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Mathematics Minor

The Minor in Mathematics is designed to enable a student with a significant interest in Mathematics to deepen his/her knowledge while pursuing a major in another field. While the major will often be in a field which makes significant use of mathematics, such as a science or a quantitative social science, it may be in any area of study. Students from outside LS&A, for example those from the College of Engineering, may also pursue a Minor in Mathematics. LS&A regulations allow Advanced Placement credits and prerequisites for the major to count also as prerequisites for the minor. For students enrolled in LS&A, only one course may be shared between the requirements of a minor and the requirements of a major. This rule does not apply to students enrolled outside of LS&A. Courses used to meet the requirements of a minor may not be taken pass/fail. All courses for the minor program must be completed with a grade of at least a C-.

Math Minor Checklist

The prerequisite to a Minor in Mathematics is one of the sequences Math 115-116, 185-186, 275-276, 217-297; or 295-296; or Math 156. These all provide a thorough grounding in the calculus of functions of one variable. Advanced Placement credits in Math 120 and 121 also fulfill the prerequisite requirement. 

Engineering Students, please note that EECS 270 may not be used to satisfy the Math 115 prerequisite requirement. 

The Minor consists of courses from the following two lists:

Basic courses:

Multivariable Calculus:                      

Math 215 or 285

Linear Algebra: 

Math 214, 217, 417, or 419

Differential Equations: 

Math 216 or 286


Upper-level courses:

Analysis/Diff Equations:                                        

Math 316, 351, 354, 404, 450, 451, 452, 454, 555

Algebra/Number Theory: 
 

Math 312, 389, 412, 420, 471, 475, 493, 494, 561, 571, 575
 

Geometry/Topology:
 

Math 431, 433, 440, 490
 

Applied Mathematics:
 

Math 354, 371, 404, 423, 425, 450, 454, 462, 463, 471, 472, 550, 561, 563, 571

Discrete Mathematics:
 

Math 310, 312, 389, 403, 412, 416, 420, 425, 465, 475, 481, 493, 561, 566, 567, 582

Financial/Actuarial:
 

Math 423, 424, 520, 523, 524
 


A student must select at least 5 courses consisting of at least 1 basic course and at least 2 upper-level courses.  Course elections must follow these additional rules:

  • For basic courses, a total of no more than 3 courses may be elected.  Students may elect only one course from each available area (e.g. a student can elect both 215 & 217, but may not elect both 217 & 417). 
    • Math 417 may NOT be counted as an Upper Level course.     
  • For upper level courses a student may elect between 2-4 courses. The upper level courses are not restricted, such that a student may elect multiple courses from the same area (e.g. electing both Math 433 and Math 490 in the Geometry & Topology area is acceptable). 
  • Engineering students are encouraged to include a linear algebra course in their minor selections.

All courses carry 3 or 4 credit hours and the total number of required credit hours is between 15 and 18. Per LSA rules, LSA students pursuing a Math Minor must complete at least 9 of their credit hours at Michigan; this is a College rule that cannot be waived by the Math Department. CoE students pursuing a Math Minor must take at least two upper level math classes in residence; this policy has been approved by CoE. All in residence credit, MUST be taken in the Mathematics Department.


The student must earn an overall GPA of at least 2.0 for the minor. In all cases, more advanced courses may be substituted with the approval of a math advisor. In particular, students who have satisfied the prerequisite with the Honors Sequence Math 295-296 or 217-297 will need to consult an advisor for the proper selection of courses.

Other modifications can also be made with the approval of a math advisor. Finally, classes offered outside Mathematics cannot be used to satisfy the requirements of the Math minor.