Mathematics

The mathematics program consists of 44 credit hours in mathematics and statistics and 15 credit hours in science. 41 credit hours are in free electives, which is enough to complete a minor or second major if you so choose.

Click here for a sample curriculum schedule

All courses are 3 credits unless noted.

Clarkson Common Experience

The following courses are required for all students, irrespective of their program of study. These courses are offered during the fall semester, with FY100 First-Year Seminar being required of only first-year students. Both FY100 and UNIV190 are typically taken during the fall semester of the first year at Clarkson.
FY100 First-Year Seminar (1 credit)
UNIV190 The Clarkson Seminar (3 credits)

Mathematics Core Requirements

Students are required to complete the following courses:

Mathematics/Statistics

• MA131 Calculus I 
• MA132 Calculus II 
• MA200 Introduction to Mathematical Modeling & Software 
• MA211 Discrete Mathematics and Proof 
• MA231 Calculus III 
• MA232 Elementary Differential Equations 
• MA311 Abstract Algebra
• or MA313 Abstract Linear Algebra
• MA321 Advanced Calculus I
• MA322 Advanced Calculus II
• or MA314 Number Theory 
• MA339 Applied Linear Algebra 
• MA451 Introduction to Mathematical Research (2 credits)
• or MA453 Mathematical Instruction (2 credits)
• STAT383 Probability & Statistics 

Professional Experience

Students are required to complete the following Professional Experience:
MA499 Professional Experience (0 credits)

Mathematics Core Electives

Mathematics Option & Statistics Option

The mathematics major has two options. The mathematics option is designed for students with a general interest in mathematics and is excellent preparation for graduate school. The statistics option replaces some mathematics courses in the junior and senior years with statistics courses and is designed to prepare students for careers as statisticians or actuaries.

Mathematics Option

Students must complete two of the following courses:

• MA311 Abstract Algebra 
• MA313 Abstract Linear Algebra 
• MA314 Number Theory & Its Applications 
• MA322 Advanced Calculus II 

Statistics Option

Students must complete the following four courses:

• STAT381 Probability 
• STAT382 Mathematical Statistics 
• STAT384 Applied Statistics 
• STAT488 Statistics Projects (1-3 credits)

Science Courses for Mathematics

Students must complete the following four courses:

• CS141 Introduction to Computer Science I (4 credits)
• PH131 Physics I (4 credits)
• PH132 Physics II (4 credits)
• Elective Biology (BY), Chemistry (CM), or Physics (PH) elective (3 credits)

Knowledge Area/University Course Electives

Students will have at least 19 credit hours available to use toward Knowledge Area and/or University Course electives to satisfy the Clarkson Common Experience requirements.

Free Electives*

Students will have approximately 41 credit hours available to use toward courses of their choice.

*Up to 12 credit hours of advanced (300- or 400-level) coursework in Aerospace Studies or Military Science may count toward graduation requirements. Aerospace Studies or Military Science credits at the 100 and 200 levels do not count toward the required 120 hours. Other restrictions may apply; check with the department for details.

The Minor in Mathematics is open to all students except those majoring in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Data Science, or Mathematical Economics. To complete the minor the student must achieve at least a 2.0 grade-point average in seven three-credit courses from the following list:

• MA131 Calculus I
• MA132 Calculus II
• MA200 Introduction to Mathematical Modeling and Software
• MA211 Discrete Mathematics and Proof
• MA230 3-D Space and Projective Geometry
• MA231 Calculus III
• MA232 Elementary Differential Equations
• MA239 Elementary Linear Algebra
• MA277 Elementary Numerical Methods

Any 3-credit MA or STAT course at the 300-level or above.

Any CS course which is double-listed as an MA course at the 300-level or above also counts toward the minor; check with the Mathematics Department for details.

At least one-fourth of the credit hours required must be completed at Clarkson, unless an exception is approved by the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.

The development of an understanding in economics is not only necessary for all managers but also for all those seeking to understand how and why economic forces affect and shape the society and the world we live in. The success of any business ultimately depends on the decisions its managers make concerning the allocation of resources under differing market and economic conditions. Successful decision-making requires a good understanding of markets and the central role that economic incentives play within and outside the firm.

The Clarkson economics minor is designed to give you the basic tools and analytical background in economic analysis. The minor in economics can complement almost any major, whether it be in arts and sciences, business or engineering.

All courses are 3 credits unless noted.

Economics Minor Core 

The minor in economics consists of 18 credit hours of economic courses as follows:

• EC150 Principles of Microeconomics
• or Economic Principles and Engineering or EC350 Economics*
• EC151 Principles of Macroeconomics
• or Economic Principles and Engineering or EC350 Economics*
• EC311** Intro to Econometrics

Economics Electives

Students must complete three or four electives (9 credit hours) of 300- or 400-level EC-designated courses if a student has taken EC150 and EC151. Four electives (12 credit hours) of 300- or 400-level EC-designated courses if a student has taken EC350.

*A student may not take EC150 or EC151 if a student has taken EC350. Entry to EC350 is limited to students who have declared a major in engineering and management or a major in the School of Engineering.

** Students who have completed Stat383 Probability and Statistics are exempt from EC311 but will have to complete another upper-level economics course to replace EC311.

If you're majoring in another field but are interested in physics and wish this to be recognized on your transcript, the physics minor program is an excellent option. This 24-credit course of study develops your background in physics considerably beyond the level of first-year physics courses.

A minimum 2.0 average must be maintained in the courses taken for a physics minor, and none can be designated pass/no entry. The minor should be initiated by the beginning of the junior year to allow time to complete the necessary coursework.

All courses are 3 credits unless noted.

Some of the upper-level physics courses have substantial overlaps with courses at the same level in other majors and can help to both expand and boost your training in your own major. Students that typically undertake a physics minors are mechanical, aeronautical, electrical and chemical engineering majors, as well as math, applied math and chemistry majors. 

Physics Minor Core I

Students are required to complete the following courses:

• PH131 Physics I (4 credits) 
• PH132 Physics II (4 credits) 
• PH231 Fundamentals of Modern Physics 
• PH221 Theoretical Mechanics I 
• or PH230 Physics III 
• PH331 Quantum Physics I

Physics Minor Core II

Students must complete the following:

1 Credit Course

Students must complete one of the following courses:

• PH121 Physics Freshman Seminar (1 credit) 
• PH232 Modern Physics Laboratory (1 credit) 
• PH435 Physics Senior Seminar (1 credit) 
• PH470 Directed Study Experimental (1 credit) 
• PH474 Directed Study Theoretical (1 credit)

300-400 Level Physics Courses

Students must complete any two 300-400 level courses, such as:

• PH371/CM371 Physical Chemistry I
• PH372/CM372 Physical Chemistry II

The minor in Statistics is open to all students except those majoring in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Statistics, or Data Science. To complete the minor the student must achieve at least a 2.0 grade-point average in courses totaling at least 21 credits.

At least one-fourth of the credit hours required must be completed at Clarkson, unless an exception is approved by the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.

All courses are 3 credits unless noted.

Statistics Minor Core I

Students must complete one course from the following areas:

Calculus

• MA181 Basic Calculus
• or MA131 Calculus I
• or Equivalent

Linear Algebra

• MA239 Elementary Linear Algebra
• or MA339 Applied Linear Algebra
• or Equivalent

Statistics Minor Core II

Students must complete the following course areas:

Introductory Statistics

• STAT282 Probability and Statistics
• or STAT383 Probability and Statistics
• or Equivalent

Statistics or Projects

Students must take at least 12 additional credits from statistics courses or projects including at least two statistics courses or projects from departments other than Mathematics.