This program provides exciting opportunities for students interested in mathematics. Students are encouraged to select an optional concentration in Actuarial Mathematics (ACTM), Applied Mathematics (AMT), Data Science (DSCI), or Mathematical Statistics (MTHS). Students who do not select a concentration study traditional mathematics.

Teacher Licensure

Interested students should attend an information session early in their studies. For more information, visit the School of Education's website.

Students majoring in biology who wish to pursue a career teaching secondary school may consider applying for the Secondary Education - Mathematics (6-12) Undergraduate Certificate offered by the College of Education and Human Development as an option in seeking an initial Virginia teaching license.

Other routes to licensure include the Mathematics, BA or BS/Curriculum and Instruction, Accelerated MEd (Secondary Education Mathematics concentration) or select traditional Master's programs. Please contact the undergraduate advisor in the College of Education and Human Development for more information.

Admissions

University-wide admissions policies can be found in the Undergraduate Admissions Policies section of this catalog.

To apply for this program, please complete the George Mason University Admissions Application.

Policies

Students must fulfill all Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees, including the Mason Core.

MATH 300 Introduction to Advanced Mathematics meets the writing intensive requirement for this major.

For policies governing all undergraduate programs, see AP.5 Undergraduate Policies.

Graduating seniors are required to have an exit interview.

Language Proficiency Recommendation

The department recommends proficiency in French, German, or Russian.

Course Recommendations and Policies

A maximum of 6 credits of grades below 2.00 in coursework designated MATH or STAT may be applied toward the major.

Students intending to enter graduate school in mathematics are strongly advised to take MATH 315 Advanced Calculus I and MATH 321 Abstract Algebra.

Students may not receive credit for both MATH 214 Elementary Differential Equations and MATH 216 Theory of Differential Equations; both MATH 213 Analytic Geometry and Calculus III and MATH 215 Analytic Geometry and Calculus III (Honors); both MATH 351 Probability and STAT 344 Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I; and both MATH 352 Statistics and STAT 354 Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists II.

After receiving a grade of 'C' or better in one of the courses listed below on the left, students may not receive credit for the corresponding course on the right:

Course May Not Receive Credit for
MATH 113 or MATH 123 MATH 105 or MATH 108
MATH 351 or STAT 344 MATH 110
MATH 441 MATH 111
MATH 125 MATH 112

Banner Code: SC-BS-MATH

Degree Requirements

Total credits: minimum 120

Students should refer to the Admissions & Policies tab for specific policies related to this program.

In addition to the mathematics core, science, and computational skills requirements, students must select one concentration from: Individualized Concentration (IND), Pure Mathematics (PURM), Actuarial Mathematics (ACTM), Applied Mathematics (AMT), Data Science (DSCI), or Mathematical Statistics (MTHS).

Mathematics Core

MATH 113Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core)4
MATH 114Analytic Geometry and Calculus II4
MATH 125Discrete Mathematics I (Mason Core)3
MATH 203Linear Algebra3
MATH 213Analytic Geometry and Calculus III3
or MATH 215 Analytic Geometry and Calculus III (Honors)
MATH 214Elementary Differential Equations3
or MATH 216 Theory of Differential Equations
MATH 300Introduction to Advanced Mathematics 13
MATH 322Advanced Linear Algebra3
Total Credits26
1

Fulfills the writing intensive requirement.

Science

Select a one-year sequence of a laboratory science from the following courses:8-9
Biology Sequence:
Cell Structure and Function
Choose one from the following:
BioDiversity
Foundations of Ecology and Evolution
General Genetics
Chemistry Sequence:
General Chemistry I (Mason Core)
and General Chemistry Laboratory I (Mason Core)
General Chemistry II (Mason Core)
and General Chemistry Laboratory II (Mason Core)
Geology Sequence:
Physical Geology (Mason Core)
and Physical Geology Lab (Mason Core)
Historical Geology (Mason Core)
and Historical Geology Laboratory (Mason Core)
Physics Sequence:
University Physics I (Mason Core)
and University Physics I Laboratory (Mason Core)
University Physics II (Mason Core)
and University Physics II Laboratory (Mason Core)
Total Credits8-9

Computational Skills

CS 112Introduction to Computer Programming (Mason Core)4
Total Credits4

Individualized Concentration (IND)

Students who are not choosing a concentration in pure mathematics, applied mathematics, data science, mathematical statistics, or actuarial science may choose an individualized concentration. The individualized concentration allows students to take coursework in a variety of fields. Students should work closely with a mathematics advisor and have their individual degree plan approved no later than their junior year.

Required Courses
MATH 315Advanced Calculus I3
Select two from the following:6
Advanced Calculus II
Abstract Algebra
Abstract Algebra II
Topology
Differential Geometry
Algebraic Geometry
Linear Algebra with Data Applications
Mathematics of Data Science
Electives
Choose 12 additional upper-level MATH-prefixed credits, not taken above.12
Additional Science
Select one option from the following:4-9
1. A second sequence from the choices under "Science" above
2. 6 credits from more advanced courses in biology, chemistry, geology, or physics 1
3. The 4-credit option of PHYS 262 and PHYS 263
Select two courses from the following:6
Modeling and Simulation I
Scientific Information and Data Visualization
Object-Oriented Programming
Data Structures
Formal Methods and Models
Analysis of Algorithms
Total Credits31-36
1

Only refers to courses acceptable for credit toward a natural science major. Consider courses from the following: BIOL 300-499, CHEM 300-499, GEOL 300-499, PHYS 300-499.

Concentration in Pure Mathematics (PURM)

Pure mathematics is the study of ideas and structures that underlie all of mathematics. This concentration provides exciting opportunities for students interested in advanced coursework in the fields traditionally referred to as "pure mathematics". The concentration prepares students for a wide variety of careers involving mathematical thinking or graduate studies in pure mathematics.

Breadth Requirements
MATH 315Advanced Calculus I3
MATH 321Abstract Algebra3
MATH 411Functions of a Complex Variable3
Choose one from the following:3
Geometry
Topology
Depth Requirements
Select two from the following:6
Geometry (if not chosen above)
Advanced Calculus II
Discrete Mathematics II
Abstract Algebra II
Topology (if not chosen above)
Differential Geometry
Algebraic Geometry
Additional Mathematics
Choose 3 credits of upper level MATH-prefixed credits3
Additional Science
Select one option from the following:4-9
1. A second sequence from the choices under "Science" above
2. 6 credits from more advanced courses in biology, chemistry, geology, or physics 1
3. The 4-credit option of PHYS 262 and PHYS 263
Total Credits25-30
1

Only refers to courses acceptable for credit toward a natural science major. Consider courses from the following: BIOL 300-499, CHEM 300-499, GEOL 300-499, PHYS 300-499.

Concentration in Actuarial Mathematics (ACTM)

This concentration provides exciting opportunities for students interested in studying actuarial mathematics. Expertise in this field leads directly into a career as a practicing actuary with an insurance company, consulting firm, or in government employment.

ACTM Courses
MATH 351Probability3
MATH 352Statistics3
MATH 551Regression and Time Series3
MATH 554Financial Mathematics3
MATH 555Actuarial Modeling I3
MATH 557Financial Derivatives3
ACCT 203Survey of Accounting3
ECON 103Contemporary Microeconomic Principles (Mason Core)3
ECON 306Intermediate Microeconomics 13
or ECON 310 Money and Banking
or FNAN 321 Financial Institutions
STAT 362Introduction to Computer Statistical Packages3
Select two from the following:6
Deterministic Operations Research
Stochastic Operations Research
Numerical Analysis I
Advanced Mathematical Statistics
Total Credits36
1

For mathematics majors, the Department of Economics has agreed to waive the ECON 104 prerequisite.

Concentration in Applied Mathematics (AMT)

This concentration provides exciting opportunities for students interested in taking additional classes in applied mathematics. The concentration prepares students to deal with real-world applications in science and engineering, or to pursue graduate studies in applied mathematics.

AMT Courses
MATH 313Introduction to Applied Analysis3
MATH 315Advanced Calculus I3
MATH 351Probability3
MATH 413Modern Applied Mathematics I3
MATH 446Numerical Analysis I3
Select 3 credits of MATH courses numbered above 300 13
Select two courses from the following:6
Advanced Differential Equations
Modern Applied Mathematics II
Introduction to Partial Differential Equations with Numerical Methods
Additional Science Courses
Select additional science credits from one of the following options:4-9
1. A second sequence from the choices under "Science" above
2. Select 6 credits from more advanced courses in biology, chemistry, geology, or physics 2
3. The 4-credit option of PHYS 262 and PHYS 263
4. Select two courses from the following:
Modeling and Simulation I
Scientific Information and Data Visualization
Object-Oriented Programming
Data Structures
Formal Methods and Models
Analysis of Algorithms
Total Credits28-33
1

Excluding MATH 400.

2

Only refers to courses acceptable for credit toward a natural science major. Consider courses from the following: BIOL 300-499, CHEM 300-499, GEOL 300-499, PHYS 300-499.

Concentration in Data Science (DSCI)

The data science concentration prepares math majors for careers in industry and academia with a focus on the rapidly developing area of the mathematics of data science. Students in this program will develop analytical and computational skills that will provide a deeper understanding of machine learning and data science concepts. By mastering the theoretical foundation underlying practical algorithms and uncovering inherent connections with several branches of modern mathematics, students will hone their creativity and independent thinking skills necessary to lead the data science revolution.  

Data Science Courses
MATH 315Advanced Calculus I3
MATH 351Probability3
MATH 446Numerical Analysis I3
MATH 464Linear Algebra with Data Applications3
Select two options from the following:6-7
Numerical Analysis II
Mathematics of Machine Learning and Industrial Applications I
and Mathematics of Machine Learning and Industrial Applications II
Mathematics of Data Science
Select one course from the following:3
Statistics
Introductory Statistics II
Introduction to Statistical Practice II
Statistical Theory
Select one course from the following:3
Scientific Information and Data Visualization
Scientific Data and Databases
Data Structures
Additional Science Courses
Select additional science credits from one of the following options:3-4
1. Select one course from the following:
Cell Structure and Function
General Chemistry I (Mason Core)
and General Chemistry Laboratory I (Mason Core)
Physical Geology (Mason Core)
and Physical Geology Lab (Mason Core)
University Physics I (Mason Core)
and University Physics I Laboratory (Mason Core)
2. 3 credits from more advanced courses in biology, chemistry, geology, or physics 1
3. The 4 credit option of PHYS 262 and PHYS 263
Total Credits27-29
1

Only refers to courses acceptable for credit toward a natural science major. Consider courses from the following: BIOL 300-499, CHEM 300-499, GEOL 300-499, PHYS 300-499.

Concentration in Mathematical Statistics (MTHS)

This concentration provides exciting opportunities for students interested in taking additional classes on statistics and data analysis. The concentration prepares data analysts able to deal with real world applications in science and engineering.   

MTHS Courses
MATH 315Advanced Calculus I3
MATH 351Probability3
MATH 352Statistics3
MATH 453Advanced Mathematical Statistics3
MATH 551Regression and Time Series3
STAT 362Introduction to Computer Statistical Packages3
Select one from:3
Introduction to Statistical Practice I
Introductory Statistics II
Introduction to Statistical Practice II
Select two from the following:6
Experimental Design
Introduction to Biostatistics
Applied Multivariate Statistics
Introduction to Exploratory Data Analysis
Nonparametric Statistics and Categorical Data Analysis
Introduction to Statistical Learning
Introduction to Survey Sampling
Additional Science Courses
Select additional science credits from one of the following options:3-4
1. Choose one from the following different lab sciences:
Cell Structure and Function
General Chemistry I (Mason Core)
and General Chemistry Laboratory I (Mason Core)
Physical Geology (Mason Core)
and Physical Geology Lab (Mason Core)
University Physics I (Mason Core)
and University Physics I Laboratory (Mason Core)
2. Choose 3 credits from more advanced courses in biology, chemistry, geology, or physics 1
3. Choose the 4 credit option of PHYS 262 and PHYS 263
4. Choose one course from the following:
Modeling and Simulation I
Scientific Information and Data Visualization
Object-Oriented Programming
Data Structures
Formal Methods and Models
Analysis of Algorithms
Total Credits30-31
1

Only refers to courses acceptable for credit toward a natural science major. Consider courses from the following: BIOL 300-499, CHEM 300-499, GEOL 300-499, PHYS 300-499.

Mason Core and Elective Credits

In order to meet a minimum of 120 credits, this degree requires additional credits (specific credit counts by concentration are shown below), which may be applied toward any remaining Mason Core requirements (outlined below), Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees, and elective courses1. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors to ensure that they fulfill all requirements.

  • INDC concentration: 45-51 credits
  • PURM concentration: 51-57 credits
  • ACTM concentration: 45-46 credits
  • AMT concentration: 48-54 credits
  • DSCI concentration: 52-55 credits
  • MTHS concentration: 50-52 credits
1

A maximum of 12 credits between MATH 490 Internship and MATH 491 Reading and Undergraduate Research in Mathematics can be applied to this degree.

Mason Core

Some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisors to ensure they fulfill all remaining Mason Core requirements.

Students who have completed the following credentials are eligible for a waiver of the Foundation and Exploration (lower level) requirement categories. The Integration category (upper level) is not waived under this policy. See Admissions for more information. 

  • VCCS Uniform Certificate of General Studies
  • VCCS or Richard Bland Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Arts and Sciences (A.A.&S.), or Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.)
Foundation Requirements
Written Communication (ENGH 101)3
Oral Communication3
Quantitative Reasoning3
Information Technology and Computing3
Exploration Requirements
Arts3
Global History3
Global Understanding3
Literature3
Natural Science7
Social and Behavioral Sciences3
Integration Requirements
Written Communications (ENGH 302)3
Writing-Intensive 13
Synthesis/Capstone 23
Total Credits40
1

Most programs include the writing-intensive course designated for the major as part of the major requirements; this course is therefore not counted towards the total required for Mason Core.

2

Minimum 3 credits required.

Honors in the Major

Eligibility

Mathematics majors who have maintained a GPA of at least 3.50 in mathematics courses and a GPA of 3.50 in all courses taken at George Mason University may apply to the departmental honors program upon completion of two MATH courses at the 300+ level (excluding MATH 400 History of Math (Topic Varies) (Mason Core)), at least one of which has MATH 300 Introduction to Advanced Mathematics as a prerequisite. Admission to the program will be monitored by the undergraduate committee.

Honors Requirements

To graduate with honors in mathematics, a student is required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.50 in mathematics courses and successfully complete MATH 405 Honors Thesis in Mathematics I and MATH 406 RS: Honors Thesis in Mathematics II with an average GPA of at least 3.50 in these two courses.

Mathematics, BA or BS/Curriculum and Instruction, Accelerated MEd, (Secondary Education Mathematics Concentration)

Overview

Highly-qualified undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's program and obtain a BA or BS in Mathematics and an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction (Secondary Education Mathematics concentration) in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 143 credits.

See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree for policies related to this program.

This accelerated option is offered jointly by the Department of Mathematical Sciences and the School of Education.

Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.

BAM Pathway Admission Requirements

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree policies. For information specific to this accelerated master's program, see Application Requirements and Deadlines.

Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits, and additional unit-specific criteria.

Students who are accepted into the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits and course-specific pre-requisites.

Accelerated Master’s Admission Requirements

Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the MEd program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s Transition form:

  • 3.0 overall GPA                                                      
  • Completion of specific undergraduate coursework          
  • Successfully meeting Mason’s requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completing the application for graduation. 

Accelerated Pathway Requirements

To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following which can be taken as Advanced Standing or Reserve Graduate credit (to be determined by the student and their advisor):

EDRD 619Literacy in the Content Areas3
SEED 522Foundations of Secondary Education3
SEED 540Human Development and Learning: Secondary Education3
SEED 572Teaching Mathematics in the Secondary School3
SEED 672Advanced Methods of Teaching Mathematics in the Secondary School3
SEED approved elective

For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree policies.

Mathematics, BA or BS/Mathematics, Accelerated MS

Overview

This bachelor's/accelerated master's degree program allows academically strong undergraduates with a commitment to advance their education to obtain the Mathematics, BA or Mathematics, BS and the Mathematics, MS degrees within an accelerated timeframe. Upon completion of this 138 credit accelerated program, students will be exceptionally well prepared for entry into their careers or into a doctoral program in the field or in a related discipline.

Students are eligible to apply for this accelerated program once they have earned at least 60 undergraduate credits and can enroll in up to 18 credits of graduate coursework after successfully completing 75 undergraduate credits. This flexibility makes it possible for students to complete a bachelor's and a master's in five years.

For more detailed information, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies. For more information on undergraduates enrolling in graduate courses, see AP.1.4.4 Graduate Course Enrollment by Undergraduates.

Application Requirements

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Graduate Admission Policies section of this catalog.

Important application information and processes for this accelerated master's program can be found here.

Students should seek out the graduate program's advisor who will aid in choosing the appropriate graduate courses and help prepare the student for graduate studies.

Successful applicants will have an overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.00. Additionally, they will have completed the following courses with a GPA of 3.00 or higher:

MATH 315Advanced Calculus I3
MATH 321Abstract Algebra3
MATH 322Advanced Linear Algebra3

Accelerated Option Requirements

After the completion of 75 undergraduate credits, students may complete 3 to 12 credits of graduate coursework that can apply to both the undergraduate and graduate degrees.

In addition to applying to graduate from the undergraduate program, students in the accelerated program must submit a bachelor's/accelerated master's transition form (available from the Office of the University Registrar) to the College of Science's Office of Academic and Student Affairs by the last day to add classes of their final undergraduate semester. Students should enroll for courses in the master's program in the fall or spring semester immediately following conferral of the bachelor's degree, but should contact an advisor if they would like to defer up to one semester.

Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.00 or higher in all graduate coursework and should consult with their faculty advisor to coordinate their academic goals.

Reserve Graduate Credit

Accelerated master's students may also take up to 6 graduate credits as reserve graduate credits. These credits do not apply to the undergraduate degree, but will reduce the master's degree by up to 6 credits. With 12 graduate credits counted toward the undergraduate and graduate degrees plus the maximum 6 reserve graduate credits, the credits necessary for the graduate degree can be reduced by up to 18.

Graduate Course Suggestions

The following list of suggested courses is provided for general reference. To ensure an efficient route to graduation and post-graduation readiness, students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor before registering for graduate-level courses.

MATH 621Algebra I3
MATH 631Topology I: Topology of Metric Spaces3
MATH 675Linear Analysis3
MATH 677Ordinary Differential Equations3
MATH 685Numerical Analysis3

BS (any)/Statistical Science, Accelerated MS

Overview

Highly-qualified undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's  program (BAM) and obtain an undergraduate BS degree and the Statistical Science, MS in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 138 credits.

Admitted students are able to use up to 12 graduate credits in partial satisfaction of requirements for the undergraduate degree. Upon completion and conferral of the bachelor's degree and with satisfactory performance (grade of 'B' or better) in each of the graduate courses, students are given advanced standing in the master's program. 

See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to this program.

Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.

BAM Pathway Admission Requirements

No specific undergraduate BS degree is required. Students enrolled in any BS degree may apply to the accelerated Statistical Science, MS program if such an accelerated Statistical Science, MS pathway is allowable from the student's BS program, which will be determined by the academic advisors of both the BS and MS programs.

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree policies. 

Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits with an overall GPA of 3.0. 

Students who are accepted into the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits and course-specific prerequisites.

Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements

Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the Statistical Science, MS program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s Transition form: 

  • Completion of Mason’s requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completion of application for graduation.
  • An overall GPA of 3.00.
  • Completion of the following Mason courses each with a grade of C or better:
MATH 213Analytic Geometry and Calculus III3
MATH 203Linear Algebra3
or MATH 321 Abstract Algebra
STAT 250Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core)3
or STAT 344 Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I
STAT 346Probability for Engineers3
or MATH 351 Probability
STAT 362Introduction to Computer Statistical Packages3

Accelerated Pathway Requirements

To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, students complete all credits satisfying degree requirements for the BS and MS programs, with up to twelve credits overlap chosen from the following graduate courses:

STAT 544Applied Probability3
STAT 554Applied Statistics I3
STAT 560Biostatistical Methods3
STAT 574Survey Sampling I3
STAT 663Statistical Graphics and Data Visualization 3

All graduate course prerequisites must be completed prior to enrollment.  Each graduate course must be completed with a grade of B or better to apply toward the MS degree.

While still in undergraduate status, a maximum of 6 additional graduate credits may be taken as reserve graduate credit and applied to the master's program.  Reserve graduate credits do not apply to the undergraduate degree.

For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees policies.

Degree Conferral

Students must apply the semester before they expect to complete the BS requirements to have the BS degree conferred. In addition, at the beginning of the student's final undergraduate semester, students must complete a Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form that is submitted to the Office of the University Registrar and Graduate Recruitment and Enrollment Services. At the completion of MS requirements, a master's degree is conferred.