Major programs. The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science offers a major in mathematics and a major in computer science. We also participate in the Mathematics-Economics Program, described below.
Each student's course of study is designed to provide an introduction to the basic areas of mathematics or computer science and to provide the technical tools that will be useful later in the student's career. The course of study is planned in consultation with the department's advisory committees or the student's faculty advisor.
Graduate study. Interested students should inquire about the combined BA/MA and BA/PhD programs. Advanced undergraduates may enroll in graduate (500-level) courses.
Honors program. An undergraduate may achieve the BA with honors in mathematics or honors in computer science via one of several routes:
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The honors thesis, written under the supervision of a faculty member under conditions monitored by the University Committee on Honors
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A strong performance in a suitable sequence of courses, normally including some graduate courses, selected in consultation with a member of the department's advisory committee. The candidate also is expected to prepare a public lecture on a topic chosen together with
a faculty advisor.
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(Mathematics only) The comprehensive examination, offered by the department and/or by visiting consultants to select students nominated by the faculty.
Lectures. The departmental colloquium series presents lectures on recent research by invited mathematicians and computer scientists from other institutions. Advanced undergraduates are encouraged to attend these colloquia and to participate in graduate seminars. The undergraduate Math Club hosts informal talks in mathematics; these talks are accessible to students at all levels.
Mathematics major
requirements:
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A year of differential and integral calculus (typically MATH121 and
MATH122)
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Vectors and Matrices (MATH221) or Linear Algebra (MATH223)
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Multivariable Calculus (MATH222)
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An elementary
knowledge of mathematical algorithms and computer programming, as
demonstrated by COMP112 or COMP211.
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Abstract Algebra (MATH261) and Fundamentals of Analysis (MATH225)
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A coherent selection of at least four additional courses in advanced mathematics, chosen in consultation with an advisor from the department.
Notes: At least one of MATH261 and
MATH228 must be completed by the end of the student's junior year. Students who have completed a year of calculus in high school successfully may place out of one/both of
MATH121 and MATH122. An AP score of 4 or better indicates the
student should consider beginning with the 200-level
courses. The requirement of four additional courses may be relaxed if the student has a coherent program of study that includes concentration approaching a major in a closely related area, subject to approval by the Departmental Advisory Committee (DADCOM).
Undergraduate majors in mathematics are encouraged to study languages while at Wesleyan; majors who are considering graduate study in mathematics should note that graduate programs often require a reading knowledge of French, German, and/or Russian.
Computer Science major
requirements:
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Computer science COMP211, 212, 231,
301,
312, one of 321 or 322, and two additional electives
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Mathematics MATH221 or 223, and 228
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The preceding mathematics courses and the computer science courses
COMP211, 212, and 231 should be completed by the end of the sophomore year
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Any comp course at the 200+ level can be used as an elective.
