Mathematics Major

The mathematics major adapts to a number of purposes. It can emphasize the theoretical or the applied. It can be appropriate for professionals and nonprofessionals alike and can be broad or narrow. It can also be combined easily with serious study in another subject in the physical, biological, or social sciences by means of a double major and/or a concentration within the major.

The undergraduate coordinator is the main contact person for the major.

• All courses must be taken for a letter grade. Grades of S/U or SX/UX will not be accepted.
• All courses must be completed with a grade of C– or better, unless noted otherwise.
• Second attempts to meet a minimum grade requirement for admission to the major require pre-approval.

• No course may be used to satisfy more than one requirement, including the prerequisites for admission to the major.
• At least 5 courses with a MATH prefix numbered 3000 or above and counting toward the major must appear on the student's transcript.
• MATH 4900, MATH 4980, and MATH 4997 do not count toward the major.
• MATH courses at the 5000 level do not count toward the major.
• Pre-approval is required to count a graduate course toward the algebra, analysis, or topology/geometry requirement.
• Transfer credit may be used for admission to the major and for at most two of the courses required for the major. Cornell equivalents must appear on the student's Cornell transcript.

Undergraduates who major in mathematics must first be admitted to the College of Arts and Sciences. Admission to the major requires a semester each of linear algebra, multivariable calculus, and computer programming. The department recommends¹ MATH 2210-MATH 2220 or MATH 2230-MATH 2240.

Linear Algebra

Complete one of the following²:

• MATH 2210 – Linear Algebra (with a B– or better)
• MATH 2230 – Theoretical Linear Algebra and Vector Calculus I (with a B– or better)
• MATH 2940 – Linear Algebra for Engineers (with a B– or better)
• MATH 2310 – Linear Algebra for Data Science (with a B+ or better)

Multivariable Calculus

Complete one of the following with a B– or better:

• MATH 2220 – Multivariable Calculus
• MATH 2240 – Theoretical Linear Algebra and Vector Calculus II
• MATH 1920 – Multivariable Calculus for Engineers³

Computer Programming

Complete one of the following with a C– or better:

• CS 1110 - Introduction to Computing: A Design and Development Perspective
• CS 1112 - Introduction to Computing: An Engineering and Science Perspective
• CS 2110 - Object-Oriented Programming and Data Structures
• CS 2112 - Object-Oriented Design and Data Structures - Honors

Notes

1. Students who have taken a course in linear algebra and/or multivariable calculus during high school should consider taking MATH 2230-MATH 2240, which gives a more abstract, proof-oriented treatment of the material.
2. Substituting a 4000-level linear algebra course is not allowed.
3. Placement exam credit for MATH 1920 may be used, but only if the student’s exam score is equivalent to a B– or better on their first attempt at the exam.

Students who receive below the minimum grade in one of the prerequisite courses should contact the undergraduate coordinator immediately.

Complete page one of the Math Major Application and send it to the undergraduate coordinator using Secure File Transfer. 

Applications are accepted year-round.  Seniors are welcome to apply provided they have satisfied all admission prerequisites before their final semester begins and can complete all major requirements without delaying their graduation date. Applicants will receive an email confirmation when they are admitted to the major. Response times vary.

Applying to the Math Major as a Transfer Student

• Taking Graduate Courses for the Math Major
• Honors and Awards for Math Majors
• Senior Thesis Guidelines
• What Can One Do with a Major in Mathematics?