Mathematics is about understanding the world through studies of quantity, structure, pattern, and change to create logical solutions that make life more meaningful and more beautiful. Mathematics bridges the humanities and the sciences. Its position among the humanities is based on the study of mathematics as one of the liberal arts for more than two thousand years. The natural sciences have invariably turned to mathematics for techniques needed to explore the consequences of scientific theories. In the last few decades, social scientists have increasingly found higher mathematics of value in their training and research. Still an expanding subject, mathematics is a part of more new and challenging frontiers than at any time in its long history — with many new fields, from data science to quantum computing, requiring new techniques and inspiring ideas for exploration.
Graduating math majors have obtained employment in a variety of jobs in business, industry, and governmental agencies and also have obtained teaching positions at the secondary school level (such teaching positions normally require teaching certification). Others have continued their education at the graduate level in mathematics and other fields. Departments in a variety of fields that use mathematics, including some in the social and biological sciences as well as in engineering and the physical sciences, are interested in attracting math majors into their graduate programs. Math PhDs obtain academic positions at the college and university level and nonacademic positions entailing consulting and research. The math major requirements are flexible enough to allow preparation for various goals, interests, and careers.
Students interested in mathematics might also consider the related degree program in applied mathematics, engineering, and physics.
How to Get in
Declaration
To declare a major in mathematics, a student must have completed the sequence MATH 221, MATH 222, and MATH 234, or the sequence MATH 375 and MATH 376, with a 2.500 GPA or better. Major advisors may waive this requirement for students with alternative coursework and experiences (e.g., transfer students). Students should meet with a math advisor before declaring in order to discuss course selection and major plan. Advising information can be found in the Advising and Careers link.
Students who are declared in the Bachelor of Science-Applied Mathematics, Engineering, and Physics degree may not be declared in the Mathematics for Physical and Biological Sciences named option.
Students declared in the Mathematics certificate may not be declared in the Mathematics major at the same time. Students who wish to declare this major must first cancel their declaration in the Mathematics certificate.
University General Education Requirements
All undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set of common university general education requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. Various schools and colleges will have requirements in addition to the requirements listed below. Consult your advisor for assistance, as needed. For additional information, see the university Undergraduate General Education Requirements section of the Guide.
| General Education |
* The mortarboard symbol appears before the title of any course that fulfills one of the Communication Part A or Part B, Ethnic Studies, or Quantitative Reasoning Part A or Part B requirements. |
College of Letters & Science Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Science (BS)
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in the College of Letters & Science must complete all of the requirements below. The College of Letters & Science allows this major to be paired with either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree requirements.
Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements
| Mathematics | Complete two courses of 3+ credits at the Intermediate or Advanced level in MATH, COMP SCI, or STAT subjects. A maximum of one course in each of COMP SCI and STAT subjects counts toward this requirement. |
| Language | Complete the third unit of a language other than English. |
| LS Breadth | Complete: • 12 credits of Humanities, which must include at least 6 credits of Literature; and • 12 credits of Social Science; and • 12 credits of Natural Science, which must include 6 credits of Biological Science and 6 credits of Physical Science. |
| Liberal Arts and Science Coursework | Complete at least 108 credits. |
| Depth of Intermediate/Advanced Coursework | Complete at least 60 credits at the Intermediate or Advanced level. |
| Major | Declare and complete at least one major. |
| Total Credits | Complete at least 120 credits. |
| UW-Madison Experience | Complete both: • 30 credits in residence, overall, and • 30 credits in residence after the 86th credit. |
| Quality of Work | • 2.000 in all coursework at UW–Madison • 2.000 in Intermediate/Advanced level coursework at UW–Madison |
Non–L&S students pursuing an L&S major
Non–L&S students who have permission from their school/college to pursue an additional major within L&S only need to fulfill the major requirements. They do not need to complete the L&S Degree Requirements above.
Requirements for the Major
The mathematics major requirements include exposure to at least two areas of advanced mathematics. The program is ideal for any student who has a broad interest in mathematics both pure and applied, and functions well as a standalone or complementary program. The mathematics major also offers six named options for students interested in pursuing an applied focus area outside of mathematics as part of their major.
The mathematics major requires 7 distinct courses for at least 21 credits as described below. Note that at most one course from each of the following groupings may be used to fulfill the minimum course and credit requirement (i.e.: seven courses and at least 21 credits): Intro Linear Algebra (MATH 320, MATH 340, MATH 341, MATH 375), Intro Differential Equations (MATH 319, MATH 320, or MATH 376), and Intro Probability (MATH/STAT 309 or MATH/STAT 431).
At least seven MATH courses for at least 21 credits are required for the major as follows1:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Linear Algebra (complete one) 2 | 3-5 | |
| Linear Algebra | ||
or MATH 320 | Linear Algebra and Differential Equations | |
or MATH 340 | Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra | |
or MATH 375 | Topics in Multi-Variable Calculus and Linear Algebra | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Analysis, Topology, Algebra (complete two) | 6 | |
| Analysis I | ||
| Modern Algebra | ||
| Elementary Topology | ||
Advanced MATH Elective (complete one)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Complete at least one for three credits: | 3 | |
| Numerical Linear Algebra | ||
| Numerical Analysis | ||
| Ordinary Differential Equations | ||
| Analysis I | ||
| Analysis II | ||
| Linear Optimization | ||
| Probability Theory | ||
| Mathematical Methods in Data Science | ||
| Linear Algebra II | ||
| Modern Algebra | ||
| Modern Algebra | ||
| Elementary Topology | ||
| Elementary Geometric and Algebraic Topology | ||
| Differential Geometry | ||
| Modern Number Theory | ||
| Fundamentals of Set Theory | ||
| Mathematical Logic | ||
| Stochastic Methods for Biology | ||
| Topics in Mathematics Study Abroad | ||
| Mathematical Methods for Systems Biology | ||
| Data-Driven Dynamical Systems, Stochastic Modeling and Prediction | ||
| Analysis of Partial Differential Equations | ||
| Introduction to Manifolds | ||
| Complex Analysis | ||
| Introduction to Fourier Analysis | ||
| Introduction to Measure and Integration | ||
| Introduction to Stochastic Processes | ||
| An Introduction to Brownian Motion and Stochastic Calculus | ||
| Introduction to Error-Correcting Codes | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis | ||
| Undergraduate Thesis | ||
| Undergraduate Thesis | ||
| Directed Study | ||
| Directed Study | ||
Additional MATH Elective to achieve 7 courses and 21 credits in the major
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Choose from the following: | 9 | |
| Introduction to the Theory of Probability 3 | ||
| Introduction to Probability and Mathematical Statistics I | ||
| Introduction to Probability and Mathematical Statistics II | ||
| Techniques in Ordinary Differential Equations 4 | ||
or MATH 376 | Topics in Multi-Variable Calculus and Differential Equations | |
| Applied Mathematical Analysis | ||
| Applied Mathematical Analysis | ||
| Undergraduate Research with Madison Experimental Mathematics Lab | ||
| Topics in Mathematics Study Abroad | ||
| Applied Dynamical Systems, Chaos and Modeling | ||
| The Theory of Single Variable Calculus | ||
| Introduction to Combinatorial Optimization | ||
| Introduction to Cryptography | ||
| Applied Linear Algebra | ||
| Graphs and Networks in Data Science | ||
| College Geometry I | ||
| Introduction to Number Theory | ||
| History of Mathematics | ||
| Introduction to Combinatorics | ||
| Undergraduate Seminar | ||
| Topics in Undergraduate Mathematics | ||
| Numerical Linear Algebra | ||
| Numerical Analysis | ||
| Ordinary Differential Equations | ||
| Analysis I | ||
| Analysis II | ||
| Linear Optimization | ||
| Probability Theory | ||
| Mathematical Methods in Data Science | ||
| Linear Algebra II | ||
| Modern Algebra | ||
| Modern Algebra | ||
| Elementary Topology | ||
| Elementary Geometric and Algebraic Topology | ||
| Differential Geometry | ||
| Modern Number Theory | ||
| Fundamentals of Set Theory | ||
| Mathematical Logic | ||
| Stochastic Methods for Biology | ||
| Topics in Mathematics Study Abroad | ||
| Mathematical Methods for Systems Biology | ||
| Data-Driven Dynamical Systems, Stochastic Modeling and Prediction | ||
| Analysis of Partial Differential Equations | ||
| Introduction to Manifolds | ||
| Complex Analysis | ||
| Introduction to Fourier Analysis | ||
| Introduction to Measure and Integration | ||
| Introduction to Stochastic Processes | ||
| An Introduction to Brownian Motion and Stochastic Calculus | ||
| Introduction to Error-Correcting Codes | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis | ||
| Undergraduate Thesis | ||
| Undergraduate Thesis | ||
| Directed Study | ||
| Directed Study | ||
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Residence and Quality of Work
- 2.000 GPA in all MATH and major courses.
- 2.000 GPA on 15 upper-level major credits, taken in residence.5
- 15 credits in MATH, taken on the UW–Madison campus.
Named Options
Mathematics: Mathematics for Data Science
Mathematics: Mathematics for Economics and Finance
Mathematics: Mathematics for Programming and Computing
Mathematics: Mathematics for Secondary Education
Mathematics: Mathematics for Statistical Analysis and Risk Assessment
Mathematics: Mathematics for the Physical and Biological Sciences
Honors in the Major
Students may declare Honors in the Major in consultation with the Mathematics Honors advisor; this should be done by the start of the junior year. Honors in the major is not available in any Named Option program.
Honors in the Mathematics Major Requirements
To earn Honors in the Major, students must satisfy both the requirements for the mathematics major (above) and the following additional requirements:
- Earn a 3.300 University GPA
- Earn a 3.300 GPA for all MATH courses, and all courses accepted in the major
- Complete the following courses, with individual grades of B or better:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Analysis I and Analysis II (Taken for Honors) 6 | ||
| Modern Algebra and Modern Algebra (Taken for Honors) 6 | ||
| Select at least two more courses from MATH 500 through MATH/E C E 641. These course must be taken for honors. The following will usually be one of the courses: 7 | ||
| Elementary Topology | ||
| Select one of these Capstone projects: | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis and Senior Honors Thesis (For a total of 6 credits) | ||
| or | ||
A sequence of two upper-level mathematics courses deemed acceptable by the Mathematics Honors advisor 7 | ||
Footnotes
- 1
A course may only apply once toward the courses/credits required for the major. Thus, a course used to meet the Analysis, Topology and Algebra requirement may not also be used to meet the requirement for MATH 500-699 requirement and a course used to meet the MATH 500-699 requirement may not also be used in the Additional Math requirement.
- 2
Only one of these courses will be used to fulfill minimum course/credit requirements for the major: MATH 320, MATH 340, MATH 341, MATH 375
- 3
At most one course in Introductory Probability may be used to fulfill the course/credit requirements for the major: MATH/STAT 309 and MATH/STAT 431.
- 4
At most one course in Elementary Differential Equations may be used to fulfill the course/credit requirements for the major: MATH 319, MATH 320, MATH 376.
- 5
MATH courses numbered 307–699 are considered upper level in the major.
- 6
At least one of the two sequences (MATH 521–MATH 522 or MATH 541–MATH 542) must be completed prior to enrolling in the Capstone project.
- 7
Chosen in consultation with the Mathematics Honors advisor.
University Degree Requirements
| Total Degree | To receive a bachelor's degree from UW–Madison, students must earn a minimum of 120 degree credits. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 degree credits. Students should consult with their college or department advisor for information on specific credit requirements. |
| Residency | Degree candidates are required to earn a minimum of 30 credits in residence at UW–Madison. "In residence" means on the UW–Madison campus with an undergraduate degree classification. “In residence” credit also includes UW–Madison courses offered in distance or online formats and credits earned in UW–Madison Study Abroad/Study Away programs. |
| Quality of Work | Undergraduate students must maintain the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, or academic program to remain in good academic standing. Students whose academic performance drops below these minimum thresholds will be placed on academic probation. |
Learning Outcomes
- State, explain, and apply the principal results, definitions, and theorems of a wide collection of mathematical areas including at least one area of advanced undergraduate mathematics.
- Construct and evaluate mathematical proofs and arguments.
- Acquire a diverse set of skills and strategies in mathematical reasoning/problem solving.
- Use mathematics to model and analyze phenomena in other disciplines.
- Write, explain, and present mathematics to both experts and non-experts.
Four-Year Plan
This Four-Year Plan is only one way a student may complete an L&S degree with this major. Many factors can affect student degree planning, including placement scores, credit for transferred courses, credits earned by examination, and individual scholarly interests. In addition, many students have commitments (e.g., athletics, honors, research, student organizations, study abroad, work and volunteer experiences) that necessitate they adjust their plans accordingly. Informed students engage in their own unique Wisconsin Experience by consulting their academic advisors, Guide, DARS, and Course Search & Enroll for assistance making and adjusting their plan.
Mathematics Major - Bachelor of Arts/Science Degree
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MATH 2211,2 | 5 | MATH 2222 | 4 |
| Communication A | 3 | Ethnic Studies | 3 |
| Foreign Language (if needed) | 4 | Foreign Language (if needed) | 4 |
| Literature Breadth | 3 | Literature Breadth | 3 |
| 15 | 14 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MATH 234 | 4 | MATH 341 | 3 |
| Communication B | 3 | Intermediate MATH3 | 3 |
| Humanities Breadth | 3 | Humanities Breadth | 3 |
| Physical Science Breadth | 3 | Physical Sciences Breadth | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Intermediate MATH3 | 3 | Intermediate MATH3 | 3 |
| Advanced MATH4 | 3 | Advanced MATH4 | 3 |
| Social Sciences Breadth | 3 | Social Sciences Breadth | 3 |
| Biological Sciences Breadth | 3 | Biological Sciences Breadth | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Advanced MATH4 | 3 | Social Sciences Breadth | 3 |
| Social Science Breadth | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
- 1
Math majors will naturally complete Quantitative Reasoning requirements with the introductory calculus courses required to declare the major.
- 2
Declaration of the Mathematics major requires a 2.500 cumulative GPA across the introductory calculus sequence. Students that are unable to establish a GPA for any courses in the introductory calculus sequence are encouraged to speak with a math major advisor as soon as possible.
- 3
An intermediate level math course is any numbered above 306 excluding MATH 320, MATH 340, or MATH 341, or MATH/CURRIC 471.
- 4
An advanced level MATH course is any numbered above 500.
Three-Year Plan
This Sample Three-Year Plan is a tool to assist students and their advisor(s). Students should use it —along with their DARS report, the Degree Planner, and Course Search & Enroll tools — to make their own three-year plan based on their placement scores, credit for transferred courses and approved examinations, and individual interests.
Three-year plans may vary considerably from student to student, depending on their individual preparation and circumstances. Students interested in graduating in three years should meet with an advisor as early as possible to discuss feasibility, appropriate course sequencing, post-graduation plans (careers, graduate school, etc.), and opportunities they might forgo in pursuit of a three-year graduation plan.
Departmental Expectations
Historically, students who have successfully complete a three year undergraduate degree with a major in Mathematics have the following qualifications: a minimum of 29 advanced standing credits, which include completion of the following with either course credit or via placement examination:
Therefore the plan below assumes these requirements, but none other. When considering the plan below, students should note the following:
- Advanced standing credits may satisfy Ethnic Studies, Communication Part B, and/or Letters & Science Breadth degree requirements which are listed in the plan. In this case, students should adjust their plan by reorganizing the remaining degree requirements using the following priorities:
- Ethnic Studies and Communication Part B (obligatory in the first year)
- Physical, Biological, and Social Science Breadth (which may be prerequisites for more advanced electives)
- Humanities and Literature.
- Remaining schedule space should be considered electives.
- At least 26 of the non-MATH credits must be at the Intermediate or Advanced level.
- Consider using the elective space in the plan as follows: additional major or certificate, career readiness, graduate school preparation, and other personal interests.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MATH 234 | 4 | MATH Linear Algebra | 3 |
| Ethnic Studies | 3 | Intermediate MATH | 3 |
| Communication B | 3 | Physical Science Breadth | 3 |
| Biological Science Breadth | 3 | Biological Science Breadth | 3 |
| Physical Science Breadth | 3 | Foreign Language (if needed for the BA) or Elective | 3 |
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Intermediate MATH | 3 | Advanced MATH | 3 |
| Advanced MATH | 3 | Intermediate MATH | 3 |
| Literature Breadth | 3 | Literature Breadth | 3 |
| Social Science Breadth | 3 | Social Science Breadth | 3 |
| Elective (Intermediate or Advanced level) | 3 | Elective (Intermediate or Advanced level) | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Advanced MATH | 3 | Humanities Breadth (Intermediate or Advanced level) | 3 |
| Social Science Breadth | 3 | Social Science Breadth (Intermediate or Advanced level) | 3 |
| Humanities Breadth | 3 | Elective (Intermediate or Advanced level) | 9 |
| Elective (Intermediate or Advanced level) | 6 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 91 | |||
Advising and Careers
Advising
Students who are interested in the math major should visit a faculty advisor. Information about current advisor availability is on the Math advising page.
For advice on college algebra, pre-calculus, and calculus, see the placement advising pages of the department.
Transition Courses
All majors are required to complete at least one of the following. It is suggested that majors (and those interested in the major) complete such a course as soon in their academic career as possible.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Linear Algebra | ||
| Applied Mathematical Analysis and Applied Mathematical Analysis | ||
| Topics in Multi-Variable Calculus and Linear Algebra | ||
| The Theory of Single Variable Calculus | ||
| Introduction to Number Theory |
Graduate Study
Students preparing for graduate work in mathematics should take the following courses:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 341 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| or MATH 375 | Topics in Multi-Variable Calculus and Linear Algebra | |
| MATH 521 | Analysis I | 3 |
| MATH 522 | Analysis II | 3 |
| MATH 541 | Modern Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 542 | Modern Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 551 | Elementary Topology | 3 |
| or MATH 561 | Differential Geometry | |
| Select at least two other courses at the 500 level or higher | ||
Students who plan to enter a mathematics PhD program should acquire a reading knowledge of at least one foreign language as early as possible. For mathematics study, the most useful languages are French, German, and Russian.
Careers
In recent years graduating math majors have obtained employment in a variety of jobs in business, industry, and governmental agencies and also have obtained teaching positions at the secondary school level (such teaching positions normally require teaching certification). Others have continued their education at the graduate level in mathematics and other fields. Departments in a variety of fields that use mathematics, including the social and biological sciences as well as in engineering and the physical sciences, are interested in attracting math majors into their graduate programs. Math PhD's obtain academic positions at the college and university level and nonacademic positions entailing consulting and research. The math major requirements are flexible enough to allow preparation for various goals.
L&S Career Resources
Every L&S major opens a world of possibilities. SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps students turn the academic skills learned in their major, certificates, and other coursework into fulfilling lives after graduation, whether that means jobs, public service, graduate school or other career pursuits.
In addition to providing basic support like resume reviews and interview practice, SuccessWorks offers ways to explore interests and build career skills from their very first semester/term at UW all the way through graduation and beyond.
Students can explore careers in one-on-one advising, try out different career paths, complete internships, prepare for the job search and/or graduate school applications, and connect with supportive alumni and even employers in the fields that inspire them.
- SuccessWorks
- Set up a career advising appointment
- Enroll in a Career Course - a great idea for first- and second-year students:
- INTER-LS 210 L&S Career Development: Taking Initiative (1 credit)
- INTER-LS 215 Communicating About Careers (3 credits, fulfills Comm B General Education Requirement)
- Learn about internships and internship funding
- INTER-LS 260 Internship in the Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Activate your Handshake account to apply for jobs and internships from 200,000+ employers recruiting UW-Madison students
- Learn about the impact SuccessWorks has on students' lives
People
Please visit the Math Department website for a complete list of faculty and instructional academic staff.
Resources and Scholarships
The Department of Mathematics offers scholarships, awards, and prizes to declared math majors. Award applications are open during the spring semester so that award recipients may be selected before the end of spring semester and applied to fall enrollment.
Awards vary in scope and criteria. Some awards are open to students who exhibit financial need, while others are granted to students based on academic merit. Other awards are related to undergraduate research. Awards may be open to specific student populations, such as:
- Underrepresented students of color
- Self-identified women
- Graduating majors
- Early-career majors
Declared math majors are encouraged to apply for any awards in which they meet the qualifications.