Mathematics Pathway Guide

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Preparation for Transfer as a Mathematics Major

The following sequences are suggested courses to take in your semesters prior to transferring to SMU as a mathematics major. For students attending a Texas public community college or university, Texas Common Course Numbers (TCCNS) are listed. If you are transferring from a college or university outside of Texas, click on the SMU course for a course description which may be used to select/compare courses at your current institution.

CC listings refer to SMU’s Common Curriculum, which all undergraduates are required to complete. Refer to the Common Curriculum Transfer Guide for a list of courses satisfying CC components. Interactive equivalency guides organized by transfer institution are available on the Transfer and Transition Services’ website.

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Important note: These plans assume students are ready to take pre-calculus in the first semester of their college studies, so as to complete Calculus III and Linear Algebra within the first four semesters. If students are ready for Calculus I in the first semester, they should aim to add MATH 2320: Differential Equations to this list. On the other hand, students not yet ready for pre-calculus may benefit from summer mathematics courses in order to at least complete Calculus I/II/III and Linear Algebra before attending SMU. Although it is possible to obtain the mathematics major at SMU without completing these courses ahead of time, it requires concentrating more math courses into the final two years of study, which can be difficult.

Also note that if you are planning a mathematics minor, typically only one or two transfer courses will be applied.

Preparing for a Smooth Transition

A seamless transfer to SMU and the Mathematics Program requires planning. This guide is designed to assist you in planning your transition. Taking the time to prepare for your move lays the best foundation for success. The following are a few important points to remember:

The second language requirement of the Common Curriculum may be satisfied by 1) transferring two terms of college courses in the same world language, 2) placing out of four terms of world language by taking an SMU placement test or through AP or IB credit, or 3) being literate in a native language other than English.
SMU accepts AP scores of 4 or 5.
Work on the Common Curriculum prior to transfer is highly encouraged.
Compare Course Descriptions found in SMU’s University Catalog to course descriptions at your current institution to maximize your awarded transfer credits.
For additional information on the Mathematics major, visit our department homepage or call 214-768-2506
For more information about transferring to SMU, click here or call 214-768-3417.

B.S. or B.A. in Mathematics

SCHs = Semester Credit Hours

First Year
Fall	TCCN	SCHs
WRTR 10XX - First Year Writing I	ENGL 1301	3
MATH 1304 - Precalculus Mathematics	MATH 2412	3
CC Breadth Course - Creativity and Aesthetics	Choose One: ARTS 1301, ARTS 1316, ARTS 2316 , ARTS 2326, ARTS 2333, ARTS 2346, ARTS 2356, DRAM 1351, HUMA 1315, MUSI 1306	3
World Language Course*		4
Second major, minor or elective courses		3
	SCHs	16
Spring	TCCN	SCHs
WRTR 10YY - First Year Writing II	ENGL 1302	3
MATH 1337 - Calculus I	MATH 2413	3
CC Breadth Course - Historical Contexts	Choose One: ARTS 1303, ARTS 1304, HIST 1301, HIST 1302, HIST 2321, HIST 2322	3
CC Breadth Course - Social and Behavioral Sciences	Choose One: ANTH 2351, GOVT 2305, GOVT 2371, PSYC 2301, PSYC 2314, PSYC 2319, SOCI 1301	3
World Language Course*		4
	SCHs	16
Second Year
Fall	TCCN	SCHs
MATH 1338 - Calculus II	MATH 2414	3
CS 1341 - Principles of Computer Science or CS 1342 - Programming Concepts if available		3
CC Breadth Course - Literary Analysis and Interpretation	Choose One: ENGL 2321, ENGL 2322, ENGL 2323, ENGL 2326, ENGL 2327, ENGL 2328, ENGL 2331, ENGL 2332, ENGL 2333	3
CC Breadth Course - Exploring Science	Choose One: BIOL 1406, BIOL 1407, BIOL 1408, BIOL 1411, BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, CHEM 1405, CHEM 1411, CHEM 1412, ENVR 1401, ENVR 1402, GEOL 1401, GEOL 1403, GEOL 1405, GEOL 1445, PHYS 1401, PHYS 1402, PHYS 1403, PHYS 1405, PHYS 1404, PHYS 1407, PHYS 1415, PHYS 1417, PHYS 2425, PHYS 2426	4
Second major, minor or elective courses		3
	SCHs	16
Spring	TCCN	SCHs
MATH 3302 - Calculus III: Multi–Variable and Vector Calculus	MATH 2415	3
MATH 3304 - Introduction to Linear Algebra	MATH 2318 / MATH 2418	3
CC Breadth Course - Philosophical, Religious and Ethical Inquiry	Choose One: PHIL 1301, PHIL 1304, PHIL 2303, PHIL 2306	3
CC Breadth Course - Technological Advances and Society	Choose One: COSC 1301/1401, BCIS 1305, COSC 1309	3
Second major, minor or elective courses		3
	SCHs	15

Note

*The second language requirement may be satisfied by (1) transferring two terms of college courses in the same world language, (2) placing out of four terms of a world language by taking an SMU placement test or through AP or IB credit, or (3) being literate in a native language other than English.

Mathematics Program

The Department of Mathematics offers hands-on instruction to provide the proficiency needed to prepare students for a wide range of career possibilities, from teaching to science and engineering. Although all arenas of mathematics are offered, the department’s particular strengths are in computational and applied mathematics. Students may pursue a B.A. degree or a B.S. degree with concentrations in applied mathematics, pure mathematics, and computational mathematics. Current research in the department includes numerical analysis of ordinary and partial differential equations, mathematical software, dynamical systems, fluid dynamics, nonlinear optics, mathematical biology, etc.

Majoring in Mathematics

A candidate for a degree in Dedman College at Southern Methodist University:

Must attain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 on all work attempted at SMU.
Must receive a grade of at least C- in all mathematics courses taken in fulfillment of the major or minor requirements.
Must complete a minimum of 18 hours of advanced work (3000-level courses and above) in the major in residence.

The B.S. degree in Mathematics is appropriate for students seeking careers in analytical problem solving or in graduate work in mathematical science. It requires 54 credit hours. The B.S. degree is also attractive as a second major for students whose primary interest is in computer science, economics, electrical engineering, management science, physics or chemistry.

The B.A. degree in Mathematics is designed for students who need a traditional mathematics degree leading to careers in teaching, industry, business and government. IIt requires 39 credit hours. The B.A. degree is also attractive as a second major for students whose primary interest is in the social sciences, business, humanities or fine arts.

Minoring in Mathematics

The Mathematics Minor consists of 18 hours of math courses.

SMU Degree

A degree from SMU is typically comprised of a minimum of 120 hours, 60 of which must be completed through SMU, 42 of which must be in courses at the 3000 and higher levels. Components of the degree include:

Courses in your major
Courses required for the Common Curriculum (CC)
Elective courses. These electives may also be used to add a second major or minor.

The Common Curriculum (CC)

The Common Curriculum is required of all undergraduate students and consists of three main components:

Foundations - 6 hours of Writing courses, 3 hours of Quantitative Reasoning courses, proficiency in a second language.
Breadth - 7 Breadth courses which may double count with majors and minors.
Proficiencies and Experiences - 8 Proficiencies and Experiences requirements, met through coursework or approved, noncredit activities.

NOTE: If you transfer with 23 or fewer credit hours and/or transfer in your first year out of high school, transfer work earned prior to high school graduation (dual/concurrent credit) will not satisfy CC requirements.

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