FAQs for Potential Math Majors

Questions, Answers, and More!

Q1: What is required to major (or minor) in math?
Q2: How do I know what math course to take next?
Q3: What courses are being offered next semester?
Q4: Can I take statistics courses as part of the math major?
Q5: How does one obtain Honors in Mathematics?
Q6: What sort of research opportunities are there in Mathematics?
Q7: Can I take graduate classes in mathematics while at Bryn Mawr?
Q8: Can I do a double major with mathematics?
Q9: Can I do study abroad while a math major?
Q10: Can I take a math course at another college and have it count for the math major?
Q11: How do I apply to become a grader or a TA?
Q12: Can math majors be involved in the 4+1 or 3+2 Engineering Programs?
Q13: If I have more questions, who should I contact?
Q14: How do I go about signing up for the math major?

Q1: What is required to major (or minor) in math?

A: You can find math major (and minor) requirements at this link as well as the document below:

• https://www.brynmawr.edu/inside/academic-information/departments-programs/mathematics/program-requirements-opportunities.
• Math Major Requirements

Q2: How do I know what math course to take next?

A1: Please click here for a chart that illustrates the sequencing of Bryn Mawr's introductory math courses. 

A flow chart for the sequencing of introductory courses at Haverford can be found by clicking on the following link: https://www.haverford.edu/sites/default/files/Department/Math/Intro-Math-Courses-Flow-Chart.jpg.

Q3: What courses are being offered next semester?

A1: Here are the course schedules at Bryn Mawr and Haverford for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 (can also be found on BiONiC).   

• Bryn Mawr Fall 2024/Spring 2025 Course Schedule
• Haverford Fall 2024/Spring 2025 Course Schedule

A2: Please click here for the QR Code containing descriptions of the math courses being offered at Bryn Mawr in Fall 2024.

Q4: Can I take statistics courses as part of the math major?

A1: Yes. Haverford offers a number of statistics courses, including MATH/STAT H203 and MATH/STAT H286, that can be counted as electives towards the math major. Any stats course at the 200-level or higher can count as a math elective. Please note that ECON B304: Econometrics also includes a great deal of statistics and counts as an elective towards the math major.

A2: It is also possible to obtain a minor in statistics at Haverford. You can learn more about the minor here: https://www.haverford.edu/sites/default/files/Department/Math/Stat-Minor.pdf. 

Q5: How does one obtain Honors in Mathematics?

A: Please click on this link for information: https://www.brynmawr.edu/math/honors-mathematics.

Q6: What sort of research opportunities are there in Mathematics?

A: Increasing numbers of undergraduates are getting a sneak preview at research mathematics by attending one of the many Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU's) offered each summer throughout the country. You can check out the list of programs here. Students may also apply for a summer stipend to do research at Bryn Mawr with a professor.

During the academic year, research may be done for credit by making arrangements with a faculty member and then enrolling in MATH B403 (Supervised Work) or MATH B400 (Senior Research). Research in the summers and during the academic year is encouraged for a student if it meets their career goals, but it is not required for the major. In all circumstances, research should not be viewed as a substitute for enrolling in advanced courses in the major.

Here is a link to Honors thesis projects from previous years: https://www.brynmawr.edu/math/honors-mathematics.

Q7: Can I take graduate classes in mathematics while at Bryn Mawr?

A: Yes! In fact, some students participate in our A.B./M.A. program where at the end of 4 years, students earn both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree.  Here is a document that gives more information about the A.B./M.A. program.

• AB/MA Program Information

Q8: Can I do a double major with mathematics?

A: Yes!

Q9: Can I do study abroad while a math major?

A: Yes, math majors can study abroad. Some math courses taken abroad may count towards the major with prior approval. With advanced planning, it would also be possible to complete the math major in four years without taking any math courses while studying abroad.

In recent years, math majors have studied abroad in Hungary (Budapest Semesters in Mathematics Program), in Russia (Math in Moscow Program), in Italy (Florence International Studies Program), in Scotland (University of Edinburgh), in Sweden (DIS Stockholm), in France (APA Paris), in Germany (IES Freiburg – Environmental Studies and Sustainability Program), at King’s College London, at London School of Economics, at Tsuda College in Japan, and in Spain (Barcelona – Liberal Arts and Business Program through IES Abroad), among other places.

For the last several years, the Math Department has organized Math Major Study Abroad Panels, so that first and second year students can learn about different study abroad experiences from senior math majors who studied abroad the previous year.

Students thinking of studying abroad and majoring in mathematics should contact the Math Major Study Abroad Advisor Leslie Cheng at lcheng@brynmawr.edu.

Q10: Can I take a math course at another college and have it count for the math major?

A: Yes, a math course taken at another college or university can count for the math major, provided the course is approved by the Math Department and you receive a merit grade. You should talk with a math advisor ahead of time to find out if the course you are thinking of taking can be approved. 

Q11: How do I apply to become a grader or a TA?

A: Being a grader or a TA is a great opportunity to reinforce course material. Students can apply for employment in the Mathematics Department. Positions that are available each academic year are as follows: grader of homework assignments, problem session instructor, mathematics computer lab supervisor and grader of labs, or office assistant to the academic administrative assistant for the Mathematics Department. Any questions should be directed to Amy N. Myers at anmyers@brynmawr.edu. Additional information is available at this link: https://www.brynmawr.edu/math/jobs.

Q12: Can math majors be involved in the 4+1 or 3+2 Engineering Programs?

A1: Yes! Here is a link to the description of the 4+1 Combined A.B./Master of Engineering Program with Penn: https://www.brynmawr.edu/academics/41-master-engineering-penn. And here is a link to the description of the 3+2 Combined A.B./B.S. degree programs with CalTech and Columbia: https://www.brynmawr.edu/academics/combined-degrees/abbs-dual-degrees.

A2: Click here to view the document that describes some of the prerequisites for the 4+1 Engineering Program at Penn. 

Q13: If I have more questions, who should I contact?

A: Faculty are happy to answer any questions you have! We have different advisors for each class of students as well as advisors for minors, non-majors, and combined degree programs.

• Senior (’25) Advisors: Amy Myers/Leslie Cheng
• Junior (’26) Advisor:​​​​​​ Leslie Cheng
• Sophomore (’27) Advisor: Lisa Traynor
• Freshman (’28) Advisor: Erica Graham
• Math Minor Advisor: Peter Kasius
• Non-Major Advisor: Peter Kasius
• A.B./M.A. Advisor: Selvi Kara
• Summer Research (REU) Advising: Leslie Cheng
• Study Abroad Advising: Leslie Cheng
• 4+1 A.B./M.E. program with the University of Pennsylvania Advisor: Leslie Cheng
• 3+2 A.B./B.S. Programs with the Caltech or Columbia University: Mark Matlin (Physics)

Q14: How do I go about signing up for the math major?

A: There are step-by-step instructions, including by video, available on the Sophomore Plan Moodle. Then make an appointment to talk with the advisor for your class.