Majors and Minors

Major / Minor Details

Mathematics (Major, Minor) | BA or BS

  • Mathematics
  • School: SAS
  • Program Code: 640
  • Degree Type: BA, BS
  • Program Type: Minor, Major
  • Program Summary: Mathematics is a rigorous and demanding intellectual pursuit. It is also interesting, exciting and challenging. Majors like its clarity and the satisfaction of knowing that they have the right answer to a problem. Graduate schools in medicine, law, and business think mathematics is a great major because it develops analytical skills and the ability to work in a problem-solving environment. Their entrance tests support this bias, so the more math you know, the better you will do on their exams.

  • Grades of C or better in three semesters of calculus: Math 135/151, 152, and 251/291

  • None

  • Statistics/Mathematics (961) majors may not major or minor in Math (640).

  • We recommend that students register for approximately 15 credits each semester and no more than 16 credits in their first semester. Your schedule should be well-balanced and include coursework from a variety of subjects. A diverse schedule will help you begin your studies in potential majors and minors; explore a breadth of new knowledge across departments at Rutgers to meet SAS Core Curriculum learning goals; and survey broader academic interests through elective courses as you work to attain the required 120 degree credits for graduation.

    Your schedule will look something like this:

    College Writing or English course per placement results (3 credits)

    Major Exploration course (3-4 credits)

    Major or Minor Exploration course (3-4 credits)

    Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits)

     Byrne or First-Year Interest Group Seminar (FIGS) (1 credit) 

     Total Credits: 15-16

     

  • Unless you have external credits for a math course (such as transfer credits or AP Calculus credits), you should take the math placement exam to determine which math class to start with. Prospective math majors should take the highest class they place into, which can be as high as Math 151: Calculus I for the Mathematical and Physical Sciences.

    If you place into Math 135: Calculus I for the Life and Social Sciences, start with taking Math 135 but write to the Math Advisor <>; for advice before going on to Math 152: Calculus II next semester. Do not take Math 130: Business Calculus, as this class does not apply to the math major and would not allow you to continue on to Calculus II.

    If you have AP credit for Calculus I or II, the next calculus course to take is either Math 152: Calculus II or Math 251: Multivariable Calculus. If you have transfer credits above Calculus II, please discuss your course plans with the Math Advisor <>;.

    Students starting with Calculus I or higher may also consider taking Math 250: Intro Linear Algebra during their first year. This is a required course for the math major, as well as the math minor, the computer science major, the statistics major, and the data science major.

    Introductory courses recommended by faculty. Include at least one of these in your schedule: 

    Course Title

    Course Number

    Credits

    		 Subject on University Schedule of Classes
    Calculus-Based Math   4 Mathematics (640)
    Intro Linear Algebra  01:640:250 3 Mathematics (640)

     

  • Your first year of college is an opportunity for you to explore fields of interest to enhance your understanding of yourself, the world around you, and your main academic and career goals. Think of your schedule as including courses you must take (English, courses to explore potential majors, etc.) and courses you can take (everything else!) All courses are part of your degree - if necessary, review the components of the SAS degree on this page.

    Through these degree components, you will curate your own unique educational experience - but we understand that this level of flexibility and freedom can feel overwhelming for new students. Like a recommendation based on a book or TV show you enjoyed, the information below can help you identify related courses to consider in your first semester.

    Math majors are required to take one of following introductory programming classes:

    Course Title
    		  Course Number  Credits Subject on University Schedule of Classes
     Computing for Math and the Sciences  01:198:107  4  Computer Science (198)
     Introduction to Computer Science  01:198:111  4  Computer Science (198)
     Programming Methodology I  14:332:252  4  Electrical and Computer Engineering (332)

     If you may be interested in taking additional programming classes (e.g., to pursue a minor in Computer Science), then you should take 01:198:111 early on. Otherwise, non-engineering math majors should take 01:198:107, but this does not need to be during freshman year.

    Math majors also need to complete a minor. Many math majors choose a minor or a second major in a closely related quantitative discipline, such as Computer Science, Economics, Statistics, Physics, or Data Science. You may consider taking some of the following courses to explore these areas.

     Course Title  Course Number  Credits  Subject on University Schedule of Classes 
     Introduction to Computer Science  01:198:111  4  Computer Science (198)
     Data 101  01:198:142  4  Computer Science (198) 

    Introduction to Microeconomics

    01:220:102

    		  3

    Economics (220)

    Introduction to Macroeconomics

    01:220:103

    		 3

    Economics (220)

    General Physics

    		 01:750:203 +
    Lab 01:750:204    		 3+1

    Physics (750)

    Honors Physics I

    		 01:750:271 +
    Lab 01:750:275    		 3+1

    Physics (750)

    Statistics I

    01:960:211

    		 3

    Statistics (960)

    Students interested in combining Math with Economics should also look into the Actuarial track of the Math major and the certificate in Mathematical Finance.

    You can choose your minor in any subject, and math is connected to more fields than you may think. The computational aspects of the biological and social sciences need some very deep math, and certain humanities subjects like philosophy and music theory are also inherently mathematical. As you explore the areas that interest you, keep an eye out for these connections.

  • The Schedule of Classes provides information about the courses being offered in a particular semester. There are literally thousands of courses offered each semester at Rutgers, and you may find it helpful to narrow down your options by looking for courses in subjects related to your potential major or minor. Use the recommendations below to find possible introductory courses in other subjects.

    To find potential courses in other subjects related to this one:

    1. On the Schedule of Classes, select the current term, location "New Brunswick" and level "undergraduate". Click continue.
    2. In the Search By box, click the "search multiple subjects" link. Select the following departments:
      • Computer Science (198)
      • Economics (220)
      • Philosophy (730)
      • Physics (750)
      • Statistics (960)
    3. In Section Status, deselect Closed
    4. In Level of Study, deselect 300 and 400. In general, 100 and 200 are appropriate for first-year students, 300 and 400 are often more appropriate for students with more familiarity with the subject. If you are interested in registering for a 300 or 400 level course, consult with an advisor before registering.

    Review these courses for possible inclusion in your first-semester schedule, or to consider for future semesters.
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