Applied Mathematics Major

This information is part of the Colgate University catalog, 2023-24.

Major Requirements

The department strongly recommends that students pursuing a major or a minor in applied mathematics complete COSC 101 and COSC 101L or equivalent.

The requirements for the major are as follows:

Preparatory Courses

MATH 161 - Calculus I or equivalent experience approved by department chair
MATH 162 - Calculus II or equivalent experience approved by department chair

Required Courses

In unusual circumstances, the deadlines indicated may be extended with departmental approval through student petition to the department chair.

MATH 163 - Calculus III (should be completed by the end of the sophomore year)
MATH 214 - Linear Algebra (should be completed by the end of the sophomore year)
MATH 260 - Computational Mathematics and MATH 260L (should be completed by the end of the sophomore year with a grade of C or better)
MATH 376 - Numerical Analysis (should be completed by the end of the junior year)
MATH 377 - Real Analysis I (should be completed by the end of the junior year)
To complete the major, each student must produce a thesis. This is normally done through MATH 481 or MATH 482. Note: Joint theses are allowed but will not normally be considered for honors. Exceptions may be made with departmental permission.

Elective Courses

One elective from 200-level or above and two electives from 300-level or above. (Note that all three electives may be 300-level or above.)

Electives may be chosen from the following:

Cognate Courses

Two cognate courses representing a field of application interest outside of Mathematics. These two courses  must count toward a single major in the Natural or Social Sciences preferably taken in two sequential semesters as the intent is to provide an immersive experience with the language, culture, questions, and ways of knowing of another field. The courses need not explicitly use mathematics, rather they provide a basis for communication with experts in that field. Normally, the senior research project (see 6, below) involves a topic related to this field of application.

GPA Requirement

A minimum GPA of 2.00 in the courses chosen to meet the major requirements is necessary to satisfy the major.

Honors and High Honors

Students interested in pursuing honors can find the additional requirements on the Mathematics department page.

Mathematics Department

For more information about the department, including Faculty, transfer credit, awards, etc., please visit the Mathematics department catalog page.