In what order should I take courses as a math major?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the optimal order of courses for a math major at UIUC, particularly in applied mathematics. Participants share their backgrounds and seek advice on course sequencing, prerequisites, and the potential for a double major in math and finance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the recommended course order and seeks guidance, noting their background in Math IB HL and preparation with Spivak's Calculus.
  • Another participant suggests following the department's recommendations or consulting an academic advisor for personalized advice.
  • Some participants highlight the importance of prerequisites, indicating that Calc II is necessary before enrolling in Calc III and other advanced courses.
  • A participant mentions that general-education courses could be taken early to avoid wasting time, suggesting a balanced approach to course selection.
  • One contributor recommends considering honors calculus to strengthen foundational knowledge before progressing to Calc II.
  • Another participant notes that while IB HL Math provides good preparation, it may lack some Calc II topics, suggesting a review of specific content areas.
  • A participant emphasizes that until Calc III is completed, options for advanced math classes will be limited, particularly regarding the intro proofs class.
  • Some participants discuss the logical and administrative aspects of course selection, indicating that both perspectives are important in planning.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of prerequisites and the role of academic advisors, but there is no consensus on the specific order of courses or the best approach to course selection. Multiple competing views remain regarding the optimal path through the curriculum.

Contextual Notes

There are references to specific courses and prerequisites that may vary by institution, and some participants note the lack of a clear suggested order on the university's website. Additionally, the discussion reflects individual experiences and opinions, which may not apply universally.

Who May Find This Useful

Incoming math majors at UIUC or similar institutions, students considering a double major, and those interested in course planning and academic advising in mathematics.

kacperp94
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Hello,
I got accepted into UIUC math programme (I will major most likely in applied math) and I wonder in what order I should take courses.
My background is Math IB HL (7), so it is about calculus II. Additionally, as a preparation I decided to work with Spivak's Calculus to get more acquainted with analysis.
I would like to pursue my degree in 6-7 semesters. Do you have any tips about order in which I should take courses + is it worth to pursue double major (i.e. math and finance)?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
kacperp94 said:
Hello,
I got accepted into UIUC math programme (I will major most likely in applied math) and I wonder in what order I should take courses.
My background is Math IB HL (7), so it is about calculus II. Additionally, as a preparation I decided to work with Spivak's Calculus to get more acquainted with analysis.
I would like to pursue my degree in 6-7 semesters. Do you have any tips about order in which I should take courses + is it worth to pursue double major (i.e. math and finance)?

You should take your courses in the order recommended by the department or by your student adviser.
 
bp_psy said:
You should take your courses in the order recommended by the department or by your student adviser.

I did not find recommended order on website.
 
kacperp94 said:
I did not find recommended order on website.
http://provost.illinois.edu/ProgramsOfStudy/2011/fall/programs/undergrad/las/math.html

Search harder.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
bp_psy said:
http://provost.illinois.edu/ProgramsOfStudy/2011/fall/programs/undergrad/las/math.html

Search harder.

I found this one, but there are listed only requirements to receive degree. There is no suggested order of courses I should take.

I am especially concerned about choice of courses in my first semester.

Since I receive only credit for Calc I, I will have to take Calc II during first semester in order to enroll to Calc III in 3rd semester. Is there any other course that I will be able to follow, which I can take during first semester? I do not want to waste my time at college, that is why I posted this question.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
The awesome thing about schools is they have these people within departments called academic advisors. Get this, they are literally partially paid to at least give you advice on the order of taking courses, so you don't have to resort to asking complete random strangers on the internet who has never attended your school on how you should go about your life. Because, in all seriousness, what makes sense at one school, wouldn't work at another school.
 
kacperp94 said:
I found this one, but there are listed only requirements to receive degree. There is no suggested order of courses I should take.

Elsewhere on the web site, there should be official descriptions of each course, including prerequisites. In principle, you can take courses in any order, so long as you satisfy the prerequisites for each one.

Since I receive only credit for Calc I, I will have to take Calc II during first semester in order to enroll to Calc III in 3rd semester. Is there any other course that I will be able to follow, which I can take during first semester?

At the college where I work, Calc II is prerequisite (directly or indirectly) for all other courses for the math major, except of course for Calc I. UIUC may have a different setup.

I do not want to waste my time at college, that is why I posted this question.

There are probably general-education courses (English, science, history, whatever) that you have to take at some point anyway. You might as well get them out of the way now.
 
You might want to take honors calc 1 rather than calc 2 in first semester, to get a better background. I have had many students take my calc 2 in Fall only to realize that their high school preparation was less than I expected from them.

After one variable calc, it is feasible to take linear algebra, and that will be very useful for several variable calc as well as for diff eq.

at some point some topology is useful, and can be taken fairly early, probably after calc 1.

after you know some calc, diff geom is also feasible. abstract algebra can be taken any time, but it helps to know a little linear algebra first.

analysis usually follows calc 1 and topology.
 
Last edited:
kacperp94 said:
Hello,
I got accepted into UIUC math programme (I will major most likely in applied math) and I wonder in what order I should take courses.
My background is Math IB HL (7), so it is about calculus II. Additionally, as a preparation I decided to work with Spivak's Calculus to get more acquainted with analysis.
I would like to pursue my degree in 6-7 semesters. Do you have any tips about order in which I should take courses + is it worth to pursue double major (i.e. math and finance)?

Just want to point out that IB HL Math, while much better preparation for math majors than AP BC, leaves out some Calc II topics. You may want to look through a book like Larson/Edwards to check which ones they are (I don't know them off the top of my head).
 
  • #10
I'm at UIUC doing computer science and math. Until you've finished calc 3, you're going to be very limited in which math classes you can take. Calc 3 is a prerequisite for math 347 which is the intro proofs class. Besides applied versions of linear algebra and differential equations, 347 is prerequisite for almost everything besides the calculus sequence.

The math program at UIUC is really great. My calc 3 class was totally amazing and eye opening. I strongly encourage you to not be in such a hurry and enjoy the ride. What's the difference in 7 semesters vs 8 semesters when you're talking about the foundation for the rest of your life?
 
  • #11
my advice is based on what is needed logically. the previous post is also important since it focuses on what is needed administratively.
 

Similar threads

Courses Which math course should I take (as a physics major)?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Courses Pure physics vs. adding a math major?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Programs Should I major in Physics & Astronomy or Physics & Math?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
Courses Math Course Advice -- Harvard freshman planning to double major in physics and mathematics
  • · Replies 41 ·
2
Replies
41
Views
8K
Programs Should I do a math or an astronomy double major for general relativity?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Courses What math would I need? (physics-math double major interested in THEP)
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Studying Optimizing Your Physics Major: Navigating Math Courses for a Successful Degree
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Admissions Can I change my major from "physical geography" to "math"?
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
3K
Programs Is it too late for me to get into Physics?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Studying Looking for a thread discussing ideal math classes for physics major
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K