Mathematics Major, B.A.
Richard McLaughlin, Chair
David Adalsteinsson, Director of Undergraduate Studies
Linda Green, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Studies
Erin Willis, Undergraduate Student Services Manager
Nick Siedentop, Curriculum Director
Mathematics has always been a fundamental component of human thought and culture, and the growth of technology in recent times has further increased its importance.
Students majoring in mathematics may enter either the B.A. or the B.S. program. The B.A. program is more flexible than the B.S. program; it allows students to specialize in mathematics and at the same time either to follow a broad liberal arts program or to specialize in a second area (possibly even taking a second major).
Department Programs
Majors
Minor
Graduate Programs
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the mathematics program (B.A., B.S.), students should be able to:
- Demonstrate mastery of the core of mathematics recognized as essential by national professional mathematics organizations
- Demonstrate mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills
- Demonstrate the ability to construct logical arguments and mathematical proofs
- Demonstrate the ability to apply mathematical knowledge and skills in context and interpret results
Requirements
In addition to the program requirements, students must
- attain a final cumulative GPA of at least 2.0
- complete a minimum of 45 academic credit hours earned from UNC–Chapel Hill courses
- take at least half of their major course requirements (courses and credit hours) at UNC–Chapel Hill
- earn a minimum of 18 hours of C or better in the major core requirements (some majors require 21 hours).
For more information, please consult the degree requirements section of the catalog.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| MATH 347 | Linear Algebra for Applications (preferably before the junior year; previously offered as MATH 547) | 3 |
| or MATH 577 | Linear Algebra | |
| MATH 381 | Discrete Mathematics 1, H | 3 |
| MATH 383 | First Course in Differential Equations H | 3 |
| MATH 521 | Advanced Calculus I H | 3 |
| At least three more MATH courses numbered above 500. 2 | 9 | |
| Eighteen hours of C or better (not C-) in MATH 233, MATH 347, MATH 381, MATH 383, or MATH courses numbered above 500 | ||
| Additional Requirements | ||
| MATH 231 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable I H | 4 |
| MATH 232 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable II H | 4 |
| MATH 233 | Calculus of Functions of Several Variables H | 4 |
| Total Hours | 33 | |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
| 1 | A current or former major in statistics and analytics (mathematical decision sciences) may substitute STOR 215 for MATH 381. |
| 2 | For this requirement, taking the three lab courses MATH 383L + MATH 528L + MATH 529L counts as one 500-level course. |
All Foundations, Approaches, Connections, and Supplemental General Education requirements apply (see the General Education Requirements in this catalog).
Following are suggested course selections (within the degree requirements) for students who have an interest in a particular direction.
Course Suggestions for Pure Mathematics
These courses provide a solid theoretical understanding of central mathematics and excellent preparation for graduate study in mathematics or the mathematical sciences.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 521 | Advanced Calculus I H | 3 |
| MATH 522 | Advanced Calculus II H | 3 |
| MATH 577 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 578 | Algebraic Structures | 3 |
| Enough upper-level mathematics courses to satisfy the degree requirements | ||
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
Those planning graduate study in mathematics or the mathematical sciences may consider taking some of MATH 653, MATH 676, MATH 680, or subsequent courses.
Course Suggestions for Mathematical Economics
Suitable for students planning to go on to graduate school in economics or a related area, or pursue a career in economics, business, or finance. Note: With three more ECON courses numbered above 400, the requirements for the B.A. in economics could also be satisfied.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ECON 101 | Introduction to Economics H | 4 |
| ECON 410 | Intermediate Theory: Price and Distribution H | 4 |
| ECON 420 | Intermediate Theory: Money, Income, and Employment H | 3 |
| At least two of: | 6 | |
| Advanced Microeconomic Theory H | ||
| Advanced Game Theory in Economics H | ||
| Advanced Macroeconomic Theory H | ||
| Applied Econometric Analysis H | ||
| MATH 521 | Advanced Calculus I H | 3 |
| At least three of: | 9 | |
| Advanced Calculus II H | ||
| Elementary Differential Equations | ||
| Introduction to Probability | ||
| Topology | ||
| Introduction to Dynamics | ||
| Mathematical Modeling in the Life Sciences | ||
| Either: | 6 | |
| Introduction to Probability | ||
| Mathematical Statistics | ||
| Or: | ||
| Introduction to Statistics and Econometrics H | ||
| Applied Econometric Analysis H | ||
| MATH 347 | Linear Algebra for Applications | 3 |
| or MATH 577 | Linear Algebra | |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
Course Suggestions for Future High School Teachers
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 231 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable I H | 4 |
| MATH 232 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable II H | 4 |
| MATH 233 | Calculus of Functions of Several Variables H | 4 |
| MATH 381 | Discrete Mathematics H | 3 |
| MATH 383 | First Course in Differential Equations H | 3 |
| At least one of: | ||
| History of Mathematics | ||
| Elements of Modern Algebra | ||
| Introduction to Probability | ||
| Combinatorial Mathematics | ||
| Topology | ||
| MATH 347 | Linear Algebra for Applications | 3 |
| or MATH 577 | Linear Algebra | |
| MATH 521 | Advanced Calculus I H | 3 |
| MATH 533 | Elementary Theory of Numbers | 3 |
| MATH 551 | Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Geometries | 3 |
| STOR 155 | Introduction to Data Models and Inference | 3 |
| The Supplemental General Education requirement | 9 | |
| Eighteen hours of C or better (not C-) in MATH 233, MATH 381, MATH 383, or MATH courses numbered above 500 | ||
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
Special Opportunities in Mathematics
Special activities for qualified students include an undergraduate Mathematics Club, problem-solving seminars, the Putnam Mathematical Competition, and the Virginia Tech Mathematics Contest. Students interested in these activities should consult the departmental honors advisor.
Qualified undergraduate students may work as research assistants in the Fluid Laboratory or as tutors in the Math Help Center. Students can conduct original research with the guidance of a faculty member, usually in conjunction with the preparation of an honors project. Study Abroad opportunities include semester or yearlong programs in a variety of countries. The Archibald Henderson Medal and the Alfred Brauer Prize recognize outstanding performance and promise in mathematics.
Undergraduate honors research projects as well as some internships or study abroad programs might qualify for experiential education credit. MATH 296, MATH 396, and MATH 410 satisfy this requirement.
Honors in Mathematics
Special honors (H) sections are given in some mathematics courses when student demand is sufficient (for example, MATH 62H, MATH 233H, MATH 381H, MATH 383H).
Promising students are encouraged to work toward a bachelor’s degree with honors in mathematics. This program consists of six or more courses approved by the departmental honors advisor and satisfactory completion of an honors project completed over the two semesters of the senior year. The honors project is conducted in association with a departmental faculty member on a topic approved by the departmental honors advisor, and spans two semesters of independent research, during which time the honors candidate must be enrolled in MATH 691H and MATH 692H. The final report on the project includes both a written description and an oral presentation before a committee of three faculty (including the project advisor) approved by the departmental honors advisor. The committee will then report to the departmental honors advisor, who, in conjunction with a subcommittee of the undergraduate committee, will make the final recommendation on awarding a degree with honors or highest honors. The candidate must have a 3.5 grade point average in mathematics courses to begin an honors project and must maintain the 3.5 average through the completion of the senior year.
UNC–BEST
The UNC Baccalaureate Education in Science and Teaching (UNC–BEST) Program is a collaboration between the School of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences and is designed to allow undergraduate mathematics (and science) majors interested in teaching high school mathematics the opportunity to earn their degree and obtain licensure as a North Carolina high school mathematics teacher in four years. UNC–BEST students meet all the degree requirements for their mathematics major and complete a teaching methods class (MATH 410). Students also fulfill teaching licensure coursework requirements (see list below) as well as many General Education and elective requirements.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 410 | Teaching and Learning Mathematics | 4 |
| EDUC 689 | Foundations of Special Education (may substitute EDUC 516) | 3 |
| EDUC 532 | Human Development and Learning (may substitute EDUC 403) | 3 |
| EDUC 615 | Schools and Community Collaboration (may substitute EDUC 533) | 3 |
| EDUC 593 | Internship/Student Teaching | 12 |
| EDUC 601 | Education Workshops | 1 |
For more details on admission requirements and application processes, visit the School of Education Web site.
