Major and Minor
Suggestions for Majoring in MathematicsStudents wishing to keep open the option of a major in mathematics typically begin with the study of calculus in their first year and normally complete the calculus sequence, MATH 222 (Foundations of Analysis) and either MATH 118 or MATH 106 by the end of the sophomore year. A major is usually declared no later than the second semester of the sophomore year. Those considering a mathematics major should consult with a member of the mathematics department in order to plan their course of study.
The requirements for the major are minimal. Anyone who is planning a career in the mathematical sciences, or who intends to read for honors, is encouraged to consult with one or more members of the department concerning further studies that would be appropriate. Similarly, any student who wishes to propose a variation of the major program is encouraged to discuss the plan with a member of the department prior to submitting a written proposal for a decision by the department.
Students who are interested in teaching mathematics at the high-school level should take MATH 230 (Geometry), since this course is required for certification in most states, including Ohio.
Course Requirements for Majors
There are two concentrations within the mathematics major: classical mathematics and statistics. The coursework required for completion of the major in each concentration is given below.
Classical MathematicsA student must have credit for the following core courses:
- Three semesters of calculus (MATH 111, 112, 213, or the equivalent)
- One semester of statistics (MATH 106 or MATH 436)
- MATH 118 - Introduction to Programming
- MATH 222 - Foundations
- MATH 224 - Linear Algebra I
- MATH 335 - Abstract Algebra or MATH 341 - Real Analysis
In addition, majors must have credit for at least three other courses selected with the consent of the department. MATH 110 may not be used to satisfy the requirements for the major.
Statistics
A student must have credit for the following core courses:
- Three semesters of calculus (MATH 111, 112, 213 or the equivalent)
- MATH 118 - Introduction to Programming
- MATH 222 - Foundations
- MATH 224 - Linear Algebra I
- MATH 336 - Probability
- MATH 341 - Analysis
- MATH 416 - Linear Regression Models or MATH 436 - Mathematical Statistics
In addition to the core courses, majors must also have credit for two of the following:
- MATH 106 - Elements of Statistics
- MATH 206 - Data Analysis
- MATH 216 - Nonparametric Statistics
- MATH 226 - Design and Analysis of Experiments
- MATH 416 - Linear Regression Models
- MATH 436 - Mathematical Statistics
Additional Requirements for the Major
Majors should present to the department, through their advisor and prior to the start of the senior year, a proposal that says how their major program will meet expectations that go beyond the accumulation of units of credit, as follows:
- Mathematics is a vital component in the methods used by other disciplines. Therefore, majors are expected to present a program of study that includes courses (at least 1 unit) that use mathematics in significant ways. While many such courses may be found in the natural sciences, suitable courses may also be found in other disciplines, such as economics.
- Majors are expected to attain a depth of study within mathematics, as well as breadth. Therefore majors are expected to present a program of study that will fulfill these expectations. Ordinarily, depth of study results from election of a two-course upper-level sequence that systematically progresses into one of the branches of mathematics, algebra, analysis, or geometry, broadly conceived. A concentration in statistics within the mathematics major will automatically meet the expectation of depth of study.
The Senior Exercise begins promptly in the fall of the senior year with independent study on a topic of interest to the student and approved by the department. The independent study culminates in the writing of a paper which is due in November. (Juniors are encouraged to begin thinking about possible topics before they leave for the summer.) Students are also required to take the Major Field Test in Mathematics produced by the Educational Testing Service. Evaluation of the Senior Exercise is based on the student's performance on the paper and the standardized exam. A detailed guide on the Senior Exercise is available on the math department web site under the link Mathematics Academic Program. The department homepage is accessible via Kenyon's site, www.kenyon.edu.
Course Requirements for the Minors
Requirements for the MinorsThere are two minors in mathematics. Each minor deals with core material of a part of the discipline, and each reflects the logically structured nature of mathematics through a pattern of prerequisites. A minor consists of satisfactory completion of the courses indicated.
MathematicsThe calculus sequence MATH 111, 112, 213, and four courses from the following: MATH 105, 106, 108, 118, 222, 224, 227, 230, 233, 324, 327, 333, 335, 336, 341, 347, 352, 416, 435, 441, 460. (Students may count at most one of the following: MATH 105, 106, 108, and 118.) Other courses numbered 200 or above (e.g. special topics courses) may be counted with the consent of the department.
StatisticsFive courses in statistics from the following: MATH 106, 206, 216, 226, 336, 416, 436. (Students may count at most one statistics course from another department. For example, ECON 375 or PSYC 200 may be substituted for one of the courses listed above.)
Our goal is to provide a solid introduction to basic statistical methods, including data analysis, design and analysis of experiments, statistical inference, and statistical models, using professional software such as Minitab, SAS, and Maple.
Deviations from the list of approved minor courses must be ratified by the mathematics department. Students considering a minor in mathematics or statistics are urged to speak with a member of the department about the selection of courses.