Adding Honors in Mathematics

Students interested in a richer mathematical experience than afforded by the mathematics major can apply for the honors program in mathematics. Graduation with honors in mathematics requires completing all the requirements for mathematics major  and completing the additional requirements for the department’s honors program listed below.

1. In their junior year, students must successfully petition the Mathematics Department for admission to the honors program.

2. Honors students work with a faculty mentor throughout their senior year independently studying an advanced mathematical topic and preparing an expository thesis. The 12-credit project is composed of 8 credits of research (MTH 401 ) and 4 credits of thesis (MTH 403 ).  The successful completion of these 12 credits satisfies the capstone requirement for the mathematics major, replacing the MTH 490  (Senior Colloquium) requirement.

3. Students also must complete two additional 400-level courses beyond what is needed to complete the major. Choose any two of the following four options: an additional Applied Mathematics topic (MTH 421 ), an additional Analysis topic (MTH 431 ), an additional Abstract Algebra topic (MTH 441 ), or an additional Statistics topic (MTH 461 ). Note: the additional topics must be from two different areas; both topics may not be listed under the same course number.

4. Honors graduates must have a 3.25 GPA in mathematics and a 3.00 overall GPA.