College Mathematics Courses

Overview

Certainly each individual college will offer its own unique set of mathematics courses.  So, follow up this overview by checking out that particular school you are interested in!

At most colleges/universities, there are many math courses available - sometimes more than 100 different classes.  However, most of these classes fall into one of the following broad categories:

• Pre-College level mathematics

• Non-Science oriented college mathematics

• Entry level college math courses

• Upper level math courses [generally proof based]

• Graduate mathematics courses

Pre-College level mathematics:

    These are courses designed to provide students the background skills necessary to succeed in their college level math requirement.  A wide variety of students will take these courses to prepare for the specific math requirement of their degree.

    Typical courses in this level may include:

• Arithmetic

• Beginning Algebra

• Intermediate Algebra

• Calculator use course

Non-Science oriented college mathematics:

    These are courses designed to provide quantitative reasoning skills to students whose majors do not require more technical mathematics.  There are quite a number of degrees that will require completion of one of these courses.

    Typical courses in this level may include:

• Math for Liberal Arts

• Finite Mathematics

• Introductory Statistics

Entry level College mathematics:

    These are courses designed for two student populations.  The first is for students who will need to progress to upper level math courses.  These students are learning the background required in their upper level courses.  The second group of students to take these courses are students whose degrees require an introduction to more rigorous mathematics.

    Typical courses in this level may include:

• PreCalculus

• Calculus

• Introductory Statistics

• Foundations of Higher Mathematics

• Linear Algebra

Upper level College mathematics:

    Generally, these courses are for students majoring in mathematics or a related field [physics, chemistry, engineering, etc.]. 

    Typical courses in this level may include:

• Continuous Functions

• Differential Equations

• Basic Abstract Algebra

• Probability & Statistics

• Advanced Calculus

• Non-Euclidean Geometry

Graduate mathematics courses:

    These are courses designed for students who already who a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics or a related field.  Students taking these courses are generally pursuing a Master's degree of a Doctorate in Mathematics.

    Typical courses in this level may include:

• Analysis [Complex / Real]

• Algebra [Modern, Abstract, ...]

• Topology

• Other specialized courses by institution & degree