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University of Pittsburgh    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
 
  Nov 29, 2024
 
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Mathematics, BS


Mathematics has been described as the queen of the sciences. Mathematics is the language of quantitative information and structure. Quantitative information is acquired, classified, and processed according to mathematical models of physical phenomena with mathematical tools. There is a wide range of applications even of the most pure of mathematical disciplines. Cryptography is based on algebra, signal processing is based on Fourier analysis, and important applications from topology to physics exist as well. In our department, we offer unique research opportunities for undergraduates in mathematical biology, scientific computing, and financial mathematics as well as algebra, geometry, and analysis.

 

The Department of Mathematics offers bachelor degree programs in mathematics, applied mathematics, actuarial mathematics, and mathematical biology. We also offer a joint major in mathematics-economics and data science . Each of the department’s majors has its own philosophy and its own formal requirements. For additional information, visit the Department of Mathematics Web site.

 

Required courses for the Mathematics major


The mathematics major requires the completion of 41 credits in mathematics or as few as 34 with UHC (University Honors Course) options, plus 4 in Physics and 3 in Computer Science. They are distributed as follows.

Calculus courses


Introductory theoretical courses


Professional Development


Upper-level required courses


Upper-level elective courses


Other Requirements and Recommendations


  • Majors must complete 40 credits (see below for curriculum details on each major) with a grade of C or higher in each course for the major and at least a 2.00 GPA overall in mathematics courses. The S/NC grade option is not permitted.
  • MATH 0413 - INTRO THEORETICAL MATHEMATICS  meets the departmental W requirement.
  • Credit by examination is usually available only through the placement testing offered for incoming students.
  • Students considering graduate work in mathematics should be aware that many programs require a reading knowledge of one or two second languages from among French, German, and Russian.
  • To graduate with honors in mathematics or applied mathematics, students must meet the following requirements in addition to the other requirements for the major.
  • Students interested in graduate study in mathematics are advised to take MATH 1530  and MATH 1540 . Those interested in pursuing secondary education certification in mathematics.

The statistics requirement is waived for mathematics majors graduating with honors. Although not required, it is recommended that honors candidates take the intermediate honors courses MATH 0450 - INTRODUCTION TO ANALYSIS  and MATH 1185 - HONORS LINEAR ALGEBRA  during their freshman and sophomore years.



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