Undergraduate Program

Starting at Howard or transferring courses?

Mathematics Placement Exam and Transfer Credit

It is essential that every student taking a mathematics course at Howard University be placed in a course commensurate with the student's level of mathematical preparation. For this purpose, the Department of Mathematics administers a Mathematics Placement Examination each August and each January. Each student entering Howard University, planning to take a mathematics course at any time while at the University, should take the Mathematics Placement Examination at the time of entrance into the University.

Students planning to transfer mathematics credits from another university should also take the Mathematics Placement Examination when entering Howard University to guarantee efficient evaluation of previous mathematical work. For more information, please visit the New Student Orientation and Transitions page and scroll down to "Math and Language Placement."

Thinking of studying math at Howard?

Undergraduate Program

The Department of Mathematics offers courses leading to a major in mathematics with several concentrations, as well as a minor in mathematics.

Major in Mathematics

If you are interested in mathematics as a major:

  • a concentration in actuarial science prepares you for the foundations of actuarial practice, which involves statistically calculating risks, premiums, etc. for insurance.
     
  • a concentration in mathematics education prepares you for teaching mathematics at the elementary and secondary level.
     
  • a concentration in pre-medical/pre-dental studies prepares you for a future course of professional studies in a medical or dentistry program.
     
  • concentrations in pure mathematics and applied mathematics, the more traditional courses of study, ordinarily attract students who expect to pursue higher degrees in mathematics, as well as those preparing for careers as mathematicians in industry and government.


For a sample of prospective mathematical careers, please see the Careers and Employment page of the American Mathematical Society.

Senior Comprehensive Examination

To graduate with a major in mathematics, a student must pass the Senior Comprehensive Examination.

Students preparing to take the senior comprehensive should fill out and submit an Intent Form at least one week before the scheduled exam.

In preparation for the exam, students should review the syllabus for the exam.

A sample of past Senior Comprehensive Examinations can be obtained by following the links below.

Minor in Mathematics

The minor program in mathematics provides students with a foundation in real and multi-dimensional calculus so that they may understand applications using calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, or statistics in business, economics, and the sciences.

To obtain a minor in mathematics, a student must take the calculus sequence (MATH 156, MATH 157, MATH 158); Proof & Problem Solving (MATH 103);  and either differential equations (MATH 159), linear algebra (MATH 180) or one other higher level course.

Course requirements by concentration and example 4-year sequences

Actuarial Science

Mathematics Requirements:

MATH 103, Proof and Problem Solving (3 cr)
MATH 156, Calculus I (4 cr)
MATH 157, Calculus II (4 cr)
MATH 158, Calculus III (4 cr)
MATH 164, Intro to Numerical Analysis (3 cr)
MATH 180, Intro to Linear Algebra (3 cr)
MATH 189, Probability & Statistics I (3 cr)
MATH 190, Probability & Statistics II (3 cr)
MATH 195, Intro to Analysis I (3 cr)

MATH 168, Actuarial Science Lab I (1 cr)
MATH 193, Actuarial Science Seminar (3 cr)

plus one course chosen from the following:

MATH 160, Advanced Calculus for Science & Engineering (3 cr)
MATH 196, Intro to Analysis II (3 cr)
MATH 197, Intro to Modern Algebra I (3 cr)
MATH 199, Intro to Topology (3 cr)

Total required math credits: 36

Computer Science Requirements:

CSCI 100, Intro to Computer Science (2 cr.)
CSCI 135, Computer Science I (4 cr)

Economics Requirements:

ECON 001, Principles of Economics I (3 cr)
ECON 002, Principles of Economics II (3 cr)

Very Strongly Recommended:

ACCT 201, Accounting Principles I (3 cr)

 

Example 4-year sequence
FRESHMAN YEAR

First Semester

Course Title         Course No.   Credits
Calculus I             156           4
Intro to CSCI          100           3
Freshman English I                   3
Division A*                          3
Freshman Seminar       001           1
HHPL (swimming)                      1

Total Credits                       15
Cumulative Total                    15

Second Semester

Course Title          Course No.   Credits
Calculus II             157          4
Proof & Prob Solv I     101          1
CSCI I                  135          4
Freshman English II                  3
General Elective                     3

Total Credits                       15
Cumulative Total                    30 

SOPHOMORE YEAR

First Semester

Course Title          Course No.   Credits 
Calculus III            158          4
Proof & Prob Solv II    102          1
General Elective                     3
Division A*                          3
Foreign Language                     4

Total Credits                       15 
Cumulative Total                    45 

Second Semester

Course Title          Course No.   Credits 
Intro Num Analysis**    164          3
Linear Algebra          180          3
Philosophy                           3
Foreign Language                     4
Speech (HUCO)           101          3

Total Credits                       16 
Cumulative Total                    61 

JUNIOR YEAR

First Semester

Course Title          Course No.   Credits 
Prob & Stat I           189          3
Intro to Analysis       795          3
Economics (Division C)  001          3
Foreign Language                     3
General Elective                     3

Total Credits                       15 
Cumulative Total                    76 

Second Semester

Course Title          Course No.   Credits 
Prob & Stat II          190          3
Economics (Division C)  002          3
Division B*                          3
General Elective                     3
Foreign Language                     3

Total Credits                       15 
Cumulative Total                    91 

SENIOR YEAR

First Semester

Course Title          Course No.   Credits 
Actuarial Science Lab   168          1
Math Elective                        3
Accounting              201          3
Division B*                          3
General Elective                     3
HHPL                                 1

Total Credits                       14 
Cumulative Total                   105 

Second Semester

Course Title          Course No.   Credits 
Actuarial Sci Seminar   193          3
Math Elective                        3
General Elective                     4
General Elective                     4
HHPL                                 1

Total Credits                       15 
Cumulative Total                   120 

Notes:

*Students should complete one of their divisional requirements within the African-American course cluster.

**Unless the instructor permits an exception, this course requires 159 as a prerequisite.

Applied Mathematics

Mathematics Requirements:

MATH 103, Proof & Problem Solving (3 cr)
MATH 156, Calculus I (4 cr)
MATH 157, Calculus II (4 cr)
MATH 158, Calculus III (4 cr)
MATH 159, Differential Equations (4 cr)
MATH 164, Introduction to Numerical Analysis (3 cr)
MATH 180, Introduction to Linear Algebra (3 cr)
MATH 189, Probability & Statistics I (3 cr)
MATH 195, Introduction to Analysis I (3 cr)

A minor should be completed in Computer Science, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Business, or another field approved by the department.

Mathematics Electives (choose at least 2):

Recommended Mathematics Electives, if not required in the Area of Concentration:

MATH 160, Advanced Calculus for Science & Engineering (3 cr)
MATH 181, Discrete Structures (3 cr)
MATH 183, Intermediate Differential Equations (3 cr)
MATH 185, Introduction to Complex Analysis (3 cr)
MATH 186, Introduction to Differential Geometry (3 cr)
MATH 190, Probability & Statistics II (3 cr)
MATH 191, Foundation of Applied Mathematics (3 cr)
MATH 192, Topics in Applied Mathematics (3 cr)
MATH 196, Introduction to Analysis II (3 cr) – when offered

Other Mathematics Electives:

MATH 184, Introduction to Number Theory (3 cr)
MATH 187, Introduction to Algebraic Topology (3 cr)
MATH 194, Introduction to Set Theory (3 cr)
MATH 197, Introduction to Modern Algebra I (3 cr)
MATH 198, Introduction to Modern Algebra II (3 cr)
MATH 199, Introduction to General Topology (3 cr)

Total required math credits: 39

Computer Science Requirements:

CSCI 100, Introduction to Computer Science (1 cr)
CSCI 135, Computer Science I (4 cr)

 

Example 4-year sequence
FRESHMAN YEAR

First Semester

Course Title         Course No.   Credits
Calculus I             156           4
Intro to CSCI          100           3
Freshman English I                   3
Division A*                          3
Freshman Seminar       001           1
HHPL (swimming)                      1

Total Credits                       15
Cumulative Total                    15

Second Semester

Course Title          Course No.   Credits
Calculus II             157          4
Proof & Prob Solv I     101          1
CSCI I                  135          4
Freshman English II                  3
General Elective                     3

Total Credits                       15
Cumulative Total                    30 

SOPHOMORE YEAR

First Semester

Course Title          Course No.   Credits 
Calculus III            158          4
Proof & Prob Solv II    102          1
Intro to Analysis       795          3
Division A*                          3
Foreign Language                     4

Total Credits                       15 
Cumulative Total                    45 

Second Semester

Course Title          Course No.   Credits 
Diff Equations          159          4
Linear Algebra          180          3
Philosophy                           3
Foreign Language                     4
HHPL                                 1

Total Credits                       15 
Cumulative Total                    60 

JUNIOR YEAR

First Semester

Course Title          Course No.   Credits 
Prob & Stat I           189          3
General Elective                     3
Division C                           3
Foreign Language                     3
Speech (HUCO)           101          3

Total Credits                       15 
Cumulative Total                    75 

Second Semester

Course Title          Course No.   Credits 
Intro Num Analysis**    164          3
Specialization Course                3
Division B*                          3
General Elective                     3
Foreign Language                     3

Total Credits                       15 
Cumulative Total                    90 

SENIOR YEAR

First Semester

Course Title          Course No.   Credits 
Math Elective                        3
Division B*                          3
Specialization Course                3
Specialization Course                3
Specialization Course                4

Total Credits                       16 
Cumulative Total                   106 

Second Semester

Course Title          Course No.   Credits 
Math Elective                        3
Division C                           3
Specialization Course                3
General Elective                     4
HHPL                                 1

Total Credits                       14 
Cumulative Total                   120 

Notes:

*Students should complete one of their divisional requirements within the African-American course cluster.

**Unless the instructor permits an exception, this course requires 159 as a prerequisite.

***Students should seek advisement early for choosing specialization courses.

Mathematics Education

Mathematics Requirements:

MATH 101, Proof & Problem Solving (3 cr)
MATH 156, Calculus I (4 cr)
MATH 157, Calculus II (4 cr)
MATH 158, Calculus III (4 cr)
MATH 150, Modern Geometry (3 cr)
MATH 180, Introduction to Linear Algebra (3 cr)
MATH 181, Discrete Structures (3 cr)
MATH 189, Probability & Statistics I (3 cr)
MATH 195, Introduction to Analysis I (3 cr)

plus one course chosen from the following:

MATH 164, Numerical Analysis (3 cr)
MATH 184, Number Theory (3 cr)
MATH 190, Probability & Statistics II (3 cr)
MATH 197, Introduction to Modern Algebra I (3 cr)

Total required math credits: 32

Computer Science Requirements:

CSCI 100, Intro to Computer Science (2 cr)
CSCI 135, Computer Science I (4 cr)

Education Requirements:

A minor should be completed in secondary education. Please see https://education.howard.edu/academics/department-curriculum-instruction/minor-secondary-education.

 

Example 4-year sequence
FRESHMAN YEAR

First Semester

Course Title                                                 Course No.   Credits
Calculus I                                               MATH 156           4
Intro to Computer Science                                CSCI 100           3
Freshman English I                                                          3
Division A*                                                                 3
Freshman Seminar                                         FRSM 001           1
HHPL (swimming)                                                             1

Total Credits                                                              15
Cumulative Total                                                           15

Second Semester

Course Title                                                 Course No.   Credits
Calculus II                                               MATH 157          4
Proof & Prob Solv I                                       MATH 101          1
Freshman English II                                                         3
Division A*                                                                 3
HHPL                                                                        1
General Elective                                                            2

Total Credits                                                              14
Cumulative Total                                                           29 

SOPHOMORE YEAR

First Semester

Course Title                                                 Course No.   Credits 
Calculus III                                              MATH 158          4
Proof & Prob Solv II                                      MATH 102          1
Modern Geometry                                           MATH 150          3
Education                                                 EDUC 210          3
Foreign Language                                                            3
HHPL                                                                        1

Total Credits                                                              15 
Cumulative Total                                                           44 

Second Semester

Course Title                                                 Course No.   Credits 
Linear Algebra                                            MATH 180          3
Computer Science I                                        CSCI 135          4
Division B*                                                                 3
Foreign Language                                                            3
Speech (HUCO)                                             HUCO 101          3

Total Credits                                                              16 
Cumulative Total                                                           60 

JUNIOR YEAR

First Semester

Course Title                                                 Course No.   Credits 
Intro to Analysis                                         MATH 795          3
Education                                                 EDUC 311          3
Foreign Language                                                            3
General Elective                                                            3
General Elective                                                            3

Total Credits                                                              15 
Cumulative Total                                                           75 

Second Semester

Course Title                                                 Course No.   Credits 
Discrete Structures                                            181          3
Philosophy                                                                  3
Division B*                                                                 3
Educ. Psychology: Learning & African American Learners    EDUC 212          3
Foreign Language                                                            3

Total Credits                                                              15 
Cumulative Total                                                           90 

SENIOR YEAR

First Semester

Course Title                                                 Course No.   Credits 
Prob & Stat I                                             MATH 189          3
Pedagody and Content Literacy                             EDUC 410          3
Division C                                                                  3
Math Elective                                                               3
General Elective                                                            3

Total Credits                                                              15 
Cumulative Total                                                          105 

Second Semester

Course Title          Course No.   Credits 
Internship and Classroom Management                       EDUC 450          9
Methods and Instructional Technology                      EDUC 430          3
Division C                                                                  3
Engaging Families, Communities and School Personnel (PDM)

Total Credits                                                              15 
Cumulative Total                                                          120 

Notes:

In addition, the Praxis I exam should be taken by the end of the sophomore year and the Praxis II exam must be taken before doing student teaching.

*Students should complete one of their divisional requirements within the African-American course cluster.

Students must apply for admission to the School of Education BEFORE their junior year. They should consult https://education.howard.edu/sites/education.howard.edu/files/2020-06/SecondaryMinorApplication_revSu17_new.pdf for other requirements.

 

Pre-med / Pre-dental

Mathematics Requirements:

MATH 101, Proof & Problem Solving (3 cr)
MATH 156, Calculus I (4 cr)
MATH 157, Calculus II (4 cr)
MATH 158, Calculus III (4 cr)
MATH 159, Differential Equations (4 cr)
MATH 160, Advanced Calculus for Science & Engineering (3 cr)
MATH 164, Introduction to Numerical Analysis (3 cr)
MATH 180, Introduction to Linear Algebra (3 cr)
MATH 189, Probability & Statistics I (3 cr)
MATH 190, Probability & Statistics II (3 cr)
MATH 195, Introduction to Analysis I (3 cr)

Total required math credits: 36

Required supporting courses (pre-med):

CSCI 135, Computer Science I (4 cr)
BIOL 101, Intro Biology I (4 cr)
BIOL 102, Intro Biology II (4 cr)
CHEM 003 & 005 (lab), Gen Chem I (5 cr)
CHEM 004 & 006 (lab), Gen Chem II (5 cr)
CHEM 141, Organ Chem I (3 cr)
CHEM 142, Organ Chem II (3 cr)
CHEM 145, Organ Chem Lab (3 cr)
CHEM 151, Biochemistry (3 cr) – recommended
PHYS 001, Intro to Physics I (4 cr)
PHYS 002, Intro to Physics II (4 cr)

Required supporting courses (pre-dental):

CSCI 135, Computer Science I (4 cr)
BIOL 101, Intro to Biology I (4 cr)
BIOL 102, Intro to Biology II (4 cr)
BIOL 252, Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates (3 cr)
CHEM 003 & 005 (lab), Gen Chem I (5 cr)
CHEM 004 & 006 (lab), Gen Chem II (5 cr)
CHEM 141, Organ Chem I (3 cr)
CHEM 142, Organ Chem II (3 cr)
CHEM 145, Organ Chem Lab (3 cr)
CHEM 151, Biochemistry (3 cr) – recommended
PHYS 001, Intro to Physics I (4 cr)
PHYS 002, Intro to Physics II (4 cr)

 

Example 4-year sequence
FRESHMAN YEAR

First Semester

Course Title         Course No.   Credits
Calculus I             156           4
Biology I              101           4
Chemistry I                          4
Chemistry Lab                        1
Freshman English I                   3
Freshman Seminar       001           1

Total Credits                       17
Cumulative Total                    17

Second Semester

Course Title          Course No.   Credits
Calculus II             157          4
Proof & Prob Solv I     101          1
Biology II              135          4
Chemistry II                         4
Chemistry Lab                        1
Freshman English II                  3

Total Credits                       17
Cumulative Total                    34 

SOPHOMORE YEAR

First Semester

Course Title          Course No.   Credits 
Calculus III            158          4
Proof & Prob Solv II    102          1
Organic Chemistry I                  3
Organic Chemistry Lab                3
Foreign Language                     3
HHPL (swimming)                      1

Total Credits                       15 
Cumulative Total                    49 

Second Semester

Course Title          Course No.   Credits 
Diff Equations          159          4
Organic Chemistry II                 3
Philosophy                           3
Foreign Language                     3
HHPL                                 1

Total Credits                       14 
Cumulative Total                    63 

JUNIOR YEAR

First Semester

Course Title          Course No.   Credits 
Intro to Analysis       795          3
Physics I & Lab                      5
Division C                           3
Foreign Language                     4
Div. B*/Biochem. I1     151          3
HHPL                                 1


Total Credits                       16 
Cumulative Total                    79 

Second Semester

Course Title          Course No.   Credits 
Intro Num Analysis**    164          3
Linear Algebra          180          3
Physics II & Lab                     5
Div. A*/Biochem. II1    152          3
Foreign Language                     3

Total Credits                       17 
Cumulative Total                    96 

SENIOR YEAR

First Semester

Course Title          Course No.   Credits 
Prob & Stat I           189          3
Advanced Calculus       160          3
Division B*                          3
Div. A*/Comp. Anat. I1  252          3

Total Credits                       12 
Cumulative Total                   108 

Second Semester

Course Title          Course No.   Credits 
Prob & Stat II          190          3
Division C                           3
Division A*                          3
Speech (HUCO)           101          3

Total Credits                       12 
Cumulative Total                   120 

Notes:

*Students should complete one of their divisional requirements within the African-American course cluster.

**Unless the instructor permits an exception, this course requires 159 as a prerequisite.

1Pre-dental students only, or premed whose med schools require it.

Pure Mathematics

Mathematics Requirements:

MATH 101, Proof & Problem Solving (3 cr)
MATH 156, Calculus I (4 cr)
MATH 157, Calculus II (4 cr)
MATH 158, Calculus III (4 cr)
MATH 159, Differential Equations (4 cr)
MATH 180, Introduction to Linear Algebra (3 cr)
MATH 185, Introduction to Complex Analysis (3 cr)
MATH 195, Introduction to Analysis I (3 cr)
MATH 196, Introduction to Analysis II (3 cr)
MATH 197, Introduction to Modern Algebra I (3 cr)
MATH 199, Introduction to Topology (3 cr)

plus one course from the following:

MATH 160, Advanced Calculus for Science & Engineering (3 cr)
MATH 164, Introduction to Numerical Analysis (3 cr)
MATH 184, Introduction to Number Theory (3 cr)
MATH 186, Introduction to Differential Geometry (3 cr)
MATH 189, Probability & Statistics I (3 cr)
MATH 191, Foundations of Applied Mathematics (3 cr)
MATH 198, Introduction to Modern Algebra II (3 cr)

Total required math credits: 39

Very Strongly Recommended:

CSCI 100, Introduction to Computer Science (2 cr)
CSCI 135, Computer Science I (4 cr)

 

Example 4-year sequence
FRESHMAN YEAR

First Semester

Course Title         Course No.   Credits
Calculus I             156           4
Intro to CSCI          100           3
Freshman English I                   3
Division A*                          3
Freshman Seminar       001           1
HHPL (swimming)                      1

Total Credits                       15
Cumulative Total                    15

Second Semester

Course Title          Course No.   Credits
Calculus II             157          4
Proof & Prob Solv I     101          1
CSCI I                  135          4
Freshman English II                  3
Division A*                          3

Total Credits                       15
Cumulative Total                    30 

SOPHOMORE YEAR

First Semester

Course Title          Course No.   Credits 
Calculus III            158          4
Proof & Prob Solv II    102          1
Foreign Language                     3
General Elective                     3
General Elective                     3
HHPL                                 1

Total Credits                       15 
Cumulative Total                    45 

Second Semester

Course Title          Course No.   Credits 
Linear Algebra          180          3
Philosophy                           3
Foreign Language                     3
Speech (HUCO)           101          3
General Elective                     3

Total Credits                       15 
Cumulative Total                    60 

JUNIOR YEAR

First Semester

Course Title          Course No.   Credits 
Intro to Mod Algebra    197          3
Intro to Analysis I     795          3
General Elective                     3
General Elective                     3
Foreign Language                     3

Total Credits                       15 
Cumulative Total                    75 

Second Semester

Course Title          Course No.   Credits 
Diff Equations          159          4
Intro to Analysis II    196          3
Division B*                          3
Foreign Language                     3
General Elective                     3

Total Credits                       16 
Cumulative Total                    91 

SENIOR YEAR

First Semester

Course Title          Course No.   Credits 
Topology                199          3
Math Elective                        3
Division B*                          3
Division C                           3
HHPL                                 1

Total Credits                       13 
Cumulative Total                   104 

Second Semester

Course Title          Course No.   Credits 
Intro to Complex        185          3
Division C                           3
General Elective                     4
General Elective                     3
General Elective                     3

Total Credits                       16 
Cumulative Total                   120 

Notes:

*Students should complete one of their divisional requirements within the African-American course cluster.

Minor in Mathematics

Requirements:

MATH 103, Proof & Problem Solving (3 cr)
MATH 156, Calculus I (4 cr)
MATH 157, Calculus II (4 cr)
MATH 158, Calculus III (4 cr)

plus one other course chosen from the following:

MATH 159, Differential Equations (4 cr)
MATH 160, Advanced Calculus for Science & Engineering (3 cr)
MATH 164, Introduction to Numerical Analysis (3 cr)
MATH 180, Introduction to Linear Algebra (3 cr)
MATH 183, Intermediate Differential Equations (3 cr)
MATH 185, Introduction to Complex Analysis (3 cr)
MATH 186, Introduction to Differential Geometry (3 cr)
MATH 189, Probability & Statistics I (3 cr)
MATH 190, Probability & Statistics II (3 cr)
MATH 191, Foundation of Applied Mathematics (3 cr)
MATH 195, Introduction to Analysis I (3 cr)
MATH 196, Introduction to Analysis II (3 cr) 
MATH 197, Introduction to Modern Algebra (3 cr)