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.
- Fall 2014 Senior Comprehensive Exam and Solutions
- Spring 2014 Senior Comprehensive Exam and Solutions
- Fall 2013 Senior Comprehensive Exam and Solutions
- Fall 2012 Senior Comprehensive Exam
- Spring 2011 Senior Comprehensive Exam
- Fall 2010 Senior Comprehensive Exam
- Fall 2009 Senior Comprehensive Exam
- Spring 2009 Senior Comprehensive Exam
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)