Minor in Mathematics
General Information
 
The mathematics minor incorporates a broad range of courses touching many of the important areas of mathematics. In each course, a grade of C- or better is required (CR/NCR = "pass/fail" not allowed) for the course to count toward the minor requirements.  The only exception is for courses (usually Calculus I or II) for which credit was awarded through AP, IB, or a similar program.

An upper level course refers to a math course numbered 300 or above.

Math Minor Requirements

Required Lower Level Courses
Math 131-132-233                      Calculus I-II-III 
One of CSE 131, 126 or 200  (These CSE courses were formerly numbered CS 101G, CS 136G, CS 265 ). 
Additional comments on options in Computer Science (CSE)
Math 1201 was offered for the last time in the fall 2006 semester. Students who have taken this course may use it in lieu of the CSE course requirement in the minor.

Required Upper Level Math Courses

Math 309                                   Matrix Algebra 

Math 318 or Math 308                Calculus of Several Variables or  Mathematics for the Physical Sciences

Note that Math 318 has Math 309 as a prerequisite. It is not the equivalent of Math 233.  Most lower level courses from other colleges with names similar to "Multivariable Calculus" will not serve to replace Math 318.  Math 318 and Math 308 CANNOT both be counted toward a minor (or major) program. 

Math 318 is offered both semesters but Math 308 is offered only in the spring semester.

Math 3200                                    Elementary to Intermediate Statistics with Data Analysis

One additional upper level mathematics course

This course can be chosen in accordance with your other interests.  However, Math 310 (Foundations for Higher Mathematics) is one way to round out the minor with an introduction to proofs and a chance to look at a lot of topics that it's nice for a well-rounded math student to have seen.

In fulfilling these Math Minor requirements, all of the following apply:
  • Courses transferred from a 2-year college (such as a community college) cannot count as upper level courses toward the minor.
  • Both College and Department rules require that at least two of the upper level courses for the minor be taken in residence at Washington University.
  • Double counting: at least two of the four upper level courses counted toward the minor must not be counted to fulfill the requirements (including "elective requirements") of any other major, minor, or program.
  • At least three of the 4 upper level courses required in the minor must be courses "home-based" in the Mathematics Department.
"Home-based" means that

        1)   the course has the department number L24 in the University's Bulletin and Course Listing
             books and 
        2)   it is not described as "identical with" a course based in another department. 

For example, a student could only count one of the courses ESE 326, ESE 317, Physics 501, Physics 502, CSE 441T toward the minor requirements.
  • A minor may choose to use one of the following non-"home-based" courses in the minor:
  • ESE 326 may substitute for Math 3200.  (In that case, Math 3200 cannot also count toward the minor.
  • For Business School students, the pair QBA (120+121) may substitute for Math 3200  In that case, Math 3200 cannot also be counted toward the minor. 
  • Whether or not ESE 326 (or QBA 120-121) is counted toward the minor requirements, a student who has successfully completed those courses cannot also count Math 320 or 3200 toward the minor requirements.
  • ESE 317, Economics 413 or one of Physics 501-502-503-504 may be used as the upper level elective in the minor.   ESE 317 cannot substitute for Math 318 or Math 308.
  • CSE 441T (cross-listed as L24-440C)