Bachelors of Arts in Mathematics

Mathematics is the language of modern science; basic training in the discipline is essential for those who want to understand, as well as for those who want to take part in, the important scientific developments of our time. Acquaintance with mathematics is also extremely useful for students in the social sciences and valuable for anyone interested in the full range of human culture and the ways of knowing the universe in which we live. The Department of Mathematics faculty has strong groups specializing in algebra, number theory, combinatorics, real and complex analysis, Lie groups, topology and geometry, logic, probability and statistics, mathematical physics, and applied mathematics. Related departments at Cornell have specialists in computer science and operations research. Courses in these topics can be integrated readily into the mathematics major. The department offers a rich variety of undergraduate courses, and many of its beginning graduate courses are suitable for advanced undergraduates as well. Under some conditions, a student may carry out an independent reading or research project for college credit under the supervision of a faculty member. Members of the department are available to discuss with students the appropriate course for their levels of ability and interest, and students are urged to avail themselves of this help. Students who want to take any of the courses numbered 3000 or above are invited to confer with the instructor before enrolling.