Mathematics at Florida Atlantic University is about developing logical thinking, problem-solving skills and a deep appreciation for the patterns and structures that shape our world. Here, you’ll explore mathematics as both a creative discipline and the language of science—essential for understanding everything from the physical universe to social and biological systems. You’ll build a foundation that prepares you to tackle complex challenges, whether you’re interested in research, technology, or a wide range of careers.
About Mathematics at FAU
At Florida Atlantic, you’ll study mathematics in a program designed for flexibility and depth. The curriculum is tailored to your interests, with opportunities to work closely with faculty and pursue research from your first year. You’ll join a community that values both the beauty and utility of mathematics, and you’ll graduate ready for advanced study or to launch your career. The program’s structure supports students aiming for graduate school, and you can personalize your path with electives and independent study options.
Degrees Offered at Florida Atlantic
Undergraduate
- Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences with a Concentration in Mathematics
- Minor Concentration in Mathematics
Explore Degree Programs in Mathematics
Educational Objectives & Student Outcomes
2. Gain a deep understanding of core mathematical concepts and structures.
3. Prepare for graduate study or professional careers that require mathematical expertise.
4. Foster the ability to communicate mathematical ideas clearly and effectively.
2. Apply mathematical methods to solve real-world and theoretical problems.
3. Conduct independent research or projects in mathematics.
4. Collaborate effectively with peers and faculty on mathematical challenges.
5. Meet the academic requirements for graduation with a concentration or minor in mathematics.
Start Your Journey
at Florida Atlantic
Concentration in Mathematics
Students must earn a "C" or better in each course taken to fulfill a concentration requirement.
Overview and Advisory Board
Legend has it that across the arched entrance to the Academy founded by Plato in 357 B.C. were the words "Let no man ignorant of geometry enter here." Whether or not the legend is true, there is no question of the importance of mathematics at this early institution of higher education. The motto reflects the belief, widely held then and now, that a demonstrated mathematical maturity – a mind trained with logical rigor – is an essential prerequisite for facing the intellectual challenges of advanced education. In addition to training the mind, the discipline of mathematics appeals to our intrinsic sense of beauty and order. As our minds seek patterns and explanations for the patterns we observe, we move inexorably to the world of mathematics.
In addition to its purely aesthetic qualities, mathematics is truly the language of the sciences. While the physical sciences like chemistry and physics have long and obvious connections with mathematics, more and more the biological and social sciences are becoming more quantitative, more modeling-oriented, and simply more mathematical. In today's world, scientists operate largely in the realm of mathematics.
The mathematics program leads to a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences with a Concentration in Mathematics. The mathematics program may be tailored for individual students and will constitute an excellent background for a wide range of careers and advanced or professional degree programs. In particular, the course offerings are designed to prepare students for graduate work in mathematics.
Advisory Board
Jason Hedetniemi, Ph.D.
Senior Instructor of Mathematics
Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Mathematics
Terje Hill, Ph.D.
Professor of Mathematics
Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Mathematics
Warren McGovern, Ph.D.
Professor of Mathematics
Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Mathematics
Required Courses
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MAC 2311 | Honors Calculus I | 4 |
| MAC 2312 | Honors Calculus II | 4 |
| Three Intermediate Mathematics Courses from Group A | 9 | |
| MAS 4301 | Honors Modern Algebra | 3 |
| MAA 4200 | Honors Modern Analysis | 3 |
| IDS 4970 | Honors Thesis (2 semesters) | 6 |
| Three Upper Division Mathematics Electives from Group B | 9 | |
| One Additional Elective from Group A or B or STA 2023 | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 41 |
Group A: Intermediate Level Mathematics Courses
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MAC 2313 | Honors Calculus III | 4 |
| MAS 2103 | Honors Matrix Theory | 3 |
| MAD 2104 | Honors Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| MAP 2302 | Honors Differential Equations I | 3 |
Group B: Upper Division Mathematics Courses
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COP 3076 | Honors Intro to Data Science | 3 |
| ECO 4108 | Honors Mathematical Economics: Advanced Microeconomics | 3 |
| ECO 4412 | Honors Econometrics: Applied Regression Analysis | 3 |
| IDS 4933 | Honors Ethnomathematics | 1 or 3 |
| ISS 4304 | Honors Comput Social Science | 3 |
| MAA 4202 | Honors Modern Analysis 2 | 3 |
| MAA 4402 | Honors Introductory Complex Analysis | 3 |
| MAD 4301 | Honors Graph Theory | 3 |
| MAS 3203 | Honors Introduction to Number Theory | 3 |
| MAS 4107 | Linear Algebra 2 | 3 |
| MAS 4302 | Honors Modern Algebra 2 | 3 |
| MAT 4906 | Honors Directed Independent Study in Mathematics | 1-4 |
| MAT 4930 | Honors Special Topics in Mathematics | 1-4 |
| MTG 4302 | Honors General Topology | 3 |
| STA 3164 | Honors Intermediate Statistics | 3 |
| STA 4442 | Probability and Statistics 1 | 3 |
Electives:
One elective course may be replaced by an elective in Computer Science. With the advisor's approval, a student may count up to 6 credit hours of upper division mathematics electives taken at other FAU campuses towards the concentration. Students are reminded they need 42 upper-level (3000 or 4000-level) credits to graduate.
Restrictions:
To count towards the Concentration, a Mathematics course must be completed with a grade of C or better.
Minor Concentration in Mathematics:
For a minor concentration in mathematics, students must complete the following courses with a minimum grade point average of 2.0:
MAC 2311 H Calculus I (4 credits);
MAC 2312 H Calculus II (4 credits);
At least 12 credits of Honors Mathematics Electives numbered 2000 or higher, including at least one 3 credit course numbered 3000 or higher. Of these 12 Honors Mathematics Elective credits at least 6 must be earned at the Honors College.
A computer science course may be used as one of the required electives.
TOTAL: 20 credits.