What Are the Math Requirements for a Math Minor?

Requirements for a math minor typically include taking 15 to 18 credits in multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and other lower- and upper-level math.

No matter the program you choose, taking on a math minor helps deepen your knowledge of mathematics while enhancing your major in another field.

Adding a math minor to your degree can open doors to great careers that require a quality understanding of the subject.

If you're interested in choosing math as your minor, read on to discover math minor requirements and how you can benefit from incorporating mathematics into your undergraduate studies.

Common Math Minor Requirements

Math minor requirements generally include taking several lower- and upper-level math courses.

Students are required to complete a specific number of credits to earn the minor. This number usually ranges from 15 to 18 math credits.

To complete a minor in math, students typically take courses ranging from Math 200 (or Math 2000) to Math 500 (or Math 5000).

Depending on the school, a student might be required to maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher in their minor courses.

Some schools also offer an honors math minor with stricter requirements like more difficult courses and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Math Minor Prerequisites

You might be required to complete prerequisite introductory math courses before declaring the math minor.

Prerequisites could include Math 100 and Math 200 courses like the following:

• Calculus I
• Calculus II
• Linear Algebra
• Multivariable Calculus

It's important to note that some programs use multivariable calculus and linear algebra as prerequisites while others use them as lower-level minor courses.

Math Minor Courses

Once students have completed their prerequisite courses, they must complete primary math minor requirements, which include lower- and upper-level courses.

Lower-Level Courses

Many programs ask students to choose one to three lower-level courses for the math minor. Some include the following:

• Multivariable Calculus
• Linear Algebra
• Differential Equations
• Calculus III

Upper-Level/Elective Courses

Depending on the program, students might be required to take two to four upper-level or elective math courses like the following:

• Applied Mathematics
• Discrete Mathematics
• Vector Analysis
• Probability
• Introductory Analysis I
• Introductory Analysis II
• Abstract Algebra I
• Abstract Algebra II
• Applied Algebraic Topology
• Discrete Mathematic Models
• Numerical Linear Algebra
• Introduction to Set Theory
• Linear Math in Finite Dimensions
• Combinatorial Mathematics

What Does a Minor in Math Get You?

A math minor allows you to leverage your chosen major and show employers that you're able to do the following:

• Communicate mathematical ideas
• Solve complex problems
• Show an understanding of abstract and concrete problems
• Interpret data
• Solve quantitative problems

These skills can help you on jobs that require some math but not a degree in mathematics.

What Major Goes Best with a Math Minor?

You can pair a math minor with just about any major, but some fields like computer science, engineering, and accounting closely align with math and can help strengthen your academic resume.

Computer Science

The field of computer science requires a quality understanding of computers and their applications; however, students must also have fundamental math knowledge.

In addition to possessing problem-solving skills, computer science majors should understand calculus, statistics, algebra, and discrete math.

This makes the math minor a great match with computer science.

Engineering

Engineers often need analytical and quantitative skills in their profession.

Courses engineers commonly take include calculus, statistics, applied linear algebra, and differential equations.

By minoring in math, students can meet some of their math requirements and enhance their engineering degree to qualify for more roles after graduating.

Secondary Education

If you plan to teach math at the secondary level, you might opt to earn a degree in education or teaching and then minor in mathematics to prove competence in the subject matter.

Pairing a math minor with an education degree can showcase your knowledge of geometry, analysis, algebra, and more while preparing you for questions on your state's teacher certification exam.

Accounting

Math is an integral component of accounting.

A quality understanding of the subject is crucial when creating financial statements, auditing documents, or filing tax returns.

While accountants don't need calculus to perform their duties, other concepts learned as a math minor like algebra, statistics, probability, and finance can make you a more attractive candidate for accounting roles.

Chemistry

It's common for schools to incorporate math courses in the curriculum for their chemistry bachelor's degree program.

Students might be required to take courses like Calculus I and Calculus II.

By choosing math as a minor, students might come close to meeting the requirements of their chemistry degree program with only a few extra courses like Calculus III and Linear Algebra to complete.

Is a Math Minor Worth It?

Yes, adding a math minor to your major is worth it, particularly if you want to take on a career that requires some math.

Showcasing your understanding of advanced concepts like calculus and linear algebra could open doors to higher salaries.

A minor in math might also be attractive to employers looking for candidates possessing logical thinking abilities and problem-solving and analytical skills.

Alongside the benefits you can gain in the workplace, adding a math minor to your degree can teach you important financial skills that benefit your personal life like effective budget management.

Enroll in a Math Minor Program Today

By understanding math minor requirements, you can feel confident in your ability to take the appropriate prerequisites and minor courses.

If you're ready to choose the right major to pair with your math minor, explore top bachelor's degree programs today.