Mathematics
Studying mathematics develops such skills as critical thinking, oral and written communication, arguing logically and rigorously, thinking abstractly, formulating and solving problems, analyzing data, analyzing mathematical models, quantitative and computer proficiency, and the ability to work in groups. Employers value these skills; consequently, math majors find themselves in demand by employers for careers in a wide spectrum of fields.
About This Major
- College: Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Degrees: Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science
- Hours for the Degree: 120
- Minor: Yes
- Combined-Degree Program: Yes
- Website: www.math.ufl.edu/undergradprog
Overview
The Department of Mathematics offers two undergraduate degree programs in mathematics: The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) is intended for students who wish to pursue graduate study in mathematics, as well as for other strong students with a deep interest in mathematics. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) is intended for students who may wish to pursue a career in a mathematical field or to teach mathematics at the secondary-school level, but who do not currently contemplate graduate study in mathematics.
Coursework for the Major
For each degree, students are required to take eight core courses, providing a broad base in mathematics, and four electives chosen from a list of approved courses. All but two of the core courses are the same for both degrees. Students pursuing the B.A. degree have greater flexibility in their choice of electives, facilitating the possibility of a double-major with another scientific discipline. All coursework for the major must be completed with grades of C or better.
Required Coursework for Both Degrees
- Calculus 2 (MAC 2312 or 2512 or 3473)
- Calculus 3 (MAC 2313 or 3474)
- Differential Equations (MAP 2302)
- Sets and Logic (MHF 3202) (or MAS 3300 Numbers and Polynomials for students participating in the UFTeach program)
- Linear Algebra 1 (MAS 4105)
- Abstract Algebra 1 (MAS 4301)
The requirement of MHF 3202 may be waived for students who present evidence of significant prior experience in writing proofs of theorems.
Additional Required Coursework for B.A. Degree
- The sequence Advanced Calculus for Engineers and Physical Scientists 1 and 2 (MAA 4102 and 4103) or the sequence Advanced Calculus 1 and 2 (MAA 4211 and 4212).
- Electives: The four electives must be chosen from the list of approved electives below, and at least one must be a course offered by the Department of Mathematics at the 4000-level or above.
Additional Required Coursework for B.S. Degree
- The sequence Advanced Calculus 1 and 2 (MAA 4211 and 4212). It is recommended that the student have a grade of B or better in MAS 4105 before taking MAA 4211.
- Electives: The four electives must be chosen from the list of approved electives below, and at least three must be courses offered by the Department of Mathematics at the 4000-level or above.
Recommended Coursework for Both Degrees
All math majors are encouraged to meet the college distribution requirement in the physical sciences with the sequence PHY 2048-2049 (Physics with Calculus) or the sequence PHY 2060-2061 (Enriched Physics with Calculus). Math majors also should take no mathematics course at the 3000 level or below that is not on the list of core courses or on the list of approved electives, except with adviser approval. Students who wish to pursue a career in applied mathematics are urged to take STA 4321/4322 and learn a scientific programming language.
Recommended Coursework for B.A. Degree
B.A. students can use their choices of electives creatively. By choosing courses in statistics, computer science, physics and industrial engineering from the list below, math majors in the B.A. track can enhance their job prospects in the areas of applied math, data analysis, information technology and operations research. Math majors who plan to teach secondary-school mathematics should investigate the UFTeach program. They are advised to include MTG 3214 (Euclidean Geometry), MAA 4402 (Functions of a Complex Variable) and STA 4321 (Mathematical Statistics 1) among their electives.
Recommended Coursework for B.S. Degree
Students wishing to pursue graduate study in a Ph.D. program in mathematics are strongly urged to complete MAS 4301 and MAA 4211-4212 by the end of their junior years, to include MAS 5311 (Introductory Algebra 1) and MAA 4226 (Modern Analysis 1) among their electives, and are encouraged to take more than four electives.
Approved Electives for Both Degrees (except as noted)
- MAA 4226 Introduction to Modern Analysis 1
- MAA 4227 Introduction to Modern Analysis 2
- MAA 4402 Functions of a Complex Variable
- MAD 3107 Discrete Mathematics
- MAD 4203 Combinatorics 1
- MAD 4204 Combinatorics 2
- MAD 4401 Introduction to Numerical Analysis
- MAP 4305 Differential Equations for Engineers and Physical Scientists
- MAP 4341 Elements of Partial Differential Equations
- MAP 4413 Fourier Analysis
- MAP 4484 Modeling in Mathematical Biology
- MAP 4102 Probability and Stochastic Processes 2
- MAS 4107 Linear Algebra 2
- MAS 4124 Introduction to Numerical Linear Algebra
- MAS 4203 Introduction to Number Theory
- MAS 4302 Abstract Algebra 2
- MAT 4930 Special Topics in Mathematics (only if approved by undergraduate coordinator)
- MHF 3404 History of Mathematics
- MHF 4102 Elements of Set Theory
- MHF 4203 Foundations of Mathematics
- MTG 3212 Geometry (Only one of MTG 3212 or MTG 3214 may be used as an elective for a math major)
- MTG 3214 Euclidean Geometry (counts only toward B.A. degree)
- MTG 4302 Elements of Topology 1
- MTG 4303 Elements of Topology 2
- Any course offered by the mathematics department at the 5000-level or above and any of the following courses offered outside the mathematics department:
- CDA 3101 Introduction to Computer Organization
- COP 3530 Data Structures and Algorithm
- COP 4600 Operating Systems
- ESI 4312 Operations Research 1
- ESI 4313 Operations Research 2
- PHY 3063 Enriched Modern Physics
- PHY 3221 Mechanics 1
- PHY 3323 Electromagnetism 1
- PHY 3513 Thermal Physics 1
- PHY 4222 Mechanics 2
- PHY 4324 Electromagnetism 2
- PHY 4422 Optics 1
- PHY 4523 Statistical Physics
- PHY 4604 Introductory Quantum Mechanics 1
- PHY 4605 Introductory Quantum Mechanics 2
- STA 4210 Regression Analysis
- STA 4211 Design of Experiments
- STA 4321 Mathematical Statistics 1
- STA 4322 Mathematical Statistics 2
- STA 4853 Introduction to Time Series and Forecasting
Course Details
Mathematics majors should consult the Mathematics Major Handbook (PDF) for course descriptions and curriculum recommendations.
Relevant Minors and/or Certificates
Mathematics majors are encouraged to consider taking a minor in computer science, industrial and systems engineering, physics or statistics. The Statistics Department offers a minor in actuarial science.
UFTeach Program: There is a severe shortage of qualified high school mathematics teachers in Florida and nationwide. Students interested in becoming part of this high-demand profession should see a major adviser about the UFTeach program. UFTeach students complete the UFTeach minor in mathematics education with their B.A. or B.S. in mathematics and have the coursework and preparation for professional teacher certification in Florida when they graduate.
Research
Mathematics majors should consult the Mathematics Major Handbook for information on research opportunities and completing an honors thesis.
Combined Degree Programs
Mathematics majors who complete the requirements for major by the end of the junior year are eligible for the combined degree program. The student enrolls in the Graduate School and takes the graduate sequences MAA 5228 and 5229 (Modern Analysis) and MAS 5311 and 5312 (Introduction to Algebra) during their senior year. These 12 credits then will apply toward a masters degree in mathematics. The student should successfully complete this degree with one additional year of graduate school.
Critical Tracking and Semesters 1-4 for Both Degrees
Semesters 5-8 for the Bachelor of Arts
Semesters 5-8 for the Bachelor of Science
To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college and major requirements. For degree requirements outside of the major, refer to CLAS Degree Requirements — Structure of a CLAS Degree.
Critical Tracking and Recommended Semester Plan
Equivalent critical tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students
Critical-tracking requirements are for both the B.S. and B.A. degrees. All students must meet these criteria to remain on track for the major.
Semester 1
- Achieve 2.0 UF GPA
- Complete MAC 2311
Semester 2
- Complete MAC 2312
- Maintain 2.0 UF GPA
Semester 3
- Complete MAC 2313
- Maintain 2.0 UF GPA
Semester 4
- Complete MHF 3202 (or MAS 3300 for UFTeach students) with a 2.5 GPA on all critical-tracking coursework
- Maintain 2.0 UF GPA
Semester 5
- Complete MAS 4105 with a 2.5 GPA on all critical-tracking coursework
- Maintain 2.0 UF GPA
The semester plans below are only sample programs; they may be adjusted to reflect background and goals. Critical-tracking courses do not necessarily have to be completed as early as they appear in the sample programs; refer to the tracking criteria above. Consult a department adviser in 358 Little Hall early to plan your individual program.
Semesters 1-4 are the same for both the B.S. and B.A. degrees
Students are expected to complete the writing and math requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are also expected to complete the general education international (GE-N) and diversity (GE-D) requirements concurrently with another general education requirement (typically, GE-C, H or S).
| Semester 1 | Credits |
| MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 (GE-M) | 4 |
| Biological Science (GE-B) | 3 |
| Humanities (GE-H) | 3 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) | 3 |
| Total | 13 |
| Semester 2 | Credits |
| MAC 2312 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2 (GE-M) | 4 |
| Biological Science (GE-B) | 3 |
| Composition (GE-C, WR) | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Humanities (GE-H) | 3 |
| Total | 16 |
| Semester 3 | Credits |
| MAC 2313 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 3 (GE-M) | 4 |
| MHF 3202 Sets and Logic | 3 |
| Humanities (GE-H) | 3 |
| Physical Science (GE-P) | 3 |
| Science laboratory (GE-P or GE-B) | 1 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) | 3 |
| Total | 17 |
| Semester 4 | Credits |
| MAP 2302 Elementary Differential Equations (GE-M) | 3 |
| MAS 4105 Linear Algebra 1 | 4 |
| Composition (GE-C, WR) | 3 |
| Physical Science (GE-P) | 3 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) | 3 |
| Total | 16 |
Semesters 5-8 for the B.A. in Mathematics
| Semester 5 | Credits |
| MAS 4301 Abstract Algebra 1 | 3 |
| Elective (3000 level or higher, not in major) | 3 |
| Foreign language | 4-5 |
| Mathematics elective | 3 |
| Total | 13-14 |
| Semester 6 | Credits |
| Elective | 3-0 |
| Electives (two, at 3000 level or higher, not in major) | 6 |
| Foreign language | 3-5 |
| Mathematics elective | 3 |
| Total | 15-14 |
| Semester 7 | Credits |
| MAA 4102 Introduction to Advanced Calculus for Engineers and Physical Scientists 1 | 3 |
| Elective (or foreign language if 4-3-3 option) | 3 |
| Electives (two, at 3000 level or higher, not in major) | 6 |
| Mathematics elective | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
| Semester 8 | Credits |
| MAA 4103 Introduction to Advanced Calculus for Engineers and Physical Scientists 2 | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Electives (two, at 3000 level or higher, not in major) | 6 |
| Mathematics elective | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
Semesters 5-8 for the B.S. in Mathematics
| Semester 5 | Credits |
| MAA 4211 Advanced Calculus 1 | 3 |
| MAS 4301 Abstract Algebra 1 | 3 |
| Elective (3000 level or higher, not in major) | 3 |
| Foreign language | 4-5 |
| Total | 13-14 |
| Semester 6 | Credits |
| MAA 4212 Advanced Calculus 2 | 3 |
| Elective (3000 level or higher, not in major) | 3-4 |
| Elective | 3-0 |
| Foreign language | 3-5 |
| Mathematics elective | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
| Semester 7 | Credits |
| MAA 4226 Introduction to Modern Analysis 1 or another math elective | 3 |
| MAS 5311 or another math elective | 3 |
| Elective (or foreign language if 4-3-3 option) | 3 |
| Electives (two, at 3000 level or higher, not in major) | 6 |
| Total | 15 |
| Semester 8 | Credits |
| MAA 4227 Introduction to Modern Analysis 2 or another math elective | 3 |
| Elective (inside or outside major) | 3-2 |
| Electives (two, at 3000 level or higher, not in major) | 6 |
| Mathematics elective | 3 |
| Total | 15-14 |