Mathematics

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers an A.B. in Mathematics, a B.S. in Mathematics, a minor in Mathematics, and a minor in Statistics.   

Majors in Mathematics

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers two majors. The A.B. major is designed for students planning graduate study or employment outside mathematics (medicine, law, business, finance, journalism, government service, or pre-college teaching). The B.S. major is designed for students planning graduate study or employment in mathematics. Any student contemplating a math major or math or statistics minor is encouraged to contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

It is recommended that students considering majoring in mathematics take Introduction to Proof and Problem Solving (MATH-2800) following Calculus II (MATH-1360), and no later than the fall of their sophomore year. This course gives students a good understanding of what is involved in higher mathematics and will help them decide if they want to pursue a math major.

Requirements for the A.B. in Mathematics Major

The A.B. degree requires a total of 10 courses/33 credits:

  • MATH-1360 Calculus II (Prerequisite: Calculus I (MATH-1350), equivalent AP/IB credit, or passing a departmental exam)
  • MATH-2250 Linear Algebra ((Prerequisite: MATH-1360, equivalent AP/IB credit, or passing a departmental exam)
  • MATH-2370 Multivariable Calculus (Prerequisite: MATH-1360, equivalent AP/IB credit, or passing a departmental exam) 
  • MATH-2410 Ordinary Differential Equations (Prerequisite: MATH-2370, Corequisite: MATH-2250; or instructor approval)
  • MATH-2800 Introduction to Proof and Problem Solving (Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in MATH-1360; or instructor approval)
  • MATH-3210 Abstract Algebra (Prerequisite: MATH-2800 or instructor approval)
  • MATH-3310 Analysis I (Prerequisite: MATH-2800 or instructor approval)
  • 3 Mathematics electives at the 2000+ level

Note: additional upper-level courses may be substituted for Calculus II, Multivariable Calculus, and/or Linear Algebra for students passing the corresponding departmental waiver exam(s).

Requirements for the B.S. in Mathematics

The B.S. degree is intended for students interested in graduate studies in a quantitative subject, and as such, students with this major are expected to keep at least a B average in their mathematics courses. This degree requires a total of 13 courses/42 credits, as follows:

  • MATH-1360 Calculus II  (Prerequisite: Calculus I (MATH-1350), equivalent AP/IB credit, or passing a departmental exam)
  • MATH-2140 Introduction to Mathematical Statistics. Note: ECON-2110 and DSAN-5100 are equivalent to MATH-2140. Either of these courses can substitute for MATH-2140 in the major provided you have not double-counted another course towards your math major. Otherwise, you should take an additionall Statistics elective at the 2000+ level.
  • MATH-2250 Linear Algebra (Prerequisite: MATH-1360, equivalent AP/IB credit, or passing a departmental exam)
  • MATH-2370 Multivariable Calculus (Prerequisite: MATH-1360, equivalent AP/IB credit, or passing a departmental exam)
  • MATH-2410 Ordinary Differential Equations (Prerequisite: MATH-2370, Corequisite: MATH-2250; or instructor approval)
  • MATH-2800 Introduction to Proof and Problem Solving (Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in MATH-1360; or instructor approval)
  • MATH-3210 Abstract Algebra (Prerequisite: MATH-2800 or instructor approval)
  • MATH-3310 Analysis I (Prerequisite: MATH-2800 or instructor approval)
  • MATH-3320 Functions of Complex Variables (Prerequisite: MATH-3310) or MATH-4534 Complex Analysis (for strong math majors, with instructor approval)
  • Programming course: MATH-1510 Introduction to Programming for Data Science; COSC-1010 Introduction to Computer Science: Python; COSC-1020 Computer Science I; or equivalent.
  • 3 Mathematics electives at the 2000+ level (no more than 3 credits of independent study tutorial can be counted)

Note: additional upper-level courses may be substituted for Calculus II, Multivariable Calculus, and/or Linear Algebra for students passing the corresponding departmental waiver exam(s).

To encourage the serious math major to see some significant applications of mathematics, one of the three electives for the B.S. degree can be a mathematically intensive course in another discipline (approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies), such as Game Theory (ECON-4059), Relativity and Quantum Physics (PHYS-2103), or Symbolic Logic (PHIL-4000).

Mathematics Honors

A junior majoring in mathematics may apply to perform a research project in the senior year with a mathematics faculty mentor leading to a substantial paper and an oral presentation. The student must take an independent study tutorial (MATH-4949) during the senior year (3 credits in the Fall, followed by 1 credit in the Spring). A committee of three mathematics faculty members must approve the final paper prior to the oral presentation. Normally an applicant should have an A- average in mathematics courses to participate. For more information, including how to apply, contact the DUS.

Integrated Writing in Mathematics

By the time they graduate, mathematics majors should be able to describe reasons for series of calculations, prove mathematical statements at a variety of levels of complexity, and discuss implications and limitations of solutions to problems or methods of proof.

The mathematics majors will achieve this writing competence primarily through three required courses: Introduction to Proof and Problem Solving (MATH-2800), Abstract Algebra (MATH-3210), and Analysis I (MATH-3310). In each of these courses, students will complete frequent written assignments, and revise selected assignments. Students will also regularly analyze and critique examples of both student and professional mathematical prose. To meet professional standards of presentation, students will be required to complete some writing assignments using a scientific typesetting environment.

Minor in Mathematics

Requirements for the Minor

The minor in mathematics requires the following six courses:

  • MATH-1360 Calculus II (Prerequisite: Calculus I (MATH-1350), equivalent AP/IB credit, or passing a departmental exam)
  • MATH-2250 Linear Algebra (Prerequisite: MATH-1360, equivalent AP/IB credit, or passing a departmental exam)
  • MATH-2370 Multivariable Calculus (Prerequisite: MATH-1360, equivalent AP/IB credit, or passing a departmental exam)
  • 3 Mathematics electives at the 2000+ level. At least two of these must be taken within the department, regardless of transfer or study abroad credit. In addition, at least two must be non-Statistics electives. MATH-2140 (Introduction to Mathematical Statistics) may be regarded as a Mathematics elective for this purpose.

Note: additional upper-level courses may be substituted for Calculus II, Multivariable Calculus, and/or Linear Algebra for students passing the corresponding departmental waiver exam(s).

Minor in Statistics

The minor in Statistics is designed to develop skills that complement various major degree programs in the social and natural sciences. The program will help students master statistical reasoning, the basics of statistical theory, and advanced techniques in data analysis. The Statistics minor will provide valuable preparation for postgraduate professional and academic degree programs and will broaden the possibilities for employment.

Requirements for the Statistics Minor

The minor in Statistics requires the following six courses:

  • MATH-1360 Calculus II (Prerequisite: Calculus I (MATH-1350), equivalent AP/IB credit, or passing a departmental exam)
  • MATH-1505 Data Visualization and Graphics (Prerequisite: any prior statistics course)
  • MATH-2140 Introduction to Mathematical Statistics. ECON-2110 and DSAN-5100 are equivalent to MATH-2140. You may substitute either for MATH-2140 in the minor, provided your major allows double-counting a course. Otherwise, you should take a third Statistics elective at the 2000+ level instead of MATH-2140.
  • MATH-2540 Regression Analysis. PSYC-5004 is equivalent to MATH-2540 and may be substituted for 2540 in the minor, provided your major allows double-counting a course. Otherwise, you must take a third 2000+ Statistics elective in place of MATH-2540.
  • Two Statistics electives at the 2000+ level (e.g., MATH-2240 Math for Machine Learning; MATH-2620 Statistical Learning and Data Science; MATH-2625 Biostatistics; MATH-2640 Advanced Regression Methods; MATH-2645 Applied Time Series)

Subject to approval for content and level of the course by the Director of Undergraduate Studies, a student may take one of the Statistics electives outside of the department.

A Statistics minor must take a minimum of two 2000+ level Statistics courses within the department, regardless of transfer credit or study abroad. 

Students majoring in Mathematics (A.B. or B.S.) are not eligible to pursue the minor in Statistics.

For more information or to discuss how the minor in Statistics can fit your schedule and complement your major field of study, contact the DUS.

Integrated Writing in Statistics

Communicating statistical results in a clear and concise written report is an essential part of any data analysis project. In particular, reports need to be written in a way that will be meaningful and informative for non-statisticians. Since the ability to communicate results is central to the study of statistics at any level, writing skills are emphasized starting from the introductory statistics level (in homework assignments) and more substantially in the advanced applied statistics courses where students conduct an actual data analysis project and submit a professional written report. 

For more details on the Writing Requirement, see http://mathstat.georgetown.edu/resources/integrated-writing-requirement

Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB)

Prospective students are encouraged to take an Advanced Placement examination in Mathematics or Statistics, or an International Baccalaureate examination in Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations.

A student who scores a 5 on the Calculus BC examination is awarded eight credits for Calculus I (MATH-1350) and Calculus II (MATH-1360) and can proceed to Linear Algebra (MATH-2250), Multivariable Calculus (MATH-2370), Introduction to Proof and Problem Solving (MATH-2800), or any course that has MATH-1360 as a prerequisite. A student who scores a 5 on the Calculus AB examination, a 4 on the Calculus BC examination, or a 5 on the Calculus AB subscore of the Calculus BC examination is awarded four credits for Calculus I (MATH-1350) and can proceed to Calculus II (MATH-1360) or any course that has MATH-1350 as a prerequisite. A student who scores a 5 on the Statistics examination is awarded four credits for Probability and Statistics (MATH-1040).

A student who scores a 7 on the Analysis and Approaches examination is awarded four credits for Calculus I (MATH-1350) and can proceed to Calculus II (MATH-1360) or any course that has MATH-1350 as a prerequisite. A student who scores a 7 on the Applications and Interpretations examination is awarded four credits for Probability and Statistics (MATH-1040).

See the section on Advanced Credit  in this Bulletin for further information about advanced placement in mathematics or statistics.

(For course listings for Mathematics see Schedule of Classes)

Calculus Readiness Assessment

Students planning to enroll in a first course in Calculus (MATH-1350 Calculus I) must have successfully completed MATH-1001 Pre-Calculus or earn a minimum score of 75 on the Calculus Readiness Assessment. Students who wish to enroll directly into MATH-1001 Pre-Calculus do not need to take the Calculus Readiness Assessment..

The Calculus Readiness Assessment measures students’ knowledge of concepts from Basic Math through Pre-Calculus. It consists of up to 30 questions and must be completed in one 2-hour sitting. It is an open-response assessment (not multiple choice) that requires students to work out solutions to be entered into the system. Once an answer is submitted, it cannot be changed, so be sure to check your answer carefully before submitting it. No outside resources can be consulted for help. An on-screen calculator is provided if one is needed to complete a particular problem. Otherwise, the use of a calculator is not allowed.

Students can attempt the Calculus Readiness Assessment up to three times. If students do not obtain a score of at least 75 on the first attempt, they must spend at least 5 hours working through the individualized Prep and Learning Modules and wait at least 48 hours before their second attempt. The same applies between the second and third attempt.

Students who do not earn a minimum score of 75 across the three attempts must register in the standard one-semester Pre-Calculus (MATH-1001) course.

NOTE: There is a process in place to request academic accommodations on the basis of disability. Students must submit a request through the Academic Resource Center’s (ARC) online portal. We recommend beginning this process in June if the exam is to be taken in July. If the student’s accommodation request is approved, the ARC will provide documentation for the student.

Click the link below to start the Calculus Readiness Assessment. A valid Georgetown NetID and password are needed to start the assessment:
h ttps://secure.aleks.com/shiblogon/sso?sso_account=fabf73e&class_code=HRN6H-PTYN3 (new window)

Departmental Waiver Exams

Students who have not received advanced or transfer credit but who believe their preparation in high school is substantially equivalent to Calculus I (MATH-1350), Calculus II (MATH-1360), Linear Algebra (MATH-2250), and/or Multivariable Calculus (MATH-2370) may place out of these courses by taking the corresponding departmental Waiver Exam(s). Students who pass a Waiver Exam will receive a course waiver and may register for more advanced courses. However, course credit is not awarded for passing any Waiver Exam, and majors and minors are required to substitute additional upper-level electives for waived courses.

Each Waiver Exam is a handwritten two-hour exam.  

Students interested in taking a Waiver Exam should refer to the Waiver Exam FAQs on the department website for additional information.