Getting Started

College: CNS

 (Revised Spring 2019)  

Information below is meant to guide first year students in getting started with this major and choosing appropriate courses.  More advanced students interested in this major would also likely start with proposed foundation/pre-requisite courses.  Please refer to the Major page located in the left menu bar to learn about the full major requirements.

How to Explore the Major

Suggested General Education Courses

All Undergraduates are required to satisfy the General Education Requirements.  Guidelines for students are available at www.umass.edu/gened.  Students should choose a wide variety of Gen Ed courses, providing breadth of experience.

  • PSYCH 100 (SB) – for those who may be interested in teaching
  • ECON 103-104 (SB) – for those interested in Actuarial Science
  • PHIL 163 (AT) - class on ethics in the context of Big Data

Suggested Major and Pre-requisite Courses

Required prerequisites, including recommended sequence:
Calculus: MATH 131-132 (A grade of 'C' or better in Math 132 is needed for enrolling in certain upper-level classes)-233; Linear Algebra: MATH 235; CMPSCI 121

Advanced Placement:
Advanced placement is possible by achieving a score of “4” or “5” on the AP Calculus Exam. (see www.math.umass.edu/Undergrad/Program/credit.html)

How to Declare/Change into the Major

For current & admitted students: This major is unrestricted, which means that any student may declare the major.  Unrestricted majors may still have an entry process such as meeting with an advisor or attending an informational meeting. 

Students can stop by LGRT 1521E at designated times during the week in order to meet with an advisor and join the major.  Please visit www.math.umass.edu/~advise/ for the necessary information.  Majors must choose a concentration (sub-plan) by the end of their first year.  Concentrations and their requirements are listed here:  www.math.umass.edu/undergraduate/departmental-graduation-requirements.

Summary of Requirements for the Major

Refer to the Major page located in the left menu bar to learn more.

  • Lower Division: MATH 131, 132, 233, 235 and 300;
  • Junior Year Writing: MATH 370;
  • Computer Proficiency: CMPSCI 121;
  • Upper Division: Eight upper division Math courses, concentrated in one of the following tracks: Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Teaching, Mathematical Computing, Actuarial, or an individually-designed track

Is there a minor? If so what are the requirements?
Yes - A minor is available!  Please visit: www.math.umass.edu/undergraduate/minor to learn more. 

For further information, contact:
Undergraduate Advising Office
1521E LGRT; 545-2282
www.math.umass.edu/~advise/