To be admitted into the mathematics major program, a student must normally have completed three terms of calculus with a grade of C or better. Satisfactory progress for a full-time student normally requires completion of at least one mathematics course each term, at an appropriate level, with a grade of C or better. To complete the mathematics major in either of its options, a student must receive grades of C or better in each of 01:640:250, 251, 252, and 300, and in all but at most one of the further mathematics courses counted toward the major. Moreover, a student must receive grades of C or better in all courses from other departments (such as computer science) used to fulfill the requirements of the mathematics major.
At least four upper-level math courses, including an analysis course (Math 311, 312, 411, or 412) and an algebra course (Math 350, 351, 352, 451, or 452), must be taken at RU–New Brunswick/ Piscataway. The Mathematical Reasoning course, Math 300, is a pre-requisite for the advanced calculus and abstract algebra courses Math 311, 350, and 351, and several other upper-level mathematics courses.
In particular, students are only eligible to take 311, 350, or 351 if they have obtained a C or better in 300.
All mathematics majors must complete:
- Three terms of Calculus (typically Math 151,152, and 251),
- Introductory Linear Algebra (Math 250), Differential Equations (Math 252),
- Introduction to Computing for Mathematics and the Sciences (CS, 01:198:107), or Introduction to Computer Science (CS, 01:198:111),
- All of the required upper-level courses for one of the three options described in the next section
This description has been condensed—see the online catalog for the authoritative version of these requirements:
Option A. Standard Mathematics Major
Eight additional 3-credit courses in Mathematics (subject code 640) at the 300-400 level. Three of these must be:
- Intro to Mathematical Reasoning (Math 300)
- Either Intro to Real Analysis (Math 311 or 312) or Honors Mathematical Analysis I (Math 411), and
- Either Linear Algebra (Math 350), or an Abstract Algebra course (Math 351 or 451).
The remaining five courses may be chosen from any three-credit offerings of the Department. See the departmental website or the university catalogue for a list of such courses. An appropriate graduate course at Rutgers may be substituted for the required analysis and/or algebra course, with departmental approval.
Option B. The Honors Track
The Department of Mathematics offers an Honors Track, designed to provide qualified students with an experience of mathematics that is richer, more rigorous, and more personal than is provided by the standard major. It is especially (but not exclusively) intended for students aiming to do graduate work in Mathematics or a related field. The honors track course of study is personalized for each student (in consultation with their faculty advisor and the honors committee), and will normally include the demanding advanced honors sequences 01:640:411-412 and 01:640:451-452, as well as two semesters of one-credit honors seminar, including at least one semester of 01:640:492. Students who successfully complete the Honors Track are eligible to graduate with a B.S.in Mathematics.
Students interested in the honors track should submit an application (available online and in Hill 303). Admission is on a rolling basis: applications are kept active and reevaluated each semester, with students being admitted once they have compiled a strong enough record to demonstrate their ability to complete the program. Students interested in and potentially qualified for the honors track are encouraged to take honors sections of calculus and (especially) 01:640:300.
More information on the Honors Track
Option C. Actuarial Track
The Mathematics Department offers an Actuarial Mathematics Option for those students who want to enter the actuarial profession upon graduation. Graduates of this option have the foundation needed to prepare for three of the Society of Actuaries Exams (P, FM, and MLC), and to earn certifications in statistical and economic subject areas once the student enters into the profession.
Generally, students who want to become actuaries will seek an internship with an insurance company or consulting firm between their junior and senior years. Many of these firms actively recruit at Rutgers through Rutgers Career Services.
Some students interested in the actuarial profession should consider a major in mathematics and a minor in economics, or a double major in mathematics and economics, rather than the Actuarial Mathematics option. This includes students who intend to pursue a broader mathematical education, possibly including graduate studies in mathematics, as well as those planning to continue on to graduate study in Mathematical Finance.
More information on the Actuarial Track
About the Rutgers Actuarial Club
Departmental brochure: Math Department Brochure
