Undergraduate Degree & Course Catalog
2016-17

Mathematics - Degrees & Policies

Degrees Offered

Undergraduate: BA, BS, Minor
Concentrations: Actuarial Sciences (BS), General Curriculum (BA), Computing and Applied Mathematics (BA), Preparation for Graduate Study in Mathematics (BA and BS), Preparation for Graduate Study in Applied Mathematics (BA and BS), and General Study in Mathematics and Education (BA)
Combined: BA/MA
Graduate: MA, PhD

Other programs: Joint programs with other departments including Economics (BA), Physics (BS), and Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (BS)

Advisement

Students intending or considering a mathematics major are encouraged to talk with the undergraduate director (716-645-8785) at the earliest opportunity.

Acceptance Information

Applicants to the mathematics program should schedule an appointment with the undergraduate director by calling 716-645-8785. Formal application to the major can be made at any time after they have completed the three-course calculus sequence MTH 141-MTH 142-MTH 241 or the equivalent at a transfer institution, with a 2.5 GPA or higher. Regular advisement is available and recommended to all students intending or contemplating a mathematics major.

The department's requirement for admission is a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the three calculus courses. Students who have taken more than these three courses usually need a minimum grade of C in any additional required courses they have completed.

Note: Admittance to the department guarantees admittance to the General Curriculum Program only-all other concentrations or programs require specific approval from the director of undergraduate studies. Students who expect difficulty in being admitted to the department should follow the requirements for the General Curriculum Program or see the director of undergraduate studies for advice on which concentration to follow, pending admittance.

Academic Requirements

Departmental Probation. Students whose math GPA drops below 2.0 are placed on departmental probation for one semester. If their GPA remains below 2.0 at the end of the probationary semester, they are dropped from the department. They may reapply after one semester.

Departmental Requirements for Graduation. After a student has been accepted as a major, progress toward fulfillment of the degree requirements is monitored by the department. A student is recommended for a baccalaureate degree in mathematics only if:
(1) the program has been approved by the director of undergraduate studies,
(2) all required/approved courses have been completed, and
(3) a minimum departmental GPA of 2.0 has been attained in the specific program except in the General Curriculum Program where the minimum is 2.5.
(4) Students completing a double degree in Mathematics and another major may overlap the following courses: Math 141 (or 121, 151), 142 (or 122, 152), 241, 306, 309 and two additional courses on the 300- or 400- level; all other courses taken by the student may not apply to both programs to ensure the depth of studies in both fields.

Transfer Policy

Transfer students who intend to major in mathematics are urged to consult the director of undergraduate studies before or very early in their first semester at the University at Buffalo to determine equivalency of transferred mathematics courses. Transfer students are required to complete at least four upper-division courses in the Department of Mathematics at the University at Buffalo.

SUNY Seamless Transfer Path

SUNY Seamless Transfer is a SUNY-wide program intended to make transferring to UB and other SUNY Schools simple and efficient for SUNY students. SUNY has defined courses that SUNY students can take before transferring which will apply to the major at UB and ensure timely graduation.

Information about the Transfer Path for this major can be found on the SUNY Website.

Students are encouraged to contact their academic advisor or department to discuss how their coursework will apply to their degree.

Mathematics - B.S.

Concentration BSc: General Study In Mathematics

About the Concentration

This concentration provides a basic theoretical course of study for mathematics majors intending graduate study in mathematics. Admission to this concentration is by departmental approval only. See the director of undergraduate studies regarding approval.

Acceptance Criteria

Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the prerequisite courses.

Prerequisite Courses

MTH 141 College Calculus I
MTH 142 College Calculus II
MTH 241 College Calculus III

Required Courses

MTH 311 Introduction to Higher Mathematics
MTH 306 Introduction to Differential Equations
MTH 309 Introductory Linear Algebra
MTH 337 Introduction to Scientific and Mathematical Computing
MTH 419 Introduction to Abstract Algebra
MTH 420 Advanced Linear Algebra
MTH 431 Introduction to Real Variables I
MTH 432 Introduction to Real Variables II
Three 300/400-level mathematics courses
Four 300/400-level courses in mathematics or computer science

Undergraduate Credit Requirements Chart
Credits Required for Major 65
Additional Credits Required for UB Curriculum 38
Additional Credits Required for Electives 17
Total Credits Required for Degree 120

Students should consult with an academic advisor to determine how any transfer or exam credit might be utilized in meeting general education, prerequisite, or major requirements.

See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements (UB Curriculum) for general education and remaining university requirements.

Learning Outcomes

-Computational skills
-Analytical skills
-Practical problem solving and mathematical modeling skills
-Research skills
-Communication skills

Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements

View the Finish in Four Curricular Plan for the Mathematics BS - General Study Concentration which is a recommended sequence of courses to help achieve this degree in four years.

Mathematics - B.S.

Concentration BSc/AM: General Study In Applied Mathematics

About the Concentration

This concentration provides a course of study for mathematics majors intending to pursue graduate study in applied mathematics. Admission to this concentration is by departmental approval only. See the director of undergraduate studies regarding approval.

Acceptance Criteria

Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the prerequisite courses.

Prerequisite Courses

MTH 141 College Calculus I
MTH 142 College Calculus II
MTH 241 College Calculus III

Required Courses

CSE 115 Introduction to Computer Science for Majors I
MTH 306 Introduction to Differential Equations
MTH 309 Introductory Linear Algebra
MTH 311 Introduction to Higher Mathematics
MTH 337 Introduction to Scientific and Mathematical Computing
MTH 417 Survey of Multivariable Calculus
MTH 418 Survey of Partial Differential Equations
MTH 419 Introduction to Abstract Algebra or MTH 420 Advanced Linear Algebra
MTH 431 Introduction to Real Variables I
MTH 443 Fundamentals of Applied Mathematics I
Three 300/400-level mathematics courses
Three 300/400-level courses in mathematics or computer science
PHY 107 General Physics I
PHY 108 General Physics II

Undergraduate Credit Requirements Chart
Credits Required for Major 66
Additional Credits Required for UB Curriculum 38
Additional Credits Required for Electives 16
Total Credits Required for Degree 120

Students should consult with an academic advisor to determine how any transfer or exam credit might be utilized in meeting general education, prerequisite, or major requirements.

See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements (UB Curriculum) for general education and remaining university requirements.

Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements

View the Finish in Four Curricular Plan for the Mathematics BS - General Study in Applied Mathematics Concentration (BSc/AM) which is a recommended sequence of courses to help achieve this degree in four years.

Mathematics - B.S.

Concentration A: Actuarial Science

About the Concentration

The Actuarial Science concentration provides a curriculum for mathematics majors intending to pursue a career as an actuary. Please see the Director of Undergraduate Studies for more information on this course of study.

Acceptance Criteria

A minimum GPA of 2.5 in the prerequisite courses.

Prerequisites

STA 119 Statistical Methods
MTH 141 College Calculus I
MTH 142 College Calculus II
MTH 241 College Calculus III

Required Courses

MTH 337 Introduction to Scientific and Mathematical Computing
ECO 405 Microeconomic Theory
ECO 407 Macroeconomic Theory
ECO 461 Economic Fluctuations and Forecasting
ECO 481 Econometrics II
MGA 201 Accounting I
MGA 202 Accounting II
MGF 301 Corporation Finance
MGF 405 Advanced Corporate Finance
MTH 306 Differential Equations
MTH 309 Linear Algebra
MTH 311 Intro to Higher Math
MTH 411 Probability or STA 301 Probability
MTH 412 Statistical Interference or STA 302 Statistical Inference
MTH 458 Mathematical Finance I
MTH 459 Mathematical Finance II
STA 403/STA 503 Regression Analysis or MGQ 301 Statistical Decisions in Management
One STA 400/500 level elective

Undergraduate Credit Requirements Chart
Credits Required for Major 75
Additional Credits Required for UB Curriculum 39
Additional Credits Required for Electives 6
Total Credits Required for Degree 120

Students should consult with an academic advisor to determine how any transfer or exam credit might be utilized in meeting general education, prerequisite, or major requirements.

See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements (UB Curriculum) for general education and remaining university requirements.

Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements

View the Finish in Four Curricular Plan for the Mathematics BS - Actuarial Science Concentration which is a recommended sequence of courses to help achieve this degree in four years.

Mathematical Physics - B.S.

Acceptance Criteria

Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the prerequisite courses.

Advising Notes

This is a joint program administered by the physics department. However, students should consult with the undergraduate directors in the physics and mathematics departments regarding approved electives. A student who follows this program but does not complete it will have difficulty completing a math major without substantial additional coursework.

Prerequisite Courses

MTH 141 College Calculus I
MTH 142 College Calculus II
PHY 107 General Physics I or PHY 117 Honors Physics I (preferred)
PHY 108 General Physics II or PHY 118 Honors Physics II (preferred)
PHY 158 General Physics II Lab

Required Courses

MTH 241 College Calculus III
MTH 306 Introduction to Differential Equations
MTH 309 Introductory Linear Algebra
MTH 417 Survey of Multivariable Calculus
MTH 418 Survey of Partial Differential Equations
MTH 419 Introduction to Abstract Algebra or MTH 420 Advanced Linear Algebra
MTH 425 Introduction to Complex Variables I
PHY 207 General Physics III or PHY 217 Honors Physics III
PHY 208 General Physics IV
PHY 257 General Physics III Lab
PHY 301 Intermediate Mechanics I
PHY 307 Modern Physics Lab
PHY 401 Quantum Mechanics I - fundamentals
PHY 403 Electricity and Magnetism I
PHY 405 Thermal and Statistical Physics I
PHY 407 Advanced Laboratory or PHY 408 Advanced Laboratory
PHY 431 Introduction to Mathematical Physics I (or MTH 424, if offered)
One 300/400-level MTH elective
One PHY elective (one of the following: PHY 302 Intermediate Mechanics II, PHY 402 Quantum Mechanics II, PHY 404 Electricity and Magnetism II, or PHY 406 Thermal and Statistical Physics II)

Undergraduate Credit Requirements Chart
Credits Required for Major 798/td>
Additional Credits Required for UB Curriculum 32
Additional Credits Required for Electives 10
Total Credits Required for Degree 120

Students should consult with an academic advisor to determine how any transfer or exam credit might be utilized in meeting general education, prerequisite, or major requirements.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all requirements, the student will have knowledge of:
  • The basic laws of physics, their corollaries, and comprehension of how they can be applied to explain specific natural phenomena
  • Critical thinking and problem solving skills in physics, related to hypothesis building, application of the scientific method, and mathematical methods to analyze physics theories and experiments, and devise solution strategies.
  • Laboratory skills and exposure to a variety of experiments illustrating important phenomena, measuring techniques, and qualitative analysis of data and uncertainty at appropriate levels
  • Contemporary areas of physics inquiry
  • Written and oral communication skills for presentation of scientific results

Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements

View the Finish in Four Curricular Plan for the Mathematical Physics BS which is a recommended sequence of courses to help achieve this degree in four years.

Mathematics - B.A.

General Curriculum In Mathematics

General Curriculum in Mathematics

This is the basic liberal arts major program in mathematics, and allows for freedom in course choice by the students. A total of nine mathematics (MTH) courses are required: five core courses (MTH 141, MTH 142, MTH 241, MTH 306, MTH 309) and four electives. An overall GPA of 2.5 in these nine mathematics courses is required to graduate in this program. Several concentrations requiring additional coursework are available for students with specific career goals.

Acceptance Criteria

Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the prerequisite courses (or transfer equivalents).

Prerequisite Courses

MTH 141 College Calculus I
MTH 142 College Calculus II
MTH 241 College Calculus III

Required Courses

MTH 306 Introduction to Differential Equations
MTH 309 Introduction to Linear Algebra
One of the following: MTH 311 Introduction to Higher Mathematics, MTH 313 Elements of Set Theory, MTH 335 Elements of Geometry, MTH 419 Introduction to Abstract Algebra, MTH 420 Advanced Linear Algebra, MTH 431 Introduction to Real Variables I, or other proofs course approved by the director of undergraduate studies in mathematics.

Three 300/400-level mathematics courses. For students transferring a non-computer-based differential equations course, one of these three courses must be a computer applications course approved by the director of undergraduate studies.

Undergraduate Credit Requirements Chart
Credits Required for Major 33
Additional Credits Required for UB Curriculum 39
Additional Credits Required for Electives 48
Total Credits Required for Degree 120

Students should consult with an academic advisor to determine how any transfer or exam credit might be utilized in meeting general education, prerequisite, or major requirements.

See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements (UB Curriculum) for general education and remaining university requirements.

Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements

View the Finish in Four Curricular Plan for the Mathematics BA - General Curriculum Concentration which is a recommended sequence of courses to help achieve this degree in four years.

Mathematics - B.A.

Concentration C: Computing And Applied Mathematics

About the Concentration

This concentration is designed to serve those students interested in careers as applied mathematicians or scientific applications programmers.

The courses in this concentration are like the calculus and computing courses, though more difficult. A student who can handle MTH 141, MTH 142, MTH 241, CSE 115, and CSE 116 should be able to handle concentration C.

Acceptance Criteria

Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the prerequisite courses.

Prerequisite Courses

MTH 141 College Calculus I
MTH 142 College Calculus II
MTH 241 College Calculus III

Required Courses

CSE 115 Introduction to Computer Science for Majors I
CSE 116 Introduction to Computer Science for Majors II
CSE 191 Discrete Structures
CSE 241 Digital Systems
CSE 250 Algorithms and Data Structures
MTH 306 Introduction to Differential Equations
MTH 309 Introductory Linear Algebra
MTH 417 Survey of Multivariable Calculus and MTH 418 Survey of Partial Differential Equation or MTH 431 Introduction to Real Variables I and MTH 432 Introduction to Real Variables II*
MTH 437 Introduction to Numerical Analysis I
MTH 438 Introduction to Numerical Analysis II
Two 300/400-level mathematics courses
Two 300/400-level courses in mathematics or computer science

Undergraduate Credit Requirements Chart
Credits Required for Major 78
Additional Credits Required for UB Curriculum 32
Additional Credits Required for Electives 10
Total Credits Required for Degree 120

Students should consult with an academic advisor to determine how any transfer or exam credit might be utilized in meeting general education, prerequisite, or major requirements.

See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements (UB Curriculum) for general education and remaining university requirements.

Approved Technical Electives

Any 300/400-level MTH course is acceptable. Note that MTH 431-MTH 432 and MTH 419- MTH 420 are designed for students who want intensive preparation in analysis and modern algebra, and are not good choices to just fill out a schedule. MTH 431- MTH 432 may be taken as electives (in addition to MTH 417 or MTH 418) or as requirements (in place of MTH 417 and MTH 418).

Approved technical electives outside the Mathematics department: any 300 or 400 level CSE course.

Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements

View the Finish in Four Curricular Plan for the Mathematics BA - Computing and Applied Mathematics Concentration which is a recommended sequence of courses to help achieve this degree in four years.

Mathematics - B.A.

Concentration GS: General Study In Mathematics

About the Concentration

This concentration describes a basic theoretical course of study for mathematics majors intending to pursue graduate study in mathematics, or intending careers in such fields as actuarial science, financial analysis, or cryptography.

Admission to this concentration is by departmental approval only. See the director of undergraduate studies regarding approval.

Acceptance Criteria

Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the prerequisite courses.

Advising Notes

Concentration GS has the fewest courses of any of the math concentrations except General Curriculum, but many courses are quite difficult; MTH 311, MTH 431- MTH 432, and MTH 419-MTH 420 are abstract theoretical courses emphasizing proofs. A student must do well in MTH 311 to enter this program.

Students planning to go to graduate school should meet with the director of undergraduate studies in mathematics in the fall semester of their junior year. They should plan to take the GREs in either spring of the junior year or fall of the senior year.

Prerequisite Courses

MTH 141 College Calculus I
MTH 142 College Calculus II
MTH 241 College Calculus III

Required Courses

MTH 306 Introduction to Differential Equations
MTH 309 Introductory Linear Algebra
MTH 311 Introduction to Higher Mathematics
MTH 419 Introduction to Abstract Algebra
MTH 420 Advanced Linear Algebra
MTH 431 Introduction to Real Variables I
MTH 432 Introduction to Real Variables II
One 300/400-level mathematics course
Two 300/400-level courses in mathematics or computer science

Undergraduate Credit Requirements Chart
Credits Required for Major 50
Additional Credits Required for Gen Ed 38
Additional Credits Required for Electives 32
Total Credits Required for Degree 120

Students should consult with an academic advisor to determine how any transfer or exam credit might be utilized in meeting general education, prerequisite, or major requirements.

See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements (UB Curriculum) for general education and remaining university requirements.

Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements & Learning Outcomes

View the Finish in Four Curricular Plan for the Mathematics BA - General Study Concentration (BS) which is a recommended sequence of courses to help achieve this degree in four years.

Learning Programs
-Computational skills
-Analytical skills
-Practical problem solving and mathematical modeling skills
-Research skills
-Communication skills

Mathematics - B.A.

Concentration GS/AM: General Study In Applied Mathematics

About the Concentration

This concentration describes a course of study for mathematics majors intending to pursue graduate study in applied mathematics. Admission to this concentration is by departmental approval only. See the director of undergraduate studies regarding approval.

Acceptance Criteria

A minimum GPA of 2.5 in the prerequisite courses.

Advising Notes

MTH 311, MTH 431, MTH 419 and MTH 420 are abstract theoretical courses emphasizing proofs. A student must do well in MTH 311 to enter this program.

Students planning to go to graduate school should meet with the director of undergraduate studies in mathematics in the fall semester of their junior year. They should plan to take the GREs in either spring of the junior year or fall of the senior year.

Prerequisite Courses

MTH 141 College Calculus I
MTH 142 College Calculus II
MTH 241 College Calculus III

Required Courses

CSE 115 Introduction to Computer Science for Majors I
MTH 306 Introduction to Differential Equations
MTH 309 Introductory Linear Algebra
MTH 311 Introduction to Higher Mathematics
MTH 337 Introduction to Scientific and Mathematical Computing
MTH 417 Survey of Multivariable Calculus
MTH 418 Survey of Partial Differential Equations
MTH 419 Introduction to Abstract Algebra or MTH 420 Advanced Linear Algebra
MTH 431 Introduction to Real Variables I
MTH 443 Fundamentals of Applied Mathematics I
Two 300/400-level courses in mathematics or computer science
PHY 107 General Physics I
PHY 108 General Physics II

Undergraduate Credit Requirements Chart
Credits Required for Major 65
Additional Credits Required for UB Curriculum 38
Additional Credits Required for Electives 17
Total Credits Required for Degree 120

Students should consult with an academic advisor to determine how any transfer or exam credit might be utilized in meeting general education, prerequisite, or major requirements.

See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements (UB Curriculum) for general education and remaining university requirements.

Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements

View the Finish in Four Curricular Plan for the Mathematics BA - General Study in Applied Mathematics Concentration (GS/AM) which is a recommended sequence of courses to help achieve this degree in four years.

Mathematics - Economics - B.A.

Program M/E: Joint Major In Mathematics/Economics

About the Concentration

This is a program for students intending graduate study in economics. Acceptance into this program requires a minimum GPA of 2.5 in both the mathematics and economics courses during the first year. Separate applications must be submitted to both the Department of Mathematics and the Department of Economics. Admission to this program is by departmental approval only. See the director of undergraduate studies regarding approval.

Acceptance Criteria

A minimum GPA of 2.5 in the prerequisite courses.

Advising Notes

A student must be able to handle MTH 311 to enter this program. Students should consult the advisor in each department concerning senior-level courses. Exceptions in the curriculum may be allowed through consultation with the appropriate department. Interested students should contact the departments upon application for up-to-date information on possible changes.

Prerequisite Courses

MTH 141 College Calculus I
MTH 142 College Calculus II
MTH 241 College Calculus III

Required Courses

ECO 405 Microeconomic Theory
ECO 407 Macroeconomic Theory or ECO 337 Honors Macroeconomic Theory
MTH 306 Introduction to Differential Equations
MTH 309 Introductory Linear Algebra
MTH 311 Introduction to Higher Mathematics
MTH 411 Probability Theory
MTH 412 Introduction to Statistical Inference
MTH 419 Introduction to Abstract Algebra or MTH 420 Advanced Linear Algebra
MTH 431 Introduction to Real Variables I
One 300/400-level mathematics course
Two 300/400-level courses in economics (not ECO 480 or ECO 481)

Undergraduate Credit Requirements Chart
Credits Required for Major 52
Additional Credits Required for UB Curriculum 39
Additional Credits Required for Electives 29
Total Credits Required for Degree 120

Students should consult with an academic advisor to determine how any transfer or exam credit might be utilized in meeting general education, prerequisite, or major requirements.

See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements (UB Curriculum) for general education and remaining university requirements.

Learning Outcomes

For MTH/ECO joint majors the math, depth and social science requirements are fulfilled by major courses.

Learning Outcomes
-Computational skills
-Analytical skills
-Practical problem solving and mathematical modeling skills
-Research skills
-Communication skills

Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements

View the Finish in Four Curricular Plan for the Mathematics-Economics Joint Major BA which is a recommended sequence of courses to help achieve this degree in four years.

Mathematics - B.A.

Concentration GS/ED: General Study In Mathematics And Education

About the Concentration

This concentration is designed for the student whose career goal is to attain a master's degree for professional certification in adolescent mathematics education. Students interested in this concentration should obtain advisement from the director of undergraduate studies in mathematics, 233 Mathematics Building, and, for questions related to the education courses, from the Teacher Education Institute (TEI), 375 Baldy Hall.

Admission to the major must be sought from the Department of Mathematics, usually in the student's second year. For advice on prerequisites for required courses in education and selection of general education courses fulfilling the State Education Department (SED) requirement for prospective teachers, students should consult with TEI as early as their freshman year.

Completion of the major concentration (including the required education courses) provides advanced status toward initial New York State teacher certification, accomplished through one year of subsequent coursework at the graduate level through the Graduate School of Education. It is then possible to complete, within the state-mandated three years, the master's degree required for a professional teaching certificate, provided that all NYS requirements have been successfully completed.

Acceptance Criteria

A minimum GPA of 2.5 in the prerequisite courses.

Advising Notes

The courses in this concentration are more theoretical than those in concentration C; MTH 311, MTH 419, and MTH 431 are difficult. A student must be able to handle MTH 311 in order to enter this concentration. Warning: In order to graduate with a degree in mathematics in concentration GS/ED, a student must complete all the required education courses, as well as the required mathematics courses. Students who complete concentration GS/ED math requirements but do not complete the education requirements must change to the basic curriculum or to another concentration in order to graduate. It is recommended that students interested in this concentration contact the department upon application for up-to-date information on possible changes in requirements.

Prerequisite Courses

MTH 141 College Calculus I
MTH 142 College Calculus II
MTH 241 College Calculus III

Required Courses

CEP 400 Educational Psychology
CSE 113 Introduction to Computer Science I or CSE 115 Introduction to Computer Science for Majors I
MTH 337 Introduction to Scientific and Mathematical Computing or CSE 114 Introduction to Computer Science II or CSE 116 Introduction to Computer Science for Majors II
ELP 405 Sociology of Education
LAI 350 Introduction to Education
MTH 191 Introduction to Discrete Mathematics or CSE 191 Discrete Structures
MTH 306 Introduction to Differential Equations
MTH 309 Introductory Linear Algebra
MTH 311 Introduction to Higher Mathematics
MTH 335 Elements of Geometry
MTH 411 Probability Theory or STA Introduction to Probability
MTH 419 Introduction to Abstract Algebra MTH 420 Advanced Linear Algebra
MTH 431 Introduction to Real Variables I
One 300/400-level mathematics elective
Three electives selected from the list of approved elective courses for the Education Minor

Undergraduate Credit Requirements Chart
Credits Required for Major 74
Additional Credits Required for UB Curriculum 39
Additional Credits Required for Electives 7
Total Credits Required for Degree 120

Students should consult with an academic advisor to determine how any transfer or exam credit might be utilized in meeting general education, prerequisite, or major requirements.

See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements (UB Curriculum) for general education and remaining university requirements.

Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements

View the Finish in Four Curricular Plan for the Mathematics BA - General Study in Mathematics and Education Concentration (GS/ED) which is a recommended sequence of courses to help achieve this degree in four years.

Mathematics - B.A./M.A.

About the Program

This program is designed for students who demonstrate, in their first two years of mathematical study, a high level of competence and motivation. Upon admission to the BA/MA program, students follow an integrated course of study leading to a combined degree. Admission to this program is by departmental approval only and requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 in mathematics courses (calculus, differential equations, linear algebra) as well as letters of recommendation.

Acceptance Criteria

A minimum GPA of 2.5 in the prerequisite courses.

Prerequisite Courses

MTH 141 College Calculus I
MTH 142 College Calculus II
MTH 241 College Calculus III

Required Courses

MTH 306 Introduction to Differential Equations
MTH 309 Introductory Linear Algebra
MTH 311 Introduction to Higher Mathematics
MTH 519 Introduction to Abstract Algebra
MTH 520 Advanced Linear Algebra
MTH 531 Introduction to Real Variables I
MTH 532 Introduction to Real Variables II
Three 300/400-level courses in mathematics or computer science. At least one of these must be a mathematics course (excluding MTH 498, 499). Electives require approval by the director of undergraduate studies.

Six graduate-level courses, including at least 12 credits in mathematics. Included must be at least one year-long sequence in mathematics at the 500 level or above (other than 519-520 or 531-532). Electives require approval by the director of graduate studies.

Combined Degree Credit Requirements Chart
Credits Required for Major (Undergraduate) 33
Credits Required for Major (Graduate) 30
Additional Credits Required for UB Curriculum 39
Additional Credits Required for Electives 27
Total Credits Required for Degree 129

Students should consult with an academic advisor to determine how any transfer or exam credit might be utilized in meeting general education, prerequisite, or major requirements.

See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements (UB Curriculum) for general education and remaining university requirements.

Refer to the Graduate School's Policies and Procedures Manual for Master's Candidate Requirements.

Recommended Sequence of Program Requirements

View the Finish in Four Curricular Plan for the Mathematics BA/MA which is a recommended sequence of courses to help achieve this degree in five years.

Mathematics - Minor

Acceptance Criteria

Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the prerequisite courses (or approved transfer equivalent).

Prerequisite Courses

MTH 141 College Calculus I
MTH 142 College Calculus II
MTH 241 College Calculus III

Required Courses

MTH 306 Introduction to Differential Equations
MTH 309 Introductory Linear Algebra
Two additional 300/400-level mathematics electives from within the Department of Mathematics. *STA 301 and STA 302 may be taken in place of MTH 411 and MTH 412.

Note: A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required in these courses for departmental recommendation for a minor in mathematics.

Minor Credit Requirements Chart
Total Credits Required for Minor/Certificate 26

Minors and certificates must be completed in conjunction with a major and all university degree requirements must be met.

Students should consult with an academic advisor to determine how any transfer or exam credit might be utilized in meeting general education, prerequisite, or major requirements.

Last updated: November 22 2021 21:01:55