Department of Mathematics
Why study mathematics?
Because mathematics is a framework upon which humanity builds an understanding of the world.
The mission of the Department of Mathematics is to create and teach mathematics, and to develop in all students the capacity to understand, discover, enjoy, and use mathematics.
This is a wide-ranging enterprise that involves:
- Enabling students to experience the value and power of mathematical reasoning;
- Providing for the specific mathematical needs of users of mathematics, e.g., in engineering, computer science, economics, physics, finance, education and other physical and social sciences;
- Providing statewide leadership in the mathematics education of all Kansans from K-12 through graduate school;
- Developing interdisciplinary research with other units which make extensive use of mathematics;
- Fostering a climate conductive to active faculty research and interaction with other departments.
The Mathematics Department offers two undergraduate degrees, a B.A. in Mathematics and a B.S. in Mathematics, as well as an Undergraduate Certificate in Actuarial Science. The B.A. has fewer mathematics course requirements and more general education requirements. The B.S. requires more mathematics courses, an applied mathematics concentration, and fewer general education courses. Students who wish to teach mathematics in high school should pursue a B.A. or B.S. in mathematics while participating in the UKanTeach program. The mathematics department offers two graduate degrees, an M.A. and a Ph.D., as well as a Certificate in Applied Mathematics.
Undergraduate Programs
Placement
Students who have not completed a college-level mathematics course should consult the Placement Table (see below) for Initial Enrollment in Mathematics. For information about the Early and Continuous Enrollment in Math requirement, see the CLAS Degree Requirements page.
Students may also take the ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning Math assessment to determine their proper initial placement in mathematics courses. Students with college credit in mathematics should enroll according to the credit shown on their transcripts and the stated prerequisites for the courses.
Courses for Nonmajors
Students interested in mathematics as part of a background in the liberal arts should enroll in MATH 115, MATH 125, MATH 105, or MATH 365, and other courses according to their interests. Students preparing to use mathematics as a tool in another field should look at the requirements and recommendations of their schools or departments.
MATH 2 is considered a developmental course by all KU schools and is not counted in the minimum number of hours required for graduation.
Placement Table for Initial Enrollment in Mathematics
KU encourages all entering students to complete 4 years of mathematics in high school, including Algebra I and II, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Analytic Geometry, along the lines of the Kansas Board of Regents recommendations.
Your test score | Eligible to enroll in these mathematics courses |
---|---|
ACT: 28-36 or SAT: 660-800 or ALEKS: 76-100 | MATH 002, MATH 101, MATH 103, MATH 104, MATH 105, MATH 115, MATH 125 or MATH 365 |
ACT: 26-27 or SAT: 610-650 or ALEKS: 61-75 | MATH 002, MATH 101, MATH 103, MATH 104, MATH 105, MATH 115, or MATH 365 |
ACT: 22-25 or SAT: 540-600 or ALEKS: 46-60 | MATH 002, MATH 101, or MATH 104 |
ACT: 16-21 or SAT: 460-530 or ALEKS: 30-45 | MATH 002 |
ACT: 0-15 or SAT: 0-450 or ALEKS: 0-29 | KU does not offer a mathematics course below MATH 002. Although students with these scores are not prepared, they will be permitted to enroll in MATH 002. Before enrolling in MATH 002, these students are encouraged to prepare by self-study or by completing a beginning algebra course in high school or community college. |
After their initial enrollment in mathematics, students must remain continuously enrolled until they have completed MATH 101 or MATH 104.
Preparation for Graduate Study
Students who plan to attend graduate school in the mathematical sciences should speak to an advisor about the best preparation, depending on their goals. Students planning to enter a general mathematics graduate program are encouraged to take MATH 765, MATH 766, MATH 790, and MATH 791. Some graduate degrees require a reading knowledge of French, German, or Russian.
Preparation for Graduate Study
Students who plan to attend graduate school in the mathematical sciences should speak to an advisor about the best preparation, depending on their goals. Students planning to enter a general mathematics graduate program are encouraged to take MATH 765, MATH 766, MATH 790, and MATH 791.
Graduate Programs
The department offers a graduate program leading to both the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees. A broad range of programs is possible in algebra, analysis, combinatorics, control theory, dynamical systems, geometry, numerical analysis, partial differential equations, probability and statistics.
The Department of Mathematics has a long tradition of excellence. The first Ph.D. granted at KU was in mathematics in the year 1895. Since then, the graduate program has been a central part of the department’s research and teaching mission and an important component of its long-term planning. The department’s commitment to graduate education has boosted its recent growth in size and enhanced its reputation. Prospective students are encouraged to read additional information online.
Students who are interested in enrolling in graduate level coursework in the Department of Mathematics without formal admission to a graduate program at KU are encouraged to apply for graduate non-degree seeking student status. See the department’s admission webpage for further details.