Transfer students to the College of Arts and Sciences who have completed fewer than two years at another institution are not admitted directly to a major. Those who wish to major in mathematics will have until the end of the sophomore year to satisfy the below prerequisites and declare the major. Some or all of the prerequisite courses can be taken at Cornell. Courses taken at another institution will be considered for transfer credit after the student is admitted.
Students who have completed the equivalent of two years at a community college, four-year college, or university and who wish to spend the final two undergraduate years pursuing serious study of mathematics at a major research institution are encouraged to consider carefully the option of transferring as a junior to Cornell’s College of Arts and Sciences. To transfer to the College of Arts & Sciences as a junior, you need to have fulfilled the pre-requisite coursework described below.
The prerequisites for the mathematics major can be briefly summarized as follows:
-
A one-semester introductory linear algebra course covering matrices and linear systems, vector spaces, linear transformations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors;
-
A one-semester course on multivariable differential, integral, and vector calculus that includes at least some of the fundamental theorems relating multiple, line, and surface integrals (i.e., Green’s, Stokes’, and Divergence Theorems);
-
An introduction to elementary computer programming concepts with emphasis on techniques of problem analysis and the development of algorithms and programs. The course should include the development of programs in at least one computer programming language. AP credit may be substituted.
See Undergraduation Admissions: Transfer Students for information about Cornell’s admissions requirements.