Mathematics Minor

Mathematics Minor

Mathematics

Minor

Cadets enrolled in the mathematics minor will gain a clearer and deeper understanding of foundational mathematics concepts and be able to apply mathematical techniques in their respective fields.

Offered by the Department of Mathematical Sciences.

Mathematics is the fundamental underpinning of several academic majors and is critically important in technological, scientific, and engineering fields. Moreover, due to big data problems, there is also a growing need for mathematical skills in the humanities and social sciences. A strong background in mathematics helps cadets in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

A Mathematics Minor complements cadets’ majors in various fields, such as engineering, science, economics, and computer science. With a Mathematics Minor, cadets strengthen foundational concepts in calculus, linear algebra, and probability theory, to enhance their understanding of complex concepts in their respective fields. With the explosive growth of big data, cadets must develop quantitative literacy, a critical skill both in the Army and private sector. This minor will offer a diverse range of courses, from real-world applications to logical argument development in more theoretical areas like number theory and topology, to foster creativity and curiosity, all of which enables future innovation. It provides a stronger foundation in math skills for cadets wanting to pursue graduate studies in their fields. A Mathematics Minor has the potential to open more opportunities in graduate studies for those cadets wishing to change fields of study. Finally, a Mathematics Minor makes graduates more marketable to industry and future potential employers as it demonstrates a deeper understanding of quantitative reasoning and data analysis. Since the Army parallels industry, a Math Minor paired to any major also develops a more well-rounded student who can bring diverse skills and decision-making into the Army.

Contact a Department of Mathematical Sciences Academic Counselor:

To learn more about this area of study, visit the Department of Mathematical Sciences.

Cadets can double-count three courses, as only 3 courses need to be unique to the minor.

Required Courses (1 of 2)

  • MA205  Calculus II
  • MA255  Advanced Multivariable Calculus

Electives (Choose 5 of 34)

  • MA363  ORDINARY DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION                      
  • MA364  ENGINEERING MATHEMATICS                    
  • MA365  ADV MATH FOR ENGRS/SCIENTISTS         
  • MA367  MATH FOR THE SOCIAL SCIENCES             
  • MA371  LINEAR ALGEBRA                            
  • MA372  INTRODUCTION TO DISCRETE MATH        
  • MA376  APPLIED STATISTICS        
  • MA381  NONLINEAR OPTIMIZATION        
  • MA383  FOUNDATIONS OF MATH                            
  • MA385  CHAOS AND FRACTALS   
  • MA386  INTRO TO NUMERICAL ANALYSIS              
  • MA387  MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS I        
  • MA388  SABERMETRICS 
  • MA389  INDIV STUDY IN MATHEMATICS                 
  • MA391  MATHEMATICAL MODELING                      
  • MA394  FUNDAMENTALS/NETWORK SCIENCE                    
  • MA396  NUM METH SOLUTIONS DIFF EQNS                        
  • MA461  GRAPH THEORY AND NETWORKS             
  • MA462  COMBINATORICS                            
  • MA464  APPLIED ALGEBRA W/ CRYPTOLOGY        
  • MA466  ABSTRACT ALGEBRA                      
  • MA476  MATHEMATICAL STATISTICS                       
  • MA477  THEORY & APPL OF DATA SCIENCE                          
  • MA478  GENERALIZED LINEAR MODELS                 
  • MA481  LINEAR OPTIMIZATION  
  • MA484  PARTIAL DIFF EQUATIONS            
  • MA485  APPLIED COMPLEX VARIABLES    
  • MA486  MATHEMATICAL COMPUTATION               
  • MA487  MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS II                      
  • MA488  SPECIAL TOPICS IN MATHEMATICS            
  • MA489  ADV INDIV STUDY IN MATH                        
  • MA491  RESEARCH SEMNR-APPLD MATH
  • MA493D  INTRODUCTION TO TOPOLOGY  
  • SE375  STATISTICS FOR ENGINEERS         

Electives may be selected based on broad areas of interest as suggested below:

  • Pure Math: MA385, MA464, MA466, MA485, MA487
  • Data Science: MA371, SE375 or MA376, MA476, MA462, MA372, MA388
  • Graphs and Topology: MA461, MA493D, MA394
  • Numerical Methods and Optimization: MA381, MA396, MA481
  • Engineering Math: MA364 or MA365, MA484, MA371, MA363, MA396

To learn more, view the full Mathematics Minor Curriculum.

Cadets in this minor will have the opportunity to conduct research with the Center with Artificial Intelligence, Data Engineering, and Machine Learning (AIDE-ML) Program or to apply for a summer Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) program, USMA-run academic enrichment experience. To learn more about enrichment for this area of study, visit the Department of Mathematical Sciences or the Center with Artificial Intelligence, Data Engineering, and Machine Learning (AIDE-ML) Program.