What Are the Math Requirements at UMD?
The University of Maryland (UMD) has math requirements for both applicants and for those persuing bachelor's degrees. Learn everything you need to know about UMD math requirements.
The University of Maryland, or UMD, is a public research university in College Park, Maryland.
It's the flagship university of the University System of Maryland.
UMD has several math requirements both for students who are applying to the university and for those already enrolled who are working toward their bachelor's degree.
Four years of math are needed for admissions, including Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II.
Keep reading to learn all about the UMD math requirements.
UMD Math Requirements for Admissions
UMD College Park has several minimum admissions requirements for students in subjects like:
- English language and literature
- Foreign language
- History
- Science
- Math
As listed above, four years of math are needed for admissions.
Students who complete Algebra II prior to their final year must complete the four-year math requirement by taking a course that utilizes non-trivial algebra, such as:
- Trigonometry
- Precalculus
- Calculus
- Statistics
- College algebra
UMD Math Requirements for a Degree
Most colleges and universities have general education requirements that all bachelor's students must complete.
These courses give students a solid and broad foundation for the rest of their education.
At the University of Maryland, the general requirements fall into four categories: fundamental studies, distributive studies, big question, and diversity.
The math requirement falls under the fundamental studies category.
The goal of the math requirement is to convey the power of mathematics, demonstrated by the variety of problems that can be modeled and solved by quantitative means
This requirement is satisfied by passing one in a suite of courses at the level of pre-calculus, including options like:
- Elementary Mathematical Models: Covers topics like simple and compound interest, installment loans and amortization, linear models, probability, expected values, and linear programming
- Introduction to Math Modeling and Probability: Focuses on conveying the power of mathematics as shown by a variety of problems which can be modeled and solved by quantitative means
- College Algebra and Trigonometry: Covers topics like graphs, functions, equations and applications, and trigonometric functions
- Precalculus: Prepares students for calculus courses by studying elementary functions and graphs and algebraic techniques
- Elementary Statistics and Probability: Covers statistical hypotheses, events, probability, combinations, binomial probabilities, confidence limits, random variables, and more
Some majors may require specific math courses for this requirement, while others will allow you to choose whichever course you prefer.
What Majors at UMD Require the Most Math Courses?
The major at UMD that requires the most math is the math major, as nearly all major courses are courses in mathematics, statistics, or applied math and scientific computation.
This major requires students take:
- Calculus I
- Calculus II
- Calculus III
- Introduction to Linear Algebra
- Differential Equations for Scientists and Engineers
- Introduction to Mathematical Proof
Students must also take eight math, statistics, or applied math courses at the 400 level or higher, including:
- Applications of Linear Algebra, Introduction to Abstract Algebra, or Linear Algebra
- Computational Methods or Introduction to Numerical Analysis
- Advanced Calculus
- A one-year sequence in advanced calculus, abstract algebra, or statistics and probability
- One additional statistics course
- Additional electives
In addition, students are required to take a series of courses in topics like:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Geology
- Astronomy
- Business management
Astronomy and business management are the only non-math courses required for the major.
Students can also choose tracks in secondary education, statistics, and applied math, which may have slightly different requirements.
Other math-heavy majors at UMD include majors in astronomy and physics as well as several engineering majors.
What Majors at UMD Require the Least Math Courses?
There are several majors at UMD that don't require any additional math beyond the general education requirement.
These are primarily majors within the humanities and include fields like:
- Art and performance, including majors in art history, cinema and media studies, dance, and theatre
- Communication and literature, including majors in communication and English
- Cultures and languages, including majors in African American studies, classics, history, and various foreign language majors
- Human behavior and social thought, including majors in criminology and philosophy
Additionally, several science majors require no additional math or only require one or two extra math or statistics courses to fulfill the major requirements.
These include majors like:
This means that students who dislike math or find that they struggle with math have several options for majors at the University of Maryland that are light on math courses.
Earn a Degree from UMD
Students hoping to get accepted to the University of Maryland will need four years of high school math, and those earning their bachelor's degree will need at least one math course.
For more information about UMD math requirements, contact Learn.org today.