Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences
MAJOR AND MINOR DESCRIPTIONS BY DEPARTMENT
MATHEMATICS
The Department of Mathematics offers course work leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics as well as various courses for non-majors. Students concentrating in mathematics may pursue majors in mathematics, applied mathematics, actuarial mathematics, or mathematical biology, or they may pursue a joint major in mathematics and economics. Each of the department’s majors has its own philosophy and its own formal requirements, so students should consult with a major advisor. For more information on these majors and the Department of Mathematics, see www.mathematics.pitt.edu.
Mathematics Major Requirements
Calculus courses
- MATH 0220 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1
- MATH 0230 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2
- MATH 0240 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 3
Introductory theoretical courses
- MATH 0413 Introduction to Theoretical Mathematics
- MATH 0420 Introduction to Theory 1 – Variable Calculus
- MATH 0430 Introduction to Abstract Algebraic Systems
Upper-level required courses
Required course
- MATH 1270 Ordinary Differential Equations 1
One of the following courses
- MATH 1180 Linear Algebra 1
- MATH 1185 Honors Linear Algebra
One of the following courses
- MATH 1020 Applied Elementary Number Theory
- MATH 1025 Introduction to Mathematical Cryptography
- MATH 1050 Combinatorial Mathematics
- MATH 1250 Abstract Algebra
- MATH 1310 Graph Theory
Upper-level elective courses
Three of the following courses
- MATH 1020 Applied Elementary Number Theory
- MATH 1025 Introduction to Mathematical Cryptography
- MATH 1050 Combinatorial Mathematics
- MATH 1070 Numerical Mathematical Analysis
- MATH 1080 Numerical Linear Algebra
- MATH 1100 Linear Programming
- MATH 1110 Industrial Mathematics
- MATH 1240 Linear Algebra 2
- MATH 1250 Abstract Algebra
- MATH 1280 Ordinary Differential Equations 2
- MATH 1290 Topics in Geometry
- MATH 1310 Graph Theory
- MATH 1330 Projective Geometry
- MATH 1350 Introduction to Differential Geometry
- MATH 1360 Modeling in Applied Math 1
- MATH 1410 Introduction to Foundations of Mathematics
- MATH 1420 Foundations of Mathematics 2
- MATH 1470 Partial Differential Equations 1
- MATH 1510 Mathematical Theory of Probability
- MATH 1530 Advanced Calculus 1
- MATH 1540 Advanced Calculus 2
- MATH 1550 Vector Analysis and Applications
- MATH 1560 Complex Variables and Applications
- MATH 1570 Transform Methods in Applied Math
- MATH 1700 Introduction to Topology
- MATH 2XXX, 3XXX 3-credit graduate level course
- STAT 1631 Intermediate Mathematical Statistics 1
- STAT 1632 Intermediate Mathematical Statistics 2
Physics course
- PHYS 0174 Basic Physics for Science and Engineering 1
Programming course; choose one
- CS 0007 Introduction to Computer Programming
- CS 0008 Introduction to Computer Programming with Python
- CS 0401 Intermediate Programming Using Java
Other Requirements and Recommendations
- Majors must complete 40 credits (see below for curriculum details on each major) with a grade of C or higher in each course for the major and at least a 2.00 GPA overall in mathematics courses. The S/NC grade option is not permitted.
- MATH 0413 Introduction to Theoretical Mathematics meets the departmental W requirement.
- Credit by examination is usually available only through the placement testing offered for incoming students.
- Appropriate courses for the Dietrich School -required 12-credit related area are determined in consultation with the mathematics advisor. A 12-credit related area for applied mathematics majors must be approved by the Undergraduate Committee.
- Students considering graduate work in mathematics should be aware that many programs require a reading knowledge of one or two second languages from among French, German, and Russian.
- To graduate with honors in mathematics or applied mathematics, students must meet the following requirements in addition to the other requirements for the major.
- Completion of all mathematics requirements
- Completion of each of the following courses with a grade of B or better:
- MATH 1250 Abstract Algebra 1
- MATH 1530 Advanced Calculus 1
- MATH 1540 Advanced Calculus 2
- A graduate level mathematics course
- Completion of an honors thesis under the direction of a member of the mathematics faculty or completion of a second graduate level mathematics course in lieu of the honors thesis
- Students interested in graduate study in mathematics are advised to take MATH 1530 and MATH 1540. Those interested in pursuing secondary education certification in mathematics are required to take MATH 1020, MATH 1230, and MATH 1290, MATH 1230 does not count toward the major.
The statistics requirement is waived for mathematics majors graduating with honors. Although not required, it is recommended that honors candidates take the intermediate honors courses MATH 0450 Introduction to Analysis and MATH 1185 Honors Linear Algebra during their freshman and sophomore years.
Curriculum for Actuarial Mathematics Major
Students wishing to pursue a major in Actuarial Mathematics must complete both MATH 0220 and MATH 0230 or their equivalents with a grade of C or better before declaring actuarial mathematics as their major. Students will be required to take 63 credits, of which 46 will be in Mathematics and Statistics. Specific requirements are:
Prerequisite courses
- MATH 0220 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1
- MATH 0230 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2
Basic Calculus course
- MATH 0240 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 3
Analysis; choose one of the following courses
- MATH 0413 Introduction to Theoretical Mathematics
- MATH 0450 Introduction to Analysis
Linear algebra: choose one of the following courses
- MATH 1180 Linear Algebra 1
- MATH 1185 Honors Linear Algebra
Differential Equations: choose one of the following
- MATH 1270 Ordinary Differential Equations 1
- MATH 1275 Honors Ordinary Differential Equations 1
Actuarial Mathematics courses
- MATH 1120 Actuarial Mathematics 1
- MATH 1121 Actuarial Mathematics 2
Numerical Methods: choose one of the following courses
- MATH 1070 Numerical Mathematical Analysis
- MATH 1080 Numerical Linear Algebra
Applied Mathematics: choose two of the following
- MATH 1100 Linear Programming
- MATH 1110 Industrial Mathematics (writing-intensive course)
- MATH 1122 Actuarial Mathematics 3
- MATH 1123 Actuarial Mathematics 4
- MATH 1280 Ordinary Differential Equations 2
- MATH 1360 Modeling in Applied Math 1
- MATH 1470 Partial Differential Equations 1
- MATH 1530 Advanced Calculus 1
- MATH 1540 Advanced Calculus 2
- MATH 1550 Vector Analysis
Economics
- ECON 0100 Intermediate Microeconomic Theory
- ECON 0110 Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory
Computer programming: choose one of the following
- CS 0004 Introduction to Computer Programming in BASIS
- CS 0007 Introduction to Computer Programming in Java
- CS 0008 Introduction to Computer Programming in Python
- CS 0401 Programming in Java
- STAT 1301 Statistical Packages
- BUSMIS 1060 Introduction to Information Systems
- ENGR 0012 Introduction to Engineering Computing
Statistics
- STAT 1000 Applied Statistical Methods
- One of the following courses
- STAT 1151 Introduction to Probability
- MATH 1510 Mathematical Theory of Probability
- One of the following courses
- ECON 1150 Economics
- STAT 1221 Applied Regression
- One of the following courses
- One of the following courses
- STAT 1321 Times Series
- STAT 1731 Stochastic Process
- STAT1741 Applied Probability
- One of the Following Courses
- BUSFIN 1311 Corporate Finance
- ECON 1440 Economics of Corporate Finance
Other Requirements and Recommendations
- Before declaring this major, students must complete MATH 0230 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2 or MATH 0235 Honors Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2, or their equivalents, with a letter grade of C or better. Additionally, Students must complete MATH 1120 Actuarial Mathematics 1 with a letter grade of B or better to declare this major.
- A grade of C or higher is necessary in all courses required for the major.
- Students must complete at least one writing-intensive course (W-course) in the major. MATH 1110 Industrial Mathematics is a W-course option for this major.
- The required courses include nine credits of statistics courses and nine to 12 credits of economics courses. Majors can fulfill the related area requirement by taking an additional statistics or economics course to achieve a total of 12 credits in one of these subjects.
Curriculum for Applied Mathematics Major
Students majoring in Applied Mathematics must complete 40 credits in mathematics, distributed as follows. Since different program emphases are possible, students should consult the advisor as early as possible in regards to selection of courses:
Calculus
- MATH 0220 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1
- MATH 0230 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2
- MATH 0240 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 3
Introductory theoretical course
- MATH 0413 Introduction to Theoretical Mathematics
- MATH 0420 Introductory Theory 1 Variable Calculus
Upper-level required courses
- One of the following courses.
- MATH 1180 Linear Algebra 1
- MATH 1185 Honors Lenear Algebra
- One of the following courses
- MATH 1270 Ordinary Differential Equations 1
- MATH 1275 Honors Ordinary Differential Equations 1
Numerical Mathematics; choose one of the following courses
- MATH 1070 Numerical Mathematical Analysis
- MATH 1080 Numerical Linear Algebra
- MATH 1100 Linear Programming
- MATH 1110 Industrial Mathematics
- MATH 1360 Modeling in Applied Math 1
Applied Analysis; choose one of the following courses
- MATH 1550 Vector Analysis and Applications
- MATH 1560 Complex Variables and Applications
- MATH 1570 Transform Methods in Applied Math
Differential Equations: choose one of the following courses
- MATH 1280 Ordinary Differential Equations 2
- MATH 1470 Partial Differential Equations 1
- MATH 1480 Partial Differential Equations 2
One of the following cooourses
- MATH 1110 Industrial Mathematics
- MATH 1360 Modeling in Applied Math 1
- MATH 1370 Computational Neuroscience
- MATH 1380 Mathematical Biology
Physics courses
- PHYS 0174 Basic Physics for Science and Engineering 1
- PHYS 0175 Basic Physics for Science and Engineering 2
Computer Science; choose one of the following courses
- CS 0007 Introduction to Computer Programming in Java
- CS 0008 Introduction to Computer Programming in Python
- CS 0401 Intermediate Programming using Java
Statistics; choose one of the following courses
- MATH 1510 Mathematical Theory of Probability
- STAT 1000 Applied Statistical Methods
- STAT 1151 Introduction to Probability
Other Requirements and Recommendations
- Students interested in graduate study are strongly advised to take MATH 1530 and MATH 1540 Advanced Calculus 1 and 2. These two courses may be substituted for the Applied Analysis and the Differential Equations courses, respectively.
- A grade of C or higher is necessary in all courses required for the major. A minimum GPA of 2.0 in departmental courses is required for graduation.
- Students must complete at least one writing-intensive course (W-course) in the major.
- No course that counts toward the major may be taken on the S/NC basis.
- Students must complete at least 12 credits in a related area. A minor in Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, or Physics would fulfill this requirement. Speak to the departmental advisor for more options or details.
- Honors in Applied Mathematics is granted if the student:
- Completes all requirements for the major
- Completes the following courses with a letter grade of B or higher:
- MATH 1470
- MATH 1530
- MATH 1540
- A 2000-level course in lieu of a 1000-level elective
- Completes an honors thesis under the direction of a member of the Department of Mathematics faculty, or completes a 2000-level course in lieu of the honors thesis.
- The statistics requirement is waived for students seeking honors in Applied Mathematics.
Curriculum for Mathematical Biology
Students pursuing the Mathematical Biology major are encouraged to take CHEM 0110 General Chemistry 1 and CHEM 0120 General Chemistry 2, as these courses will satisfy the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences breadth requirement in natural science and will expand their biology and neuroscience course options. Several of the BIOSC courses that fulfill requirements for this major have prerequisites, but some do not have prerequisites. PHYS 0174 Basic Physics for Science and Engineering 1 and PHYS 0175 Basic Physics for Science and Engineering 2 also carry a high degree of relevance for Mathematical Biology majors.
The Mathematical Biology major will require the completion of 43 credits in mathematics.
- Three Calculus courses
- MATH 0220 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1
- MATH 0230 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2
- MATH 0240 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 3
- Two introductory theoretical courses
- MATH 0413 Introduction to Theoretical Mathematics*
- MATH 0420 Introduction to Theory 1 – Variable Calculus*
*Note: Qualified students may substitute MATH 0450 Honors Analysis for MATH 0413 and MATH 0420.
- One of the following courses.
- MATH 1180 Linear Algebra 1
- MATH 1185 Honors Linear Algebra 1
- One of the following courses.
- MATH 1270 Ordinary Differential Equations 1
- MATH 1275 Honors Ordinary Differential Equations 1
- Two mathematical biology courses
- MATH 1370 Introduction to Computational Neuroscience
- MATH 1380 Mathematical Biology
- Two numerical mathematics courses
- MATH 1070 Numerical Mathematical Analysis
- MATH 1080 Numerical Linear Algebra
- Two applied analysis courses from the following list
- MATH 1280 Ordinary Differential Equations 2
- MATH 1470 Partial Differential Equations 1
- MATH 1530 Advanced Calculus 1
- MATH 1550 Vector Analysis and Applications
- MATH 1560 Complex Variables and Applications
- Four Biology or Neuroscience courses
- BIOSC 0150 Foundations of Biology 1
- BIOSC 0160 Foundations of Biology 2
- Two of the following; at least one must be at the 1000 level
- BIOSC 0350 Genetics or BIOSC 0355 Honors Genetics
- BIOSC 0370 Ecology
- BIOSC 1000 Introductory Biochemistry
- One of the following courses
- BIOSC 1070 Human Physiology
- BIOSC 1250 Human Physiology
- BIOSC 1870 Animal Physiology
- BIOSC 1130 Evolution
- BIOSC 1320 Population Biology
- BIOSC 1470 Biophysical Chemistry
- BIOSC 1500 Cell Biology
- BIOSC 1520 Developmental Biology
- BIOSC 1540 Computational Biology
- BIOSC 1760 Immunology
- NROSCI 1000 Introduction to Neuroscience or NROSCI 1003 Honors Introduction to Neuroscience
- NROSCI 1011 Functional Neuroanatomy
- NROSCI 1012 Neurophysiology
- NROSCI 1017 Synaptic Transmission
- NROSCI 1034 Neural Basis of Cognition
- On of the following statistics courses
- MATH 1510 Mathematical Theory of Probability
- STAT 1000 Applied Statistical Methods
Mathematical Biology students who plan to continue in graduate studies are advised to take advanced calculus, MATH 1530 Advance Calculus 1 and MATH 1540 Advanced Calculus 2. MATH 1370 Introduction to Computational Neuroscience and MATH 1380 Mathematical Biology introduce students to techniques for independent research; students in these courses are encouraged to pursue research opportunities in Mathematical Biology that are available locally and nationally.
Other Requirements and Recommendations
- A grade of C or higher is necessary in all courses required for the major. A minimum GPA of 2.0 in departmental courses is required for graduation.
- No course that counts toward the major may be taken on the S/NC basis.
- Students must complete at least one writing-intensive course (W-course) in the major. Either MATH 0413 or MATH 0450 will satisfy this requirement.
- Students must complete at least 12 credits in a related area.
- Students seeking honors in Mathematical Biology will earn departmental honors if they meet the following requirements.
- Fulfill all requirements for the major.
- Complete the following courses with a letter grade of A- or better.
- MATH 1370 Introduction to Computational Neuroscience
- MATH 1380 Mathematical Biology
- Complete the following courses with a letter grade of B or higher.
- MATH 1530 Advanced Calculus 1
- One 2000-level mathematics course in lieu of an upper level elective
- Complete one of the following conditions.
- An honors thesis under the direction of a faculty member in the Department of Mathematics; for students seeking a BPhil from the University Honors College, this requirement could be satisfied by the Honors College thesis
- A 2000-level mathematics course with a letter grade of B or higher, in addition to the course use for the third item, above.
- Although not required, the department strongly recommends that honors degree candidates take the intermediate honors courses MATH 1185 and MATH 0450 during their freshman or sophomore year.
Minor in Mathematics
Students wishing to pursue a minor in Mathematics must complete at least 15 credits of Mathematics coursework at the level of MATH 0250 or above. At least six (6) of these credits must be in courses numbered 1000 or above. Students must complete these requirements with an average grade of C or better.
Prerequisites for the minor:
- MATH 0220 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1
- MATH 0230 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2
- MATH 0240 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus 3
Mathematics-Economics Joint Major Requirements
Students seeking a mathematics and economics joint major must adhere to the following rules and requirements:
- Completion of at least 58 credits in mathematics and economics courses (see below for detail).
- Earn at least a 2.00 in all courses required for the major. The S/NC option is not permitted.
- The Dietrich School 12-credit related area is not required.
- Students should check with the departmental advisors in mathematics and economics about the required W course.
- Students planning to do graduate study should keep in mind that many graduate programs require reading knowledge of one or two second languages.
The joint major provides not only a set of requirements but also suggested course sequences of mathematics and economics courses that are compatible with each other and that prepare students for various specialties. The courses follows
- Required Courses in Mathematics
- MATH 0220 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1
- MATH 0223 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2
- MATH 0224 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 3
- MATH 0413 Introduction to Theoretical Mathematics
- MATH 0420 Introductory Theory 1 Variable Calculus
- One of the following courses.
MATH 1180 Linear Algebra 1
MATH 1185 honors Linear Algebra
- STAT 1151 Introduction to Probability
- STAT 1152 Introduction to Mathematical Statistics
In addition, students are encouraged to take at least one field course in mathematics from the following list.
- MATH 1100 Linear Programming
- MATH 1110 Industrial Mathematics
- MATH 1470 Partial Differential Equations 1
- MATH 1530 Advanced Calculus 1
- MATH 1540 Advanced Calculus 2
- MATH 1550 Vector Analysis and Applications
- MATH 1700 Introduction to Topology
- STAT 1221 Applied Regression
- STAT 1311 Applied Multivariate Analysis
- STAT 1321 Applied Time Series
- STAT 1631 Intermediate Probability
- STAT 1632 Intermediate Mathematical Statistics
- STAT 1761 Game Theory
- Required Courses in Economics (27 credits)
- ECON 0100 Introduction to Microeconomic Theory
- ECON 0110 Introduction to Macroeconomic Theory
- ECON 1100 Intermediate Microeconomics
- ECON 1110 Introduction to Macroeconomics
- ECON 1150 Applied Econometrics 1
- ECON 1200 Introduction to Game Theory
- One ECON non-0800 series elective course
- Two ECON 1000-level courses that require either ECON 1100 or ECON 1110 as a prerequisite
To qualify for departmental honors in the mathematics and economics joint major, students must meet the following requirements:
- Complete the required economics courses with the added stipulation that ECON 1180 Mathematical Economics and a proseminar be one of the field courses chosen.
- Complete the following courses in lieu of those normally taken:
- MATH 0235 Honors 1 Variable Calculus
- MATH 0240 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 3
- MATH 0450 Introduction to Analysis
- MATH 1185 Honors Linear Algebra
- MATH 1530 Advanced Calculus 1
- STAT 1151 Introduction to Probability
- STAT 1152 Introduction to Mathematical Statistics
- Maintain a GPA of at least 3.00 in mathematics courses, at least 3.25 in economics courses, and at least 3.25 overall.