Degree Requirements
Information presented from the 2021 - 2022 Academic Catalog.
Departmental Guidelines
Mathematics is an essential part of a liberal arts education with numerous connections to a variety of disciplines. The study of mathematics is a challenging and exciting activity that sharpens logical reasoning skills and improves problem-solving ability. The curriculum is designed so students can apply these skills to analyze both real-world questions and explore sophisticated mathematical theory.
By the end of their sophomore year, students interested in the Mathematics major should take:
Code | Title |
---|---|
MATH 135 | Single Variable Calculus |
and/or | |
MATH 145 | Multi-variable Calculus |
followed by | |
MATH 213 | Linear Algebra and Differential Equations |
and | |
MATH 300 | Introduction to Proofs |
By the end of their sophomore year, it is strongly recommended that Mathematics students take:
Code | Title |
---|---|
CS 109 | Discovering Computer Science |
CS 110 | Discovering Computer Science: Digital Media and Games |
CS 111 | Discovering Computer Science: Scientific Data and Dynamics |
or | |
CS 112 | Discovering Computer Science: Markets, Polls, and Social Networks |
Mission Statement
The Mathematics department endeavors to prepare our students for a broad range of careers and life situations by teaching them to think abstractly, to solve quantitative problems creatively, and to express technical arguments precisely in oral and written form.
Mathematics Majors
The CORE courses consist of:
Code | Title |
---|---|
MATH 145 | Multi-variable Calculus |
MATH 213 | Linear Algebra and Differential Equations |
MATH 220 | Applied Statistics |
MATH 300 | Introduction to Proofs |
MATH 395 | Technical Communication I |
and one of | |
CS 109 | Discovering Computer Science |
CS 110 | Discovering Computer Science: Digital Media and Games |
CS 111 | Discovering Computer Science: Scientific Data and Dynamics |
or | |
CS 112 | Discovering Computer Science: Markets, Polls, and Social Networks |
Bachelor of Arts Degree
The minimum requirement for the Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics are the six CORE courses plus four courses; two foundation courses and two modeling courses.
The FOUNDATION courses focus on teaching abstract reasoning and the reading, creation, and writing of rigorous proofs in the study of the foundational structures of mathematics.
Code | Title |
---|---|
MATH 400 | Combinatorics |
MATH 410 | Abstract Algebra |
MATH 413 | Advanced Linear Algebra |
MATH 440 | Advanced Analysis |
MATH 445 | Topology |
MATH 447 | Vector Calculus and Complex Analysis |
MATH 334 | Theory of Computation |
The MODELING courses, while not devoid of proofs, include a significant study of how mathematical techniques can be used to model and analyze real-world problems.
Code | Title |
---|---|
MATH 415 | Operations Research |
MATH 420 | Statistical Modeling |
MATH 425 | Applied Probability |
MATH 427 | Probability Computing and Graph Theory |
MATH 430 | Fourier Analysis |
MATH 435 | Mathematical Modeling |
Bachelor of Science Degree
The minimum requirement for the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics are:
Code | Title |
---|---|
The six CORE courses plus six courses; three from | |
MATH 410 | Abstract Algebra |
MATH 440 | Advanced Analysis |
MATH 445 | Topology |
or | |
MATH 447 | Vector Calculus and Complex Analysis |
plus three additional 400-level courses. |
Students majoring in Math may take up to two cross-listed math or computer science courses to count as requirements in the intended major. These cross-listed courses typically satisfy electives in the major.
Code | Title |
---|---|
Current cross-listed courses pre-approved for this policy are | |
MATH 334 | Theory of Computation |
MATH 415 | Operations Research |
MATH 427 | Probability Computing and Graph Theory |
Other math and computer science courses must be approved by the department prior to enrollment. |
Mathematics Minor
The minimum requirements for a mathematics minor are:
Code | Title |
---|---|
MATH 145 | Multi-variable Calculus |
MATH 213 | Linear Algebra and Differential Equations |
MATH 220 | Applied Statistics |
MATH 300 | Introduction to Proofs |
and one of | |
CS 109 | Discovering Computer Science |
CS 110 | Discovering Computer Science: Digital Media and Games |
CS 111 | Discovering Computer Science: Scientific Data and Dynamics |
or | |
CS 112 | Discovering Computer Science: Markets, Polls, and Social Networks |
Computational Science Concentration
Computational Science is the field of study concerned with constructing mathematical models and numerical solution techniques and using computer algorithms and simulation to analyze and solve scientific, social scientific, and engineering problems.
The Computational Science concentration consists of four core courses:
Code | Title |
---|---|
MATH 145 | Multi-variable Calculus |
MATH 213 | Linear Algebra and Differential Equations |
CS 173 | Intermediate Computer Science |
or | |
CS 181 | Data Systems |
and one of | |
CS 109 | Discovering Computer Science |
CS 110 | Discovering Computer Science: Digital Media and Games |
CS 111 | Discovering Computer Science: Scientific Data and Dynamics |
or | |
CS 112 | Discovering Computer Science: Markets, Polls, and Social Networks |
and an additional course which may be in another department, that must have a strong and persistent mathematical modeling or computing component and must be approved in advance by the Department of Mathematics or the Department of Computer Science. |
In addition, students must take a two-semester sequence of courses in a department other than Mathematics or Computer Science. A written plan for completing the concentration must be approved by the Department of Mathematics or the Department of Computer Science before the end of the student’s junior year of study and prior to enrollment in the elective courses. In particular, the elective courses and cognate requirements specified above must be chosen consistently with a valid educational plan for the study of Computational Science (as defined above). Any mathematics major who wishes to complete this concentration must choose non-math courses as their elective courses. Any computer science major who wishes to complete this concentration must choose non-computer science courses for their elective courses. A double Mathematics and Computer Science major is not eligible for this concentration.
Additional Points of Interest
Research at Denison
Denison offers a number of research opportunities, including funding for summer research projects. The Anderson Foundation and the Denison University Research Foundation (DURF) support qualified students conducting summer research. For off-campus research opportunities in Mathematics, see the various National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates experiences. Interested students should consult a faculty member as early as possible in the fall semester.
Off-Campus Study
The Department of Mathematics strongly encourages students to globalize their education by completing some portion of their undergraduate education abroad. A majority of Denison students who spend a semester abroad do so during their junior year and many more spend a second summer abroad. Denison offers a wide range of opportunities to study off-campus that are highly relevant to the Denison experience.
Going abroad allows students to enhance their knowledge while experiencing another culture and way of life. Students gain valuable international experience that will benefit future career goals and/or graduate school opportunities. Math majors who are fluent in another language will have special advantages in the job market.
Students may take up to two classes outside the department to transfer towards the major at Denison. Additional courses taken outside Denison may accrue credit hours towards graduation, but will not contribute to requirements in the major. Courses taken outside the university must be pre-approved for acceptance towards major requirements. Students should provide the department chair syllabi for the intended courses for department approval. Students may petition the department chair for exceptions to this policy. In particular, transfer students may be eligible to transfer additional courses towards major requirements.
Applied Mathematics
Applied Mathematics Major (Bachelor of Science)*
*Pending approval of the Higher Learning Commission
The minimum requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics are:
Code |
Title |
---|---|
145 |
Multi-variable Calculus |
213 |
Linear Algebra and Differential Equations |
220 |
Applied Statistics |
300 |
Introduction to Proofs |
395 |
Technical Communication |
CS11X |
Discovering Computer Science |
440 |
Real Analysis |
Plus one additional 400-level course in either Foundations or Modeling and four additional 400-level Modeling courses.
Applied Mathematics Minor
The minimum requirements for the minor in Applied Mathematics are:
Code |
Title |
---|---|
145 |
Multi-variable Calculus |
213 |
Linear Algebra and Differential Equations |
220 |
Applied Statistics |
CS11X |
Discovering Computer Science |
Plus two additional 400-level Modeling courses.

Highlights