Undergraduate Program

Course requirements by concentration and sample 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)

 

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)

 

Mathematics Education

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 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.

 

Pre-med / Pre-dental

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 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)

 

Pure 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 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)

 

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)  

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.