Mathematics Minor
Build mathematical skills at the calculus level and beyond with coursework tailored to complement your primary major.
Study mathematics. Strengthen quantitative thinking. Complement your major.
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Program Type: Minor
Total Credit Hours: 21-25 credits
Open to: MCLA undergraduates
Why Add a Mathematics Minor?
The Mathematics Minor develops skills in calculus, proof, and applied mathematics while complementing your primary field of study. With guidance from Mathematics faculty, you select courses that fit your academic interests, with options extending into computer science, data science, and physics.
Electives Chosen to Complement Your Major
Work with a Mathematics faculty member to select courses that complement and enhance your primary major. Depending on prerequisites and your academic interests, options can include courses such as MATH 345 Game Theory, MATH 444 Operations Research, DATA 350 Practicing Data Science, and PHYS 361 Mathematical Methods of Physics.
Your First Required Course Also Meets a Core Requirement
MATH 220 Calculus I, the first required calculus course in the minor, carries the Quantitative Reasoning (CMA) attribute. Students may be able to use the course toward the Core Curriculum Quantitative Reasoning requirement while also applying its three credits to the Mathematics Minor.
Cross-Program Electives Built Into the Requirements
The Mathematics Minor includes options outside the Mathematics department. One requirement can be completed with CSCI 120 Programming in Python, CSCI 121 Programming in Java I, CSCI 246 Programming in C#, or an equivalent computer course. DATA 350 Practicing Data Science and PHYS 361 Mathematical Methods of Physics are also approved options within the upper-level requirements.
Mathematics Minor Requirements
The Mathematics Minor requires 21–25 credits. Students complete three required courses, one additional Mathematics course at the 200 level or above, one Mathematics or approved computer course, and two upper-level courses.
Required Courses
- MATH 220 Calculus I, 3 credits
- MATH 240 Proof I, 3 credits
- MATH 320 Calculus II, 3 credits
- One MATH course at the 200 level or above, 3 credits
Select One of the Following
- One MATH course at the 200 level or above
- CSCI 120 Programming in Python
- CSCI 121 Programming in Java I
- CSCI 246 Programming in C#
- An equivalent computer course
Select Two of the Following
- DATA 350 Practicing Data Science
- A MATH course at the 300 level or above
- PHYS 361 Mathematical Methods of Physics
Additional requirement: Students without a precalculus background must also complete MATH 150 Precalculus before taking MATH 220 Calculus I.
How to Add the Mathematics Minor
Enrolled MCLA students can add the Mathematics Minor by meeting with their academic advisor and a Mathematics faculty member to plan coursework that complements their primary major.
Who Can Add the Mathematics Minor?
The Mathematics Minor is designed to complement a student's primary field through calculus, proof, and advanced quantitative coursework. Students work with Mathematics faculty to select courses that fit their academic interests and goals.
Business Administration and Economics
Business Administration and Economics students can strengthen their quantitative and analytical skills through calculus, proof, and advanced Mathematics electives. Depending on prerequisites and interests, courses such as MATH 345 Game Theory and MATH 444 Operations Research can connect mathematical methods with economic and business problems.
Data Science and Computer Science
Data Science and Computer Science students can strengthen the mathematical foundations behind computational and analytical work. The minor also allows approved Data Science and Computer Science courses to contribute directly to its requirements.
Physics
Physics students can deepen the mathematical training that supports advanced work in the field. PHYS 361 Mathematical Methods of Physics is explicitly included among the upper-level options for the Mathematics Minor.
Education
Students interested in mathematics education can deepen their mathematics content knowledge through the minor. Students planning to pursue teacher licensure should work with the Mathematics and Education departments to make sure their coursework meets the requirements for their intended licensure program.
Biology and Health Sciences
Biology and Health Sciences students can strengthen the quantitative foundation they use in scientific study and research. Mathematics faculty can help students select electives that complement their primary program and academic interests.
Skills You Will Develop
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FAQs
A: Yes. MATH 220 Calculus I and MATH 320 Calculus II are required. MATH 220 requires
MATH 150 Precalculus, appropriate placement based on prior preparation, or department
approval, while MATH 320 requires MATH 220.
A: The time needed depends on your previous mathematics preparation, course selections,
prerequisites, and course availability. Because required and elective courses may
need to be taken in sequence, work with a Mathematics faculty member to plan the minor
alongside your primary major.
A: A Mathematics Minor can strengthen your quantitative preparation for graduate programs
that use advanced mathematics, analytical reasoning, or computational methods. Graduate
admission requirements vary by program, so review the prerequisites for the programs
you are considering when selecting your electives.
A: The Mathematics Minor is designed to complement other academic disciplines. Physics
students can include PHYS 361 Mathematical Methods of Physics among their approved
upper-level options. Students in Physics, Chemistry, or other sciences should work
with Mathematics faculty to select courses that complement their primary major.
A: MCLA requires graduating students to have a minimum 2.0 GPA in their minor program requirements.
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