Information for Prospective Students
Thank you for your interest in mathematics at Carnegie Mellon!
We have a large and diverse body of undergraduate mathematics majors studying all areas of pure and applied mathematics. Our students participate in research, extracurricular activities, and outreach.
Find detailed information about our degree programs
All BS degrees require the same core courses, and differ in their upper-level requirements and electives. Students may declare any concentration, and it is easy to switch concentrations within the first two years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do research?
Yes, learn more about the many ways undergraduates can get involved in mathematical research.
Unlike applied sciences, there is very little entry level lab work to do in mathematical research. Students typically learn about research opportunities in math by attending math club seminars, participating in the Directed Reading Program, and taking the course 21-410. After completing some advanced coursework, our upperclass students are competitive for Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programs.
Can I visit the department?
There are no tours of the department. To learn about campus visit opportunities and guided tours, please visit CMU's Visit Campus page.
With advance notice, it can be possible to sit in on a class. Prospective students who do sit in on a class are asked to not interrupt the normal functioning of the class. If you are interested in visiting a class or have questions about undergraduate mathematics at Carnegie Mellon, you can contact David Offner, Director of Undergraduate Studies.
As the Department of Mathematical Sciences does not communicate with the Office of Admissions about applicants, visits or other correspondence with the department plays no role in undergraduate admissions.
Will courses taken prior to enrollment transfer to Carnegie Mellon?
At Carnegie Mellon, most dual enrollment courses (Courses taken in your high school for college credit) will transfer as 21-001 Elective Credit. Courses taken in person at a college will be evaluated for Carnegie Mellon credit in the summer after enrollment and before first-year registration. Full details are here:
https://www.cmu.edu/math/courses/transfer-credit-math-courses.html
How is the introductory curriculum structured for students who enter with credit for calculus? When can I take advanced or graduate courses? What honors or accelerated options are available to students?
Our curriculum is designed so that students start in rigorous foundational courses, including honors versions of first and second-year courses. Excelling in those courses can allow students to accelerate quickly, and take graduate courses as early as their junior year. The honors versions of our introductory courses are taught at a high level of rigor, and are challenging and rewarding even for students who have seen basic versions of these courses before.
Details:
Incoming intended mathematics majors with credit for 21-120 and 21-122 typically take 21-128 and either 21-241 or 21-242 in their first semester. Placement into 21-242 is based on the Mathematics Maturity Survey (MMS), a placement exam taken during orientation week. Based on the results of the MMS, students may place out of 21-241/21-242 and 21-127/21-128 entirely, though it may still be advisable to take these courses, and students should discuss this decision with their advisor.
In the second semester, students typically take a course in multivariable and vector calculus. Invitation to the honors course 21-269 is based on performance in first-semester courses.
For second-year students, we offer the honors “Mathematical Studies” sequences in analysis (21-235 and 21-236) and algebra (21-237 and 21-238). Invitation to these courses is based on student performance in their first-year courses.
Upon completion of two semesters each of analysis and algebra (either the math studies courses or 21-355/21-356 and 21-373/21-341), students are eligible to apply for the honors degree program, where they complete a masters degree in addition to their bachelors degree. Students in this program take at least five graduate courses and write a masters thesis under the supervision of a faculty advisor.