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.

Degree Requirements (BA)

*

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

*

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

*

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

*

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

Mathematics Faculty

Emeritus Faculty