Program Description
Whether you're interested in theoretical or applied mathematics, statistics or actuarial science, CMU's math programs will help you build problem-solving skills for a wide range of careers. Working with faculty supported by National Science Foundation grants, you'll apply the equations and theories you've learned in class and present your research results at the annual campuswide Student Research and Creative Endeavors Exhibition. Student organizations such as Kappa Mu Epsilon, Gamma Iota Sigma Nu and the Statistics Club also prepare you for the professional world.
Points of Pride
- Since 2002, CMU's Mathematics department is home to a nationally renowned summer Research Experience for Undergraduates program funded by the National Science Foundation. The program attracts students from across the United States.
- More than two dozen research publications have resulted from CMU undergraduate projects and have appeared in prestigious journals such as the International Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics.
- CMU's annual Fleming Lecture Series brings to campus some of the world’s best mathematical minds, including Sir Timothy Gowers, Terence Tao and S.R.S. Varadhan.
- You’ll have access to free tutors at CMU's Mathematics Assistance Centers in Park Library and Troutman Hall.
Put Your Degree to Work
Mathematicians work in the federal government and in private science and engineering research companies. They may work on teams with engineers, scientists and other professionals.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics sample data
| Job | Median Pay | Job Growth through 2022 |
|---|
| Mathematician | $101,360 per year | 23% (800 more jobs) |
| Statistician | $75,560 per year | 27% (7,400 more jobs) |
| Actuary | $93,680 per year | 26% (6,300 more jobs) |
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires. For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
Mathematics Major
Total: 36 semester hours
Note to students with Mathematics major and Statistics minor or Statistics major and Mathematics minor: these combinations are permitted only if another major or minor is also obtained.
Note to students with Actuarial Science major and Mathematics major or Mathematics minor: for this combination, student must take 6 hours of MTH or STA courses numbered 300 or above which are not counted toward the Actuarial Science major.
Note to student with Mathematics major and Statistics major with Mathematics track: on the Mathematics major, at least 9 hours at the 300 level or above must not be counted on the Statistics major. Also, student must have an outside major or minor.
Note to students with Statistics major with Application track: Student must have a minor in an area other than Mathematics or another major.
Required Courses I
(24 hours)
Limits, continuity, interpretations of the derivative, differentiation of elementary functions, applications of derivatives, antiderivatives, Riemann sums, definite integrals, fundamental theorem of calculus. This course may be offered in an online or hybrid format. Recommended: MTH 107, 109; or MTH 130. (University Program Group II-B: Quantitative and Mathematical Sciences)
Techniques of integration, applications of definite integrals, improper integrals, elementary differential equations, infinite series, Taylor series, and polar coordinates. Prerequisite: MTH 132 or placement.
MTH 223
Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory
3
Systems of linear equations, matrices, determinants, vectors, vector spaces, eigenvalues, linear transformations, applications and numerical methods. Prerequisite: MTH 132.
Vectors and surfaces in R3, vector-valued functions, functions of several variables, partial differentiation and some applications, multiple integrals, vector calculus. Prerequisites: MTH 133. Pre/Co-Requisites: MTH 223 or 232.
MTH 332
Introduction to Mathematical Proof
3
Study of several basic concepts in mathematics including logic, set theory, relations and functions, cardinality, number systems, sequences. Pre/Co-requisites: MTH 175, 351; or one of: MTH 223, 232.
MTH 499
Capstone Course in Mathematics
3
Material in core mathematics courses is unified through study of subject matter excluded from regular mathematics courses, in the areas of classical and applied mathematics. Prerequisites: MTH 133, MTH 332; permission of instructor.
MTH 523
Modern Algebra I
3
Groups, rings, integral domains, fields, and fundamental homomorphism theorems. Prerequisite: MTH 332 or graduate status.
Required Courses II
(3 hours)
Select one of the following:
MTH 532
Advanced Calculus I
3
Rigorous development of calculus for functions of one variable. Sequences, limits, continuity, differentiation, integration, exponential and logarithmic functions, arc length, series. Credits will not count towards M.A. or Ph.D. degree requirements in mathematics. Prerequisites: MTH 233 and MTH 332, or graduate status.
MTH 545
Introduction to Point-Set Topology
3
Development of elementary point-set topology. Sets, functions, metric spaces, topological spaces, quotient surfaces, compactness, and connectedness. Prerequisite: MTH 332 or graduate status.
Electives
(9 hours)
Nine (9) or more hours of electives are to be selected from MTH, STA, or CPS in consultation with and approved by a mathematics advisor and must be numbered MTH 296 or higher, STA 382QR or higher, or CPS 181 or higher. See notes on double counting below.
MTH 175 (3) Discrete Mathematics may be included as an elective. If MTH 175 is included, then at least 33 hours of the total hours must be in mathematics or statistics.
