The Honors Track of the Math major provides qualified students with a richer, more rigorous, and more personal mathematical experience than is provided by the standard major. It is intended especially (but not exclusively) for students aiming to do graduate work in Mathematics or a related field. Completing the requirements for the honors track qualifies the student to receive a B.S. degree in Mathematics. (The normal Math major leads to a B.A. degree.)
The requirements for the honors track are:
- 01:640:151 and 01:640:152 (Calculus I and II)
- 01:640:291 and 01:640:292 (Honors Calculus III and IV) or 01:640:251 and 01:640:252 and 01:640:250.
- 01:640:300, Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning (honors section is recommended).
- 01:640:411 and 01:640:412 (Mathematical Analysis I and II)
- 01:640:451 and 01:640:452 (Abstract Algebra I and II)
- Four additional math (640) electives at the 300 and 400 level.
- Two Math Department honors seminars: Seminar 01:640:492 plus one additional seminar (either 01:640:196, 01:640:491 or an additional semester of 01:640:492) or an approved substitute.
Students following the honors track are strongly encouraged to take honors sections of mathematics courses for which honors sections are available: 640:291 and 640:292 (Honors Calculus 3 and 4), Math 300, Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning. 311 (Introduction to Real Analysis I) and Math 350 (Linear Algebra). Admission to honors section of courses requires special permission. Students who wish to take these sections should apply by using the form for Special Permission for Honors Courses.
The sequences 411-412 and 451-452 have significant prerequisites and admission to these courses is by application only using the Special Permission for Honors Courses system. Most students admitted to 411 will have already taken and done well in 640:311(Introduction to Real Analysis I), preferably an honors section. Most students admitted to 451 will have already taken and done well in 640:350 (Linear Algebra), preferably an honors section, and/or 640:351.
The honors track is related to, but distinct from, the program for awarding Departmental Graduation Honors in Mathematics. Students who complete the honors track will almost always qualify for some level of graduation honors in mathematics, but it is possible to qualify for graduation honors in mathematics without completing all of the requirements of the honors track.
Further information about Math Department honors program can be found here. Questions about these programs can be directed to the Honors Advisor at