Undergraduate Programs in Mathematics & Statistics at Lehigh University

Entry level math courses

There are three calculus sequences. Calculus 21, 22, 23 is the largest, taken by most science and engineering students. Advanced placement can be obtained either through the AP test of the College Board or through a test administered by our department. Honors Calculus 31, 32, 33 parallels 21, 22, 23, but with more depth and rigor. It is geared toward students with SAT Math score over 700, although it is open to all interested students. Survey of Calculus, 51, 52, are somewhat less in-depth. Most business majors will take 21. Most students in biological or earth sciences will take 51 and 52.

For students who need to take Calculus 21-23, but have a weak background in pre-calculus material, there is a 2-semester course, Math 75 and 76, which can be substituted for the 1-semester course Math 21. Math 75 and 76 contain a good bit of review of pre-calculus material along with the topics of Math 21. Students who complete 75 and 76 will be prepared to take Math 22. Another option is Math 0, Preparation for Calculus, offered during the fall. It counts as 2 credits on your current roster and your GPA, but the credits do not count toward graduation. Math 0 will be taken primarily by students who need to take Math 51, but fail the Calculus Readiness Exam.

Students in the arts, humanities, and social sciences are required to take at least one semester of mathematics, but it need not be calculus. Basic Statistics 12 is the math course recommended for social science students. It is a 4-credit course and is offered every semester. Another non-calculus-based course is Math 5, Introduction to Mathematical Thought, offered in the spring. Topics in Math 5 vary from year to year.

The math department particpates in the College of Arts and Sciences Freshman Seminar Program and offers a freshman seminar each fall semester. Topics for the freshman seminar vary from year to year.

B.A. in Mathematics

This is a math major in a liberal arts tradition. It prepares students for a variety of careers in government, industry, and education. The required major courses are

B.S. General Mathematics Option

This is the recommended program for students who wish to go on for a Ph.D. in Mathematics. The required major courses are

B.S. Applied Mathematics Option

This provides a broad background in the major areas of applicable mathematics. The required major courses are

B.S. in Statistics

Statistical analysis forms a fundamental tool in all experimental sciences and is important in understanding chance phenomena. Mathematical principles, especially probability theory, underlie all statistical analyses. This program requires 30 hours of Professional Electives to be selected from at least two fields of application of statistics, such as biology, psychology, social relations, computer science, engineering, economics, and management. Required major courses are

Minor programs

The department offers the following minor programs. For each program, the requirement is Math 21, 22, and 23, or 31, 32, and 33, plus four courses from a list of specified courses. See the catalogue for the lists of specified courses.

In recent years, we have had approximately 10-15 math majors graduating each year. This means that classes are small, so that you get to know your professors and fellow students well. Some of the things that our recent graduates have done after graduation include