Mathematics
Major: Mathematics
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Total Credit Hours: 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.
Degree Requirements (BA)
| General Education Requirements | ||
| CIVC 101 | Introduction to Civic Engagement | 1.0 |
| COM 230 | Techniques of Speaking | 3.0 |
| ENGL 101 | Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research | 3.0 |
| ENGL 102 | Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing | 3.0 |
| ENGL 103 | Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres | 3.0 |
| UNIV S101 | The Drexel Experience | 1.0 |
| UNIV S201 | Looking Forward: Academics and Careers | 1.0 |
| One of the following Computer Science sequences: | 9.0 | |
| Option I | ||
| Computer Programming Fundamentals | ||
| Computer Science Principles | ||
| Computer Programming I | ||
| Option II | ||
| Computer Science Principles | ||
| Computer Programming I | ||
| Computer Programming II | ||
| Humanities and fine arts electives | 6.0 | |
| International studies electives | 6.0 | |
| Science electives | 6.0 | |
| Social and behavioral sciences electives | 6.0 | |
| Studies in diversity electives | 6.0 | |
| Free Electives | 67.0 | |
| Core Mathematics Requirements | ||
| MATH 121 | Calculus I * | 4.0 |
| MATH 122 | Calculus II | 4.0 |
| MATH 123 | Calculus III | 4.0 |
| MATH 200 | Multivariate Calculus | 4.0 |
| MATH 201 | Linear Algebra | 4.0 |
| MATH 210 | Differential Equations | 4.0 |
| MATH 220 [WI] | Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning | 3.0 |
| MATH 331 | Abstract Algebra I | 3.0-4.0 |
| 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 | ||
| 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 | ||
or MATH 331 | Abstract Algebra I | |
| Elements of Modern Analysis II | ||
| Introduction to Topology | ||
| Mathematical Finance | ||
| Introduction to Graph Theory | ||
| Cryptography | ||
| Discrete Event Simulation | ||
| Tensor Calculus | ||
| Total Credits | 181.0-182.0 | |
| * | 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. |
Categories of Electives
- Humanities and arts electives
Designated courses in art, art history, communication studies, foreign languages (300-level or above), history, literature, music, philosophy, religion, and theatre arts.
- International electives
Designated courses in anthropology, art history, history, literature, music, politics and sociology. Courses with an international focus may be used to fulfill requirements in other categories as well.
- Science electives
Students select two courses from chemistry, biology or physics. Both courses may be in the same subject or they may be in different subject areas.
- Social and behavioral sciences electives
Designated courses in anthropology, economics, criminology & justice studies, international relations, history, politics, psychology and sociology.
- Studies in diversity electives
Designated courses in Africana studies, anthropology, communication, English, history, Judaic studies, linguistics, music, sociology and women's & gender studies.
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.
Degree Requirements (BS)
| General Education Requirements | ||
| CIVC 101 | Introduction to Civic Engagement | 1.0 |
| COM 230 | Techniques of Speaking | 3.0 |
| ENGL 101 | Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research | 3.0 |
| ENGL 102 | Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing | 3.0 |
| ENGL 103 | Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres | 3.0 |
| UNIV S101 | The Drexel Experience | 1.0 |
| UNIV S201 | Looking Forward: Academics and Careers | 1.0 |
| One of the following Computer Science sequences: | 9.0 | |
| Option I | ||
| Computer Programming Fundamentals | ||
| Computer Science Principles | ||
| Computer Programming I | ||
| Option II | ||
| Computer Science Principles | ||
| Computer Programming I | ||
| Computer Programming II | ||
| Any Biology (BIO) course | 3.0-4.0 | |
| Any Chemistry (CHEM) course | 3.0-4.0 | |
| Any Physics (PHYS) course | 3.0-4.0 | |
| Humanities electives | 6.0 | |
| Social sciences electives | 15.0 | |
| International studies or studies in diversity electives | 6.0 | |
| Free electives | 41.0 | |
| Mathematics Requirements | ||
| MATH 121 | Calculus I * | 4.0 |
| MATH 122 | Calculus II | 4.0 |
| MATH 123 | Calculus III | 4.0 |
| MATH 200 | Multivariate Calculus | 4.0 |
| MATH 201 | Linear Algebra | 4.0 |
| MATH 210 | Differential Equations | 4.0 |
| MATH 220 [WI] | Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning | 3.0 |
| MATH 331 | Abstract Algebra I | 4.0 |
| MATH 332 | Abstract Algebra II | 3.0 |
| MATH 401 | Elements of Modern Analysis I | 3.0 |
| MATH 402 | Elements of Modern Analysis II | 3.0 |
| Math Major Electives ** | 40.0 | |
| Select a minimum of 40 credits from the following: | ||
| Combinatorics | ||
| Math Competition Problem Solving Seminar | ||
| 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 | ||
| Mathematical Applications of Symbolic Software | ||
| Mathematical Applications of Statistical Software | ||
| Techniques of Data Analysis | ||
| Actuarial Mathematics | ||
| Vector Calculus | ||
| Complex Variables | ||
| Partial Differential Equations | ||
| Linear Algebra II | ||
| Introduction to Topology | ||
| Mathematical Finance | ||
| Introduction to Graph Theory | ||
| Cryptography | ||
| Discrete Event Simulation | ||
| Tensor Calculus | ||
| Total Credits | 181.0-184.0 | |
| * | Math majors must pass MATH 121 with a grade of B or higher. |
| ** | MATH special topics courses may be substituted for Math Major 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)
5-year co-op sequence
| Term 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 101 | Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research | 3.0 |
| MATH 121* | Calculus I | 4.0 |
| UNIV S101 | The Drexel Experience | 1.0 |
| Computer Science (CS) sequence course | 3.0 | |
| Science elective | 3.0-4.0 | |
| Term Credits | 14.0-15.0 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| CIVC 101 | Introduction to Civic Engagement | 1.0 |
| ENGL 102 | Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing | 3.0 |
| MATH 122 | Calculus II | 4.0 |
| Computer Science (CS) sequence course | 3.0 | |
| Science elective | 3.0-4.0 | |
| Term Credits | 14.0-15.0 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| ENGL 103 | Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres | 3.0 |
| MATH 123 | Calculus III | 4.0 |
| MATH 220 [WI] | Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning | 3.0 |
| Computer Science (CS) sequence course | 3.0 | |
| Social and behavioral science elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 16.0 | |
| Term 4 | ||
| COM 230 | Techniques of Speaking | 3.0 |
| MATH 200 | Multivariate Calculus | 4.0 |
| MATH 201 | Linear Algebra | 4.0 |
| Diversity studies elective | 3.0 | |
| International studies elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 17.0 | |
| Term 5 | ||
| Mathematics (MATH) courses** | 6.0 | |
| Humanities/Fine arts elective | 3.0 | |
| Free electives | 6.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0 | |
| Term 6 | ||
| MATH 210 | Differential Equations | 4.0 |
| Mathematics (MATH) course** | 3.0 | |
| Social and behavioral science elective | 3.0 | |
| Humanities/Fine arts elective | 3.0 | |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 16.0 | |
| Term 7 | ||
| Mathematics (MATH) course** | 3.0 | |
| Diversity studies elective | 3.0 | |
| Free electives | 9.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0 | |
| Term 8 | ||
| MATH 401 or 331 | Elements of Modern Analysis I Abstract Algebra I | 3.0-4.0 |
| Mathematics (MATH) course** | 3.0 | |
| International studies elective | 3.0 | |
| Free electives | 6.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0-16.0 | |
| Term 9 | ||
| UNIV S201 | Looking Forward: Academics and Careers | 1.0 |
| Mathematics (MATH) courses** | 4.0 | |
| Free electives | 10.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0 | |
| Term 10 | ||
| Mathematics (MATH) course** | 4.0 | |
| Free electives | 12.0 | |
| Term Credits | 16.0 | |
| Term 11 | ||
| Mathematics (MATH) course** | 3.0 | |
| Free electives | 11.0 | |
| Term Credits | 14.0 | |
| Term 12 | ||
| Mathematics (MATH) course** | 4.0 | |
| Free electives | 10.0 | |
| Term Credits | 14.0 | |
| Total Credit: 181.0-184.0 | ||
| * | See degree requirements. |
| ** | Select from MATH 205, MATH 221, MATH 222, MATH 235, MATH 238, MATH 250, MATH 285, MATH 300, MATH 301, MATH 305, MATH 311, MATH 312, MATH 316, MATH 318 [WI] , MATH 319, MATH 320, MATH 321, MATH 322, MATH 323, MATH 332, MATH 387, MATH 402, MATH 422, MATH 449, MATH 450, MATH 475, MATH 483, MATH 489. 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. |
Sample Plan of Study (BS)
| Term 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 101 | Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research | 3.0 |
| MATH 121 | Calculus I | 4.0 |
| UNIV S101 | The Drexel Experience | 1.0 |
| Computer Science (CS) course sequence* | 3.0 | |
| Any Biology (BIO) course | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 14.0 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| CIVC 101 | Introduction to Civic Engagement | 1.0 |
| ENGL 102 | Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing | 3.0 |
| MATH 122 | Calculus II | 4.0 |
| Computer Science (CS) sequence course* | 3.0 | |
| Any Chemistry (CHEM) course | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 14.0 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| ENGL 103 | Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres | 3.0 |
| MATH 123 | Calculus III | 4.0 |
| MATH 200 | Multivariate Calculus | 4.0 |
| Computer Science (CS) sequence course* | 3.0 | |
| Any Physics (PHYS) course | 3.0-4.0 | |
| Term Credits | 17.0-18.0 | |
| Term 4 | ||
| COM 230 | Techniques of Speaking | 3.0 |
| MATH 201 | Linear Algebra | 4.0 |
| MATH 220 [WI] | Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning | 3.0 |
| Social Science electives | 6.0 | |
| Term Credits | 16.0 | |
| Term 5 | ||
| MATH 210 | Differential Equations | 4.0 |
| Social Science elective | 3.0 | |
| Mathematics (MATH) elective** | 3.0 | |
| International Studies or Studies in Diversity elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 13.0 | |
| Term 6 | ||
| MATH 331 | Abstract Algebra I | 4.0 |
| Humanities elective | 3.0 | |
| Mathematics (MATH) elective** | 4.0 | |
| Social Science elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 14.0 | |
| Term 7 | ||
| MATH 332 | Abstract Algebra II | 3.0 |
| Humanities elective | 3.0 | |
| International Studies or Studies in Diversity elective | 3.0 | |
| Mathematics (MATH) elective** | 4.0 | |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 16.0 | |
| Term 8 | ||
| MATH 401 | Elements of Modern Analysis I | 3.0 |
| Social Science elective | 3.0 | |
| Mathematics (MATH) elective** | 3.0 | |
| Free electives | 6.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0 | |
| Term 9 | ||
| MATH 402 | Elements of Modern Analysis II | 3.0 |
| UNIV S201 | Looking Forward: Academics and Careers | 1.0 |
| Mathematics (MATH) electives** | 7.0 | |
| Free electives | 6.0 | |
| Term Credits | 17.0 | |
| Term 10 | ||
| Mathematics (MATH) electives** | 8.0 | |
| Free electives | 7.0-8.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0-16.0 | |
| Term 11 | ||
| Mathematics (MATH) electives** | 7.0 | |
| Free electives | 8.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0 | |
| Term 12 | ||
| Mathematics (MATH) electives** | 6.0 | |
| Free electives | 9.0-10.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0-16.0 | |
| Total Credit: 181.0-184.0 | ||
| * | See degree requirements. |
| ** | Select from MATH 222, MATH 235, MATH 250, MATH 285, MATH 300, MATH 301, MATH 305, MATH 311, MATH 312, MATH 316, MATH 318 [WI] , MATH 319, MATH 320, MATH 321, MATH 322, MATH 323, MATH 387, MATH 422, MATH 449, MATH 450, MATH 475, MATH 483, MATH 489. MATH special topics courses may be substituted for Mathematics Electives with departmental permission. |
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.
