Majors & Minors in Math
Options for Mathematics Majors
The Mathematics department offers two undergraduate degree programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts and to the Bachelor of Science degrees.
The Bachelor of Arts program in Mathematics is designed to provide students a solid foundation in the main areas of mathematics and mathematical applications, in preparation for a wide variety of careers or post-undergraduate programs.聽
The Bachelor of Science program in Mathematics is designed to give students further theoretical mathematical experience, and is strongly recommended for students considering聽 graduate study in mathematics.
Please direct any questions about the major in Mathematics to the Assistant Chair for Undergraduate Programs.
The Bachelor of Arts program in Mathematics is designed to provide a solid foundation in the main areas of mathematics and mathematical applications, in preparation for a wide variety of careers or post-undergraduate programs. Students prepare for work in quantitative fields including actuarial science, finance, and data science, or further study in fields such as statistics or computational biology. Students who complete the BA in mathematics also pursue careers in education, law and medicine.
In recent years, about 65% of math majors pursued the BA track.
The BA Mathematics major requires completion of at least 33 credits, depending upon the student's preparation in Calculus prior to entering Boston College.
| Preparation (if necessary) | MATH 1102 Calculus I (Math and Science Majors), or its equivalent (e.g., four or higher on the Calculus AP exam) MATH 1103 Calculus II (Math and Science Majors), or its equivalent |
| Required Courses | MATH 2202 Multivariable Calculus or MATH 2203 Multivariable Calculus (Honors) MATH 2210 Linear Algebra or MATH 2211 Linear Algebra (Honors) MATH 2216 Introduction to Abstract Mathematics MATH 3310 Introduction to Abstract Algebra MATH 3320 Introduction to Analysis |
| Required Course Substitution Notes | With the approval of the Assistant Chair for Undergraduate Programs, advanced students may omit required courses, substituting three credits in MATH courses numbered 4000 or higher for each. |
| Required Elective Courses | Eighteen (18) elective credits in MATH courses numbered 3312, 3322, or 4000 and above. |
Planning
There are many pathways into the Math B.A. major, depending on your background. Some students may have little to no Calculus before entering 51成人动漫, while some have taken Calculus I and II and beyond.聽Whatever your path, we encourage you to discuss course planning with your major advisor. If you have further questions, you should meet with the Mathematics Assistant Chair for Undergraduates (beldingj@bc.edu). In particular, anyone starting the major later than fall of sophomore year should meet with the Assistant Chair.
Here are key recommendations for course planning
Complete the required 1000 and 2000 level courses in the following order, starting with whichever course you鈥檙e recommended for. These courses should be completed by the end of your sophomore year, at the latest.聽
- Math1102 (Calculus 1), if needed
- Math1103 (Calculus 2), if needed聽
- Math 2202/3 (Multivariable Calculus)聽
- Math2210/11 (Linear Algebra)*
- Math2216 (Introduction to Abstract Math)**聽
* Math2210 (Linear Algebra) may be taken simultaneously with Math2202/3 (Multivariable Calculus) or Math2216 (Introduction to Abstract Math). Many of our majors do this.聽
** Students who complete 2211 can substitute an additional 4000-level course in place of 2216.聽聽
For the 3000-level courses in Algebra and Analysis
- Math2216 is a prerequisite.聽
- You may take Math3310 and 3320 in either order.聽
- We do not recommend taking Math3310 and Math3320 simultaneously as these are more challenging, theoretical courses.聽
- We strongly recommend completing these by fall of your senior year.聽
For the 4000-level courses
- You may start taking some 4000-level electives after completing 2202 and 2210. (Math2216 and the 3000-level courses are not pre-requisites for some 4000 level courses.)
- The electives fall roughly into three categories: theoretical math, applied math and probability/statistics. For more about these, see the chart below.聽
- For a visual of pathways through the major see the diagram below.聽
For More Information and Advice
Feel free to contact any of the following:
Rennie Mirollo
Department Chairperson
Professor
renato.mirollo@bc.edu
617-552-3762
Maloney Hall 544
Juliana Belding
Assistant Chair for Undergraduates
Professor of the Practice
juliana.belding@bc.edu
617-552-1201
Maloney Hall 516
Martin Bridgeman
Assistant Chair for Graduates
Professor
martin.bridgeman@bc.edu
617-552-3770
Maloney Hall 547
The Bachelor of Science program in Mathematics is designed to give students further theoretical mathematical experience, and is strongly recommended for students considering聽 graduate study in mathematics.聽 The core of the BS major program consists of two year-long sequences, in Algebra and Analysis.聽 Students聽 must also take Complex Variables, four additional upper-level elective math courses and four courses in natural and physical science, computer science or economics which include a substantial mathematics component.
In recent years, about 35% of math majors pursued the BS track.聽
The BS Mathematics major requires completion of at least 36 credits, depending upon the student's preparation in Calculus prior to entering Boston College.
| Preparation (if necessary) | MATH 1102 Calculus I (Math and Science Majors), or its equivalent (e.g., four or higher on the Calculus AP exam) MATH 1103 Calculus II (Math and Science Majors), or its equivalent聽 |
| Required Courses | MATH 2202 Multivariable Calculus or MATH 2203 Multivariable Calculus (Honors) MATH 2210 Linear Algebra or MATH 2211 Linear Algebra (Honors) MATH 2216 Introduction to Abstract Mathematics MATH 3311-3312 Algebra I,II MATH 3321-3322 Analysis I,II MATH 4460 Complex Variables |
| Required Course Substitution Notes | With the approval of the Assistant Chair for Undergraduate Programs, advanced students may omit required courses, substituting three credits in MATH courses numbered 4000 or higher for each. |
| Required Elective Courses | Twelve (12) elective credits in MATH courses numbered 4000 and above. |
| Science Courses | Twelve (12) credits in natural science, computer science, or economics, science courses (see science courses tab). |
Planning
There are many pathways into the Math B.S. major, depending on your background. Some students may have little to no Calculus before entering 51成人动漫, while some have taken Calculus I and II and beyond.
Whatever your path, we encourage you to discuss course planning with your major advisor. If you have further questions, you should meet with the Mathematics Assistant Chair for Undergraduates. In particular, anyone starting the major later than fall of sophomore year or switching from the Math B.A. major should meet with the Assistant Chair.
Here are key recommendations for course planning
Complete the required 1000 and 2000 level courses in the following order, starting with whichever course you鈥檙e recommended for. These courses should be completed by the end of your sophomore year, at the latest.聽
- MATH 1102 (Calculus 1), if needed
- MATH 1103 (Calculus 2), if needed
- MATH 2202/3 (Multivariable Calculus)
- MATH 2210/11 (Linear Algebra)*
- MATH 2216 (Introduction to Abstract Math)**
*MATH 2210 (Linear Algebra) may be taken simultaneously with MATH 2202/3 (Multivariable Calculus) or MATH 2216 (Introduction to Abstract Math). Many of our majors do this.聽
**Students who complete 2211 can substitute an additional 4000-level course in place of 2216.
For the 3000-level sequences, MATH 3311-12 and 3321-22
- MATH 2216 is a prerequisite.
- You may take the MATH 3311-12 Algebra sequence and MATH 3321-22 Analysis sequence in either order or simultaneously.
- Students who take these sequences simultaneously should be aware that these are more challenging, fast-paced, theoretical courses.
For the 4000-level courses
- You may start taking some 4000-level electives after completing 2202 and 2210. (MATH 2216 and the 3000-level courses are not pre-requisites for some 4000 level courses.)
- The electives fall roughly into three categories: theoretical math, applied math and probability/statistics. For more about this, see the chart below.聽
- For a visual of pathways through the major see the diagram below.聽
Students who plan to study abroad junior year should start discussing course planning with their advisor as soon as possible. If you have further questions, you should meet with the Mathematics Assistant Chair for Undergraduates.聽
Below is a list of courses in natural science, computer science, and economics that will satisfy the requirements for the B.S. in Mathematics. The Department is also open to other courses with significant mathematical content, including some in CSOM. Students may consult with the Assistant Chair for Undergraduate Programs about other possibilities.
Biology
- BIOL 2000 Molecules and Cells
- BIOL 2010 Ecology and Evolution
- BIOL 3040 Cell Biology
- BIOL 3190 Genetics & Genomics
- BIOL 4200 Introduction to Bioinformatics
Chemistry
- CHEM 1109 (1117) -1110 (1118) General (Honors Modern) Chemistry I, II
- CHEM 3351 Analytical Chemistry
- CHEM 4475-4476 Physical Chemistry I, II
Computer Science
- CSCI 1101-1102 Computer Science I,II
- MATH2250 Mathematical Foundations of Data Science
- CSCI 2291 Data Science: Methods and Applications
- Any upper division course for majors in Computer Science.
Economics
- ECON 2228 Econometric Methods
- ECON 2229 Forecasting Techniques
- ECON 3308 Game Theory in Economics
- ECON 3311 Mathematics for Economists
Earth and Environmental Sciences
- EESC 3391 Introduction to Geophysics
- EESC 4424 Environmental Geophysics
- EESC 4455 Exploration of Seismology
Physics
- PHYS 2100 (2200) - 2101 (2201) Introduction to Physics (Calculus) I, II
- PHYS2050 and PHYS 2051 (Physic Labs for Physics I and II count separately as courses, as well)聽
- Any upper division course for majors in Physics.
If you have a question about getting started in the B.S. Program or transitioning to it please consult with the Assistant Chair for Undergraduates.
For More Information and Advice
Feel free to contact any of the following:
Rennie Mirollo
Department Chairperson
Professor
renato.mirollo@bc.edu
617-552-3762
Maloney Hall 544
Juliana Belding
Assistant Chair for Undergraduates
Professor of the Practice
juliana.belding@bc.edu
617-552-1201
Maloney Hall 516
Martin Bridgeman
Assistant Chair for Graduates
Professor
martin.bridgeman@bc.edu
617-552-3770
Maloney Hall 547
Students who complete the following will be awarded the Minor in Mathematics.
| Required Courses | MATH 2202 or MATH 2203 Multivariable Calculus MATH 2210 or MATH 2211 Linear Algebra |
| Required Course Substitution Notes | With the approval of the Assistant Chair for Undergraduate students may omit required courses, substituting an elective chosen from the approved courses listed below for each course. AP credit cannot be used to satisfy requirements for the minor. |
| Twelve Elective Credits | Twelve elective credits, chosen from among the following:
|
Recommended Electives for Minors
Certain courses in Mathematics are particularly well-suited for students in other, mathematics-related majors.
Biology and Chemistry
- MATH 4410 Differential Equations
- MATH 4426 Mathematical Probability
- MATH 4427 Mathematical Statistics
- MATH 4470 Mathematical Modeling
Computer Science
- MATH 4426 Probability
- MATH 4445 Combinatorics
- MATH 4427 Mathematical Statistics
- MATH 4430 Number Theory
- MATH 4470 Mathematical Modeling
Economics and Management
- MATH 4410 Differential Equations
- MATH 4426 Mathematical Probability
- MATH 4427 Mathematical Statistics
- MATH 4470 Mathematical Modeling
Physics
- MATH 4410 Differential Equations
- MATH 4426 Mathematical Probability
- MATH 4427 Mathematical Statistics
- MATH 4440 Dynamical Systems
- MATH 4451 Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Geometry
- MATH 4460 Complex Variables
- MATH 4470 Mathematical Modeling
Rennie Mirollo
Department Chairperson
Professor
renato.mirollo@bc.edu
617-552-3762
Maloney Hall 544
Juliana Belding
Assistant Chair for Undergraduates
Associate Professor of the Practice
juliana.belding@bc.edu
617-552-1201
Maloney Hall 516
Martin Bridgeman
Assistant Chair for Graduates
Professor
martin.bridgeman@bc.edu
617-552-3770
Maloney Hall 547
Candidates for either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science who meet the following requirements will be awarded Departmental Honors in Mathematics:
- Completion of the mathematics requirements for the B.S. degree.
That is, all honors students must take twelve courses in mathematics, including MATH 3311, MATH 3312, MATH 3321, MATH 3322, MATH 4460.
- A grade point average of at least 3.3 in all math courses numbered 3300 and above.
- Completion, as one of the required electives, of an honors thesis course MATH 4498 or an independent study course MATH 4901 under the direction of a faculty member.
-or- - Completion, as one of the required electives, of a graduate course at the 8800 level.