BA in Mathematics
Mathematics and statistics play a critical role in our efforts to understand the nature of the physical universe and in the continuing development of our technological society. Students majoring in mathematics and statistics gain skills related to abstract thinking and critical reasoning through courses across a variety of mathematical disciplines. Mathematicians and statisticians are in demand in all sectors of society, ranging from government to business and industry, to universities and research labs. Undergraduate training in mathematics and statistics also provides an excellent background for graduate study in these and related computational fields.
Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with a major in Mathematics, Pure Track, will:
Demonstrate a mature understanding of single and multivariable calculus up through and including differential equations and of linear algebra.
Demonstrate a clear understanding of the concept of mathematical proof and be able to present a rigorous proof of basic theorems.
Demonstrate breadth of understanding of the core areas of pure mathematics.
Students graduating with a major in Mathematics, Applied Track, will:
Demonstrate a mature understanding of single and multivariable calculus up through and including differential equations and of linear algebra.
Demonstrate a clear understanding of a variety of techniques used in modern applied mathematics.
Demonstrate depth of understanding of two core areas of applied mathematics.
Students graduating with a major in Mathematics, Statistics Track, will:
Understand fundamental concepts and develop analytical skills associated with classical statistical methods.
Demonstrate a mature understanding of the theoretic underpinnings of statistics including probability theory, and at least one of the areas of mathematical statistics and stochastic processes.
Demonstrate a breadth of knowledge in topics related to advanced statistical theory and practice.
Requirements
All BU undergraduate students, including both entering first-year and transfer students, will pursue coursework in the BU Hub, the University's general education program that is integrated into the entire undergraduate experience. BU Hub requirements can be satisfied in a number of ways, including coursework in and beyond the major as well as through cocurricular activities. Students majoring in Mathematics will ordinarily, through coursework in the major, satisfy BU Hub requirements in Quantitative Reasoning. Remaining BU Hub requirements will be satisfied by selecting from a wide range of available courses outside the major or, in some cases, cocurricular experiences.
Classification of Elementary Courses
For the purpose of stating prerequisites, elementary courses are grouped under the titles listed below. Any one course in a group satisfies a requirement, and only one course in each group may be taken for units.
Elementary Statistics I: CAS MA 113, 115, 213
Elementary Statistics II: CAS MA 116, 214, 614
Calculus I: CAS MA 121, 123
Calculus II: CAS MA 122, 124, 127, 129 (MA 129 may be taken for units by students with AP units for CAS MA 124)
Multivariate Calculus: CAS MA 225, 230
Differential Equations: CAS MA 226, 231
Linear Algebra: CAS MA 142, 242, 442
Discrete Math: CAS MA 193, 293
Modern Algebra: CAS MA 294 (may not be taken after MA 541 or 542)
Required Courses
Students majoring in mathematics must satisfy the sets of requirements for either the Specialty in Pure Mathematics, the Specialty in Applied Mathematics, or the Specialty in Statistics. Courses may be credited toward the major only if a grade of C or higher is earned. Unless otherwise noted, all courses are 4 unit hours.
January 2025
College of Arts and Sciences
725 Commonwealth Avenue,
BOSTON,
Massachusetts,
02215, United States
Apply as a first-year student if you are currently in your last year of high school, have completed high school, are a GED recipient, or have completed a high school equivalency exam. If you are currently in high school and are part of a dual enrollment program, you should also apply as a first-year student.
English Proficiency Testing Results:
Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet Based Test (TOEFL iBT): Students who are most competitive for admission will have a composite score of at least 90-100 and minimum scores of 20 in each section.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): A total/overall score of 7 or higher
Duolingo English Test (DET): Students who are most competitive for admission will have a total score of at least 125-135.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.