UIowa Home
Undergraduate Programs

There are several paths to a mathematics degree; for most tracks you need eleven (11) courses for a BA, thirteen (13) for a BS. A minimum g.p.a. of 2.0 in the major is required to obtain a degree in mathematics, but you should aim much higher.

There are three tracks in the major: Program A (for students who plan to work in industry or government or to pursue graduate study in mathematics); Program B (for students seeking certification for secondary teaching); and Program C (mathematics with specialization in a math-related area). Each track in the major has a core of several courses, followed by choices for electives. All of the programs begin with two semesters of calculus and a course in linear algebra; your high school background and AP or other college level work will influence where you start. The next level of core courses includes 2-4 courses (depending on the track) in a multivariable calculus, introductory analysis, introductory abstract algebra, and differential equations. After the core courses, you select electives from upper level mathematics courses as well as certain courses in statistics & actuarial science or computer science.

The Department of Mathematics is part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), so mathematics majors need to meet CLAS requirements as spelled out in the University Catalog (a link to the Catalog can be found under Course Offerings).

To obtain a minor in mathematics you must complete a minimum of 15 semester credit hours; at least 12 of the 15 semester hours must be taken at the University of Iowa in advanced courses offered by the Department of Mathematics. Neither transfer credit nor credit by examination is accepted toward the 12 semester hours of advanced work. For a list of qualifying advanced courses and more details please see the Handbook for Undergraduate Majors which can be found under the heading Handbooks.

For details on all of the programs and much more, please read the Handbook for Undergraduate Majors, or you can obtain a copy of the handbook in the department office, room 14 in MacLean Hall.

Revised 11/30/11 - D. Slauson