Mathematics Major/Minor

Requirements for the Major in Mathematics

The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Official degree requirements can be found in the Whittier College Catalog.

Students majoring in mathematics are required to complete the following core courses:

  • MATH 141 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I (4 credits)
  • MATH 142 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II (4 credits)
  • MATH 241 Calculus and Analytic Geometry III (4 credits)
  • MATH 242 Elementary Linear Algebra/Differential Equations (3 credits)
  • MATH 280 Abstract Thinking (3 credits)
  • MATH 345A Differential Equations (3 credits)
  • MATH 380 Linear Algebra (3 credits)
  • MATH 440 Introduction to Analysis I or MATH 480 Modern Algebra I (3 credits)
  • MATH 491 Senior Seminar (4 credits)

In addition to the core courses, a student must take at least three courses from the 300 level or above. The list of courses may include the following:

  • MATH 300 History of Mathematics (3 credits)
  • MATH 305 Number Theory (3 credits)
  • MATH 315 Probability and Statistics (3 credits)
  • MATH 320 Advanced Geometry (3 credits)
  • MATH 344 Complex Variables (3 credits)
  • MATH 350 Numerical Analysis (3 credits)
  • MATH 354 Mathematical Modeling (3 credits)
  • MATH 360 Point Set Topology (3 credits)
  • MATH 440 Introduction to Analysis I (If not taken to satisfy the core) (3 credits)
  • MATH 480 Modern Algebra I (If not taken to satisfy the core) (3 credits)

Note: Students who plan to enter a graduate program in mathematics should take more than the minimum number of mathematics courses; these students should work closely with a faculty advisor from the Department of Mathematics & Computer Science to choose appropriate additional mathematics courses.

Requirements for the Minor in Mathematics

A minor in mathematics requires a minimum of 20 credits, including the following:

  • MATH 141 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I (4 credits)
  • MATH 142 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II (4 credits)
  • MATH 280 Abstract Thinking (3 credits)
  • MATH 242 Introduction to Applied Elementary Linear Algebra (3 credits)
  • 6 credits of upper-division Mathematics courses at the 300-level or higher