Honors

The Department of Mathematics participates in several honors programs that offer an enriched educational experience with additional opportunities for recognition. Below is a summary of the different programs, with links to more detailed information. Students may participate in more than one program.

The Mathematics Honors Track (Bachelor of Science in Mathematics)

This is an option within the Mathematics major which provides qualified students with a richer, more rigorous, and more personal mathematical experience than is provided by the standard major. 

Students who successfully complete the honors track earn a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, and normally qualify for graduation with honors, high honors or highest honors in mathematics.

Graduation with Honors in Mathematics

Graduating students with outstanding performance as a math major may be awarded Honors, High Honors, or Highest Honors in Mathematics.  Those students will typically have taken two 400-level honors courses or engaged in equivalent honors work.

The course requirements for graduation with Honors in Mathematics are less than those required by the Mathematics Honors Track so a student can qualify for Graduation with Honors in Mathematics without completing the Honors Track.  Those Students who successfully complete the Mathematics Honors Track will normally qualify for graduation with honors in mathematics, and may qualify for high or highest honors.

Rutgers Honors College

The Honors College is a campus-wide program.  There are also honors programs for the School of Arts and Sciences SAS Honors Program and the School of Engineering Engineering Honors Academy, but beginning Fall 2025 these school-wide programs are being incorporated into the Honors College.

The Department of Mathematics Honors Programs are distinct from the above programs, but there is some overlap. Math courses and sections that are designated as "Honors" can usually be counted towards honors course requirements for these programs. Note however, that students in the Honors College are not automatically admitted to honors sections of math courses, and must follow the application and admission procedures for those courses.

Honors level courses and sections and graduate courses

Qualified undergraduates have the opportunity to take courses that go beyond the normal undergraduate curriculum. These include:

• courses that are designated as honors level
• honors sections of standard courses
• graduate courses

Entry to honors courses and sections is by invitation or application. Admission is granted to students whose previous work demonstrates that they are well prepared for requested course (and may also be subject to space limitations.)

Note that membership in one of the university-wide honors programs does not automatically give you admission to honors courses.

Students in the pursuing honors in mathematics are especially encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities. Some of these courses satisfy requirements for graduation with Honors in Mathematics. Undergraduates wishing to take graduate courses will need the approval of the Chair of the Undergraduate Honors Committee and the Graduate Vice Chair.

Department of Mathematics Honors Seminars

These are seminars, usually 1 credit, which expose students to material not usually covered in the regular curriculum. Some of these seminars satisfy requirements for College Honors Programs, and some satisfy requirements for the Mathematics Honors Track

Awards, Scholarships and Competitions

Each year the department awards a number of scholarships and prizes for achievement.  The department also participates in the William Lowell Putnam Examination, a national math competition for undergraduates.

Research Experiences For Undergraduates

There is a formal summer program that includes includes both individual research and group activities. Each student is assisted by a faculty adviser and some also by a graduate-student adviser. Group activities include seminars and other social and professional events.