Majoring in Mathematics

Bucknell students may choose to major in mathematics in the Bachelor of Arts program or in the Bachelor of Science program. Students in either program complete an introductory year of calculus either by taking MATH 201 and 202 during their first year, or by achieving a high score on the Advanced Placement Test of the College Entrance Examination Board. (See the calculus placement guide.)

The Bachelor of Science Degree
The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (BSMA) requires ten mathematics courses beyond the introductory year of calculus. Six of the ten mathematics courses are specified:

MATH 211 Calculus III,
MATH 212 Differential Equations,
MATH 213 Elementary Linear Algebra,
MATH 280 Logic, Sets and Proofs,
MATH 308 Introduction to Real Analysis I, and
MATH 320 Introduction to Algebra.

The remaining four courses are 300-level mathematics electives. BSMA students must also take the physics courses PHYS 211 and 212 (or PHYS 211E and 212E) and two additional laboratory science courses.

The Bachelor of Arts Degree
The Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics (BAMA) consists of eight mathematics courses beyond the introductory year of calculus, plus one additional course in a related field. Five of the eight mathematics courses are specified:

MATH 211 Calculus III,
MATH 213 Elementary Linear Algebra,
MATH 280 Logic, Sets and Proofs,
MATH 308 Introduction to Real Analysis I, and
MATH 320 Introduction to Algebra.

The three remaining mathematics courses must be 300-level mathematics electives. The 'related' course may be a fourth 300-level mathematics course, or any course in which mathematics plays a significant role at a reasonable level of sophistication. The mathematics department maintains a list of all acceptable courses.

In both programs a concentration can be chosen or a degree with departmental honors can be achieved if additional requirements are fulfilled. See Concentrations in Mathematics and Honors.

Which Program Do I Choose? The choice of degree program depends largely upon the student's mathematical objectives and interest in fields other than mathematics. Students with a strong interest in a career in mathematics or science, and in particular students planning to continue on to Ph.D. programs in the mathematical sciences, are strongly advised to take courses beyond the minimum requirements for the major. Since a maximum of twelve courses in any one department may be counted toward the Bachelor of Arts degree, such students may be best advised to enroll in the Bachelor of Science program. On the other hand, students with strong interests outside of science and mathematics probably will prefer the Bachelor of Arts program. A mathematics major in either curriculum can provide good preparation for teaching mathematics in high school. Students seeking teacher certification should confer as early as possible with the mathematics and education departments to devise a program of study. See also the Mathematics Education Certification page.