Mathematics Degree Programs

*Watch this short video describing the 1000-level math courses*

Standard Program for the A.B. Degree

Prerequisites: multivariable calculus and linear algebra (Mathematics 180 or 200 or 350, plus 520 or 540).

Program: (1) Mathematics 1530; (2) five other 1000- or 2000- level Mathematics courses. (The year-long sequence 0750/0760 may be a substitute for one of these course credits).

Standard Program for the Sc.B. Degree

Prerequisites: same as for the A.B. degree.

Program: (1) Mathematics 1630 & 1640 (FKA 1130 & 1140); (2) Mathematics 1530 and either 1540 or 1560; (3) four other 1000- or 2000-level Mathematics (The year-long sequence 0750/0760 may be a substitute for one of these course credits); (4) four courses in science, economics, or applied mathematics approved by the concentration advisor.

Honors: Honors degrees may be recommended for students who have exhibited high achievement in mathematics. Candidates must complete at least eight mathematics courses of the 1000- or 2000-level with sufficiently good grades, and must write an honors thesis under the guidance of a faculty member. The honors thesis is usually written while the candidate is enrolled in Mathematics 1970. The candidate should consult with the concentration advisor for precise grade requirements.

Writing Requirement

Any piece of expository writing about mathematics which includes the complete proof of at least one nontrivial theorem may be submitted in lieu of a second writing designated course between semesters 5-7 (or the penultimate semester).

Transfer Credit for Study Elsewhere

In a semester credit hour system, one Brown course is considered the equivalent of four semester hours. In a quarter credit hour system, one Brown course is considered the equivalent of six quarter hours. For that reason, the number of course transfer credits received for study away from Brown may not be equal to the number of courses taken. For example, a student taking three four-semester-hour courses, all properly approved for Brown transfer credit, will receive the equivalent of three Brown course credits. However, a student taking three four-quarter-hour courses, all properly approved for Brown transfer credit, will receive the equivalent of two Brown course credits.

In order to be considered for transfer credit, courses must be completed with a grade of C or better, and an official transcript must be received by the Office of the Registrar from the host institution. This transcript will be retained by the University. All transfer credit must receive faculty and Committee on Academic Standing approval. Students should also keep all records from their work away, including, e.g., course syllabi, exams, papers, notes, projects, and portfolios, in the event that post-approval is required from an academic department at Brown. It is the student's responsibility to clarify in advance any concerns regarding the amount of transfer credit which may be awarded.

The Brown transcript will indicate the total number of transfer credits received and the name of the host institution, as well as the approved course equivalencies and/or unassigned credits at Brown. Students applying to graduate and professional schools are often asked to provide official transcripts from all institutions at which they have been enrolled. In such cases, the student will need to request a copy of his/her transcript from the study-away institution to be sent to the other institution.