other departments may be substituted for Mathematics Electives with departmental permission. MATH special topics courses may be substituted for Mathematics Electives with departmental permission.

†

See Core Curriculum List for complete list of course options.

5-year, 3 co-op

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
CS 150 or 1643.0CIVC 1011.0COOP 101**1.0VACATION
ENGL 101 or 1113.0CS 1713.0CS 1723.0 
MATH 121*4.0ENGL 102 or 1123.0ENGL 103 or 1133.0 
UNIV S1011.0MATH 1224.0MATH 1234.0 
Engaging the Natural World†3.0-4.0Engaging the Natural World†3.0-4.0MATH 2203.0 
  Understanding Society & Human Behavior†3.0-4.0 
 14-15 14-15 17-18 0
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM 2303.0Analyzing Cultures & Histories†3.0-4.0COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCE
MATH 2004.0Mathematics (MATH) courses***6.0  
MATH 2014.0Free electives6.0  
Cultivating Global Competence†3.0-4.0   
Perspectives in Diversity†3.0-4.0   
 17-19 15-16 0 0
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
MATH 2104.0Any BIO, CHEM, PHYS, or PHEV course3.0-4.0COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCE
Analyzing Cultures & Histories†3.0-4.0Mathematics (MATH) course***3.0  
Mathematics (MATH) course***3.0Free electives9.0  
Understanding Society & Human Behavior†3.0-4.0   
Free elective3.0   
 16-18 15-16 0 0
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
MATH 401 or 3313.0-4.0UNIV S2011.0COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCE
Cultivating Global Competence†3.0-4.0Mathematics (MATH) courses***4.0  
Mathematics (MATH) course***3.0Free electives9.0  
Free electives6.0   
 15-17 14 0 0
Fifth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
Mathematics (MATH) course***4.0Mathematics (MATH) course***3.0Mathematics (MATH) course***4.0 
Free electives12.0Free electives11.0Free electives10.0 
 16 14 14 
Total Credits 181-192
*

Math majors must pass MATH 121 with a grade of B or higher.

**

COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101.

***

If a student takes both of MATH 331 and MATH 401, then one of these can count as a Mathematics Elective. Up to 3 mathematics-related courses from other departments may be substituted for Mathematics Electives with departmental permission. MATH special topics courses may be substituted for Mathematics Electives with departmental permission.

†

See Core Curriculum List for complete list of course options.



 

Co-op/Career Opportunities

Mathematicians are employed in a variety of capacities in business, industry, and government. Students can combine courses in economics or finance and mathematics to prepare for careers in the actuarial field, banks, stock exchanges, or finance departments of large corporations or other financial institutions. Students interested in science careers may focus on probability and statistics in order to work for industries like pharmaceutical manufacturers. Many others combine math studies with computer science courses to prepare for careers in information systems or engineering.

Teacher certification is also a career option available through a joint program in mathematics and teacher education.

 Visit the Drexel Steinbright Career Development Center for more detailed information on co-op and post-graduate opportunities.

Dual Degree Bachelor’s Programs

Since applied mathematics plays an important role in many different disciplines, mathematics majors often choose to pursue specialization in a second field of study. Students may choose a dual major that involves completing the requirements of two separate majors or they can opt for a minor, which involves completing the major in one field and a smaller set of courses in another.

Dual majors are common in mathematics/computer science and mathematics/physics. Students interested in a dual major should consult with their advisor or contact the assistant department head. Dual majors in other fields are also possible, but early planning and discussions with advisors is essential.

Program Level Outcomes

  • Demonstrate problems-solving skills in a broad range of significant mathematical contexts   
  • Understand what constitutes mathematical thinking, and be able to produce and judge the validity of mathematical arguments      
  • Produce clear and valid proofs
  • Demonstrate substantial computer programming skills
  • Interact effectively with collaborators in other disciplines
  • Present mathematical information clearly, both orally and in writing, in a way that is appropriate for the audience

Mathematics Faculty

David M. Ambrose, PhD (Duke University) Associate Department Head, Mathematics. Professor. Applied analysis and computing for systems of nonlinear partial differential equations, especially free-surface problems in fluid dynamics.
Jason Aran, MS (Drexel University) Associate Department Head. Associate Teaching Professor.
Jonah D. Blasiak, PhD (University of California at Berkeley). Associate Professor. Algebraic combinatorics, representation theory, and complexity theory.
Patricia Bobo, ASA (Temple University). Assistant Teaching Professor.
Fernando Carreon, PhD (University of Texas at Austin). Teaching Professor.
Daryl Falco, MS (Drexel University). Associate Teaching Professor. Discrete mathematics and automata theory.
Raymond Favocci, MS (Drexel University). Associate Teaching Professor.
Darij Grinberg, PhD (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Assistant Professor. Algebraic Combinatorics, Noncommutative Algebra, Symmetric Functions, Hopf Algebras, Enumerative Combinatorics, Invariant Theory
Pavel Grinfeld, PhD (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Associate Professor. Intersection of physics, engineering, applied mathematics and computational science.
Anatolii Grinshpan, PhD (University of California at Berkeley). Associate Teaching Professor. Function theory and operator theory, harmonic analysis, matrix theory.
Yixin Guo, PhD (University of Pittsburgh). Associate Professor. Biomathematics, dynamical systems, ordinary and partial differential equations and math education.
R. Andrew Hicks, PhD (University of Pennsylvania) Undergraduate Advisor. Professor. Geometry; optics; computer vision.
Pawel Hitczenko, PhD (Warsaw University). Professor. Probability theory and its applications to analysis, combinatorics, wavelets, and the analysis of algorithms.
Jeffrey LaComb, PhD (Duke University). Assistant Teaching Professor. Rare Event Simulation, Dynamical Systems, Numerical Analysis and Mathematical Biology
Georgi S. Medvedev, PhD (Boston University). Professor. Ordinary and partial differential equations, mathematical neuroscience.
Cecilia Mondaini, PhD (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro). Assistant Professor. Analysis of Partial Differential Equations, Fluid Dynamics, Stochastic Processes
Shari Moskow, PhD (Rutgers University). Professor. Partial differential equations and numerical analysis, including homogenization theory, numerical methods for problems with rough coefficients, and inverse problems.
Oksana P. Odintsova, PhD (Omsk State University). Teaching Professor. Math education; geometrical modeling.
Dimitrios Papadopoulos, MS (Drexel University). Assistant Teaching Professor.
Joel Pereira, PhD (University of North Carolina). Assistant Teaching Professor. Commutative Algebra
Ronald K. Perline, PhD (University of California at Berkeley). Associate Professor. Applied mathematics, numerical analysis, symbolic computation, differential geometry, mathematical physics.
Adam C. Rickert, MS (Drexel University). Associate Teaching Professor.
Eric Schmutz, PhD (University of Pennsylvania). Professor. Probabilistic combinatorics, asymptotic enumeration.
Li Sheng, PhD (Rutgers University). Associate Professor. Discrete optimization, combinatorics, operations research, graph theory and its application in molecular biology, social sciences and communication networks, biostatistics.
Gideon Simpson, PhD (Columbia University). Associate Professor. Partial differential equations, scientific computing and applied mathematics.
Xiaoming Song, PhD (University of Kansas). Associate Professor. Stochastic Calculus, Large Deviation Theory, Theoretical Statistics, Data Network Modeling and Numerical Analysis.
Jeanne M. Steuber, MS (Boston University). Associate Teaching Professor.
K. Shwetketu Virbhadra, PhD (Physical Research Laboratory). Instructor.
Richard D. White, MS (Penn State University). Assistant Teaching Professor.
Hugo J. Woerdeman, PhD (Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam). Professor. Matrix and operator theory, systems theory, signal and image processing, and harmonic analysis.
J. Douglas Wright, PhD (Boston University) Department Head. Professor. Partial and lattice differential equations, specifically nonlinear waves and their interactions.
Dennis G. Yang, PhD (Cornell University). Associate Teaching Professor. Dynamical systems, neurodynamics.
Thomas (Pok-Yin) Yu, PhD (Stanford University). Professor. Multiscale mathematics, wavelets, applied harmonic analysis, subdivision algorithms, nonlinear analysis, applied differential geometry and data analysis.
Matthew Ziemke, PhD (University of South Carolina). Assistant Teaching Professor. Functional Analysis, Operator Algebras, Semigroups, Mathematical Physics

Emeritus Faculty

Howard Anton, PhD (Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn). Professor Emeritus.
Loren N. Argabright, PhD (University of Washington). Professor Emeritus. Functional analysis, wavelets, abstract harmonic analysis, the theory of group representations.
Robert P. Boyer, PhD (University of Pennsylvania). Professor Emeritus. Functional analysis, C*-algebras and the theory of group.
Robert C. Busby, PhD (University of Pennsylvania). Professor Emeritus. Functional analysis, C*-algebras and group representations, computer science.
Ewaugh Finney Fields, EdD (Temple University) Dean Emeritus. Professor Emeritus. Mathematics education, curriculum and instruction, minority engineering education.
William M.Y. Goh, PhD (Ohio State University). Associate Professor Emeritus. Number theory, approximation theory and special functions, combinatorics, asymptotic analysis.
Patricia Henry Russell, MS (Drexel University). Teaching Professor Emerita.
Bernard Kolman, PhD (University of Pennsylvania). Professor Emeritus. Lie algebras; theory, applications, and computational techniques; operations research.
Charles J. Mode, PhD (University of California at Davis). Professor Emeritus. Probability and statistics, biostatistics, epidemiology, mathematical demography, data analysis, computer-intensive methods.
Marci A. Perlstadt, PhD (University of California at Berkeley). Associate Professor Emerita. Applied mathematics, computed tomography, numerical analysis of function reconstruction, signal processing, combinatorics.
Chris Rorres, PhD (Courant Institute, New York University). Professor Emeritus. Applied mathematics, scattering theory, mathematical modeling in biological sciences, solar-collection systems.
Justin R. Smith, PhD (Courant Institute, New York University). Professor Emeritus. Homotopy theory, operad theory, quantum mechanics, quantum computing.
Jet Wimp, PhD (University of Edinburgh). Professor Emeritus. Applied mathematics, special factors, approximation theory, numerical techniques, asymptotic analysis.