Program Requirements

2024-2025 Academic Year

Undergraduate Academic Calendar information header

Chair

Danielle Cox, BSc (Mount Saint Vincent University), MSc (Dalhousie University), PhD. (Dalhousie University), Associate Professor

Mathematics is one of the most original products of the human mind. It has many important applications in science, engineering, and statistics, but mathematics is also an important field of study for its own sake. Throughout history each culture has developed its own mathematics to solve its problems. Today there is an internationally accepted mathematics that is studied and used across the world. Its practitioners work in fields as diverse as astronomy, meteorology, agriculture and banking. With our increasing need for information and technology, mathematics will play an even more important role in most occupations and fields of study. It will also continue to be a critical topic in the history of ideas, documenting fundamental modes of human thought.

Some students may take mathematics courses which apply only to their individual areas of study. Others may wish to minor or major in the subject and pursue careers in teaching, statistics, computer science, actuarial science, or many other areas. Whether studied for its many applications or for the beauty of its logical structure and expressive power, mathematics will reward the effort of students with a deeper understanding of the world and how it works.

Any student planning to major or minor in mathematics should consult the department Chair, who will appoint an advisor to help the student plan an academic program.

Students who have received credit for a course will not normally be permitted to enrol in or receive credit at a later date for any course which satisfies the prerequisite requirements for that course.

Note: MATH 2462/EDUC 2462, MATH 2463/EDUC 2463 and MATH 2465/EDUC 2465 are intended primarily for pre-education students and for teachers and will not be acceptable for the Mathematics major or minor.

Admission Requirements

Review sections 2.1.4 Admission Requirements and 2.1.6 Additional Admission Requirements.

Students may count courses from a major, concentration and/or minor towards a second major, concentration and/or minor; however, students must complete a minimum of 50 percent of unique courses toward the second major, concentration and/or minor, unless otherwise stated in the Undergraduate Academic Calendar.

A student may obtain either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Mathematics.

Students intending to complete the major degree must declare their intention to do so before registering for their sixth unit of coursework. Students who do not make this declaration within this time frame will not be permitted to register for further coursework.

A Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics requires a 3.0 unit arts minor. A Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics requires a 3.0 unit science minor.

The Mount also offers a limited enrollment internship option.

Bachelor of Arts – Mathematics

Students must successfully complete 20.0 units with the following requirements:
❏ a minimum of 8.0 and a maximum of 10.0 units in the major as follows:

  • MATH 1113, 1114, 2208, 2211, and 2221 (2.5 units)
  • a further 5.5 additional units of MATH as specified by the chosen area of specialization:

Specialization in Mathematics: Required Courses

  • MATH 2212, 2222, 2225, 3311 and 3325 (2.5 units)
  • 2.0 additional units of MATH at the 3000 level or above
  • 1.0 additional unit of MATH at any level

or

Specialization in Statistics: Required Courses

  • MATH 2206, 2209, 2283, 2284, 3303, 3304, 3307 and 3407 (4.0 units)
  • 1.0 additional unit of MATH at the 3000 level or above
  • 0.5 additional unit of MATH at any level

Note: MATH 2462, 2463 & 2465 may not be counted towards the major

❏a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 in the required 8.0 units of MATH

❏ CMPS 1155
❏ a minor consisting of 3.0 units as specified by the department offering the minor. Students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the required 3.0 units
❏ students may choose a second 3.0 unit minor in any area that offers a minor
❏ 1.0 unit from each core group A, B, and C listed under the Bachelor of Arts (General Studies) (exclusive of the major):

  • Core A – Sciences & Mathematics (1.0 unit)
  • Core B – Social Sciences (1.0 unit)
  • Core C – Humanities (1.0 unit)

❏ at least 9.0 units must be at the 2000 level or above
Note: No more than 4.0 units from professional areas may be counted toward the degree. Courses included in the Applied Human Nutrition science minor will not be counted as professional electives.

Bachelor of Science – Mathematics

Students must successfully complete 20.0 units with the following requirements:
❏ a minimum of 8.0 and a maximum of 10.0 units in the major as follows:

  • MATH 1113, 1114, 2208, 2211, and 2221 (2.5 units)
  • a further 5.5 additional units of MATH as specified by the chosen area of specialization:

Specialization in Mathematics: Required Courses

  • MATH 2212, 2222, 2225, 3311 and 3325 (2.5 units)
  • 2.0 additional units of MATH at the 3000 level or above
  • 1.0 additional unit of MATH at any level

or

Specialization in Statistics: Required Courses

  • MATH 2206, 2209, 2283, 2284, 3303, 3304, 3307 and 3407 (4.0 units)
  • 1.0 additional unit of MATH at the 3000 level or above
  • 0.5 additional unit of MATH at any level

Note: MATH 2462, 2463 & 2465 may not be counted towards the major

❏a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 in the required 8.0 units of MATH

❏ CMPS 1155
❏ a minor consisting of 3.0 units in a science field (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Science Communication or designated Applied Human Nutrition courses) as specified by the department offering the minor. Students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the required 3.0 units
❏ students may choose a second 3.0 unit minor in any area that offers a minor or up to 2.5 additional units of arts or science electives
❏ 1.0 unit from each core group A, B, and C listed under the Bachelor of Arts (General Studies) (exclusive of the major):

  • Core A – Sciences & Mathematics (1.0 unit)
  • Core B – Social Sciences (1.0 unit)
  • Core C – Humanities (1.0 unit)

❏ at least 9.0 units must be at the 2000 level or above
Note: No more than 4.0 units from professional areas may be counted toward the degree. Courses included in the Applied Human Nutrition science minor will not be counted as professional electives.

Special Studies
Students may count a maximum of 4.0 units of directed/independent/research studies courses towards the degree, with no more than 2.0 units in any single discipline.

Major Certificate

Students who have graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University with a Bachelor of Arts General Studies degree or a Bachelor of Science General Studies degree may apply to do a major certificate. Students must fulfill the requirements for the major degree listed above.

The combined major degree is intended for those students who wish to gain in-depth knowledge of two disciplines. Students must declare a major or combined major before registering for their sixth unit of coursework. Students who do not make this declaration within this time frame will not be permitted to register for further coursework.

The Mount also offers a limited enrollment internship option.

Students must successfully complete 20.0 units. In order to complete a combined major in Mathematics, the following requirements must be met:
❏ a minimum of 6.0 units and a maximum of 8.0 units in the Mathematics combined major as follows:

  • MATH 1113, 1114, 2208, 2211, and 2221 (2.5 units)
  • a further 3.5 additional units of MATH as specified by the chosen area of specialization:

Specialization in Mathematics: Required Courses

  • MATH 2222, 2225, 3311 and 3325 (2.0 Units)
  • an additional 0.5 unit of MATH at the 2000 level or above (Note: MATH 2462, 2463 & 2465 may not be counted towards the combined major)
  • 1.0 additional unit of MATH at the 3000 level or above

or

Specialization in Statistics: Required Courses

  • MATH 2206, 2209, 2283, 2284, 3303, 3407 (3.0 units)
  • MATH 3304 or MATH 3307 (0.5 unit)

❏ a second combined major specified by another program (Biology, Canadian Studies, Chemistry, Communication Studies, Cultural Studies, Economics, English, Family Studies, French, Gerontology, History, Political Studies, Psychology, Sociology/Anthropology, Women’s Studies)
❏ a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 in the required 6.0 units of each combined major
❏ at least 5.0 units of the 12.0 units overall required for the combined majors must be at the 3000 level or above
❏ 1.0 unit from each core group A, B, and C listed under the Bachelor of Arts (General Studies) (exclusive of the majors):

  • Core A – Sciences & Mathematics (1.0 unit)
  • Core B – Social Sciences (1.0 unit)
  • Core C – Humanities (1.0 unit)

❏ at least 9.0 units of the total 20.0 units must be at the 2000 level or above
Note: No more than 4.0 units from professional areas may be counted toward the degree. Courses included in the Applied Human Nutrition science minor will not be counted as professional electives.

Students wishing to combine an arts major and a science major (e.g. Chemistry and English or Biology and Political Studies)
❏ must meet all of the requirements listed above and

♦ to complete a BSc (Combined Major) primary science discipline plus secondary arts discipline

  • must complete a minimum 12.0 units of the total 20.0 units in science disciplines

♦ to complete a BA (Combined Major) primary arts discipline plus secondary science discipline

  • must complete a minimum 12.0 units of the total 20.0 units in arts disciplines

Students interested in beginning the Honours Program in September must apply for admission to the department Chair by April 15th of that year. Students may not apply until after completing 10.0 units of coursework as noted below and are strongly encouraged to apply before completing 15.0 units. The Chair will notify the students within six weeks whether or not their applications have been successful. Acceptance is contingent upon agreement of a faculty member to supervise the honours project. A student who does the required 3.0 unit minor in a science discipline will receive a Bachelor of Science (Honours), while a student who does the minor in an arts discipline will receive a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree.

Before applying, students must have completed 10.0 units of study including MATH 1113, 1114, 2208, 2211 and 2221, and excluding MATH 2462, 2463 & 2465. Additionally, for those students whose specialization is mathematics they must have also completed MATH 2212, 2222 and 2225; for those whose specialization is statistics they must have also completed MATH 2206, 2209 and any two of MATH 2283, 2284, 3303, 3304. Students must have a GPA of at least 3.0 in these Mathematics courses with no grade below C-.

The Mount also offers a limited enrollment internship option.

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) – Mathematics

Students must successfully complete 20.0 units with the following requirements:
❏ a minimum of 10.0 and a maximum of 12.0 units in the honours subject as follows:

  • MATH 1113, 1114, 2208, 2211, and 2221 (2.5 units)
  • a further 7.5 additional units of MATH as specified by the chosen area of specialization:

Specialization in Mathematics: Required Courses

  • MATH 2212, 2222, 2225, 3311, 3312, 3325, 3326 and 4499 (4.0 units)
  • 2.0 additional units of MATH at the 2000 level or above
  • 1.5 additional units of MATH at the 4000 level

or

Specialization in Statistics: Required Courses

  • MATH 2206, 2209, 2283, 2284, 3303, 3304, 3407, 3408, 4407 and 4498 (5.0 units)
  • 1.5 additional units of MATH at the 2000 level or above
  • 1.0 additional unit of MATH at the 4000 level

❏ CMPS 1155
Note: MATH 2462, 2463 and 2465 may not be counted towards the honours degree
❏ a minor consisting of 3.0 units as specified by the department. Students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the required 3.0 units
❏ 1.0 unit from each core group A, B, and C listed under the Bachelor of Arts (General Studies) (exclusive of the honours subject):

  • Core A – Sciences & Mathematics (1.0 unit)
  • Core B – Social Sciences (1.0 unit)
  • Core C – Humanities (1.0 unit)

❏ obtain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a grade of at least C- in 10.0 units of the required MATH honours courses
❏ achieve a minimum of B- in the honours thesis
❏ obtain an overall GPA of 3.0 or better in all courses counted for the degree beyond the first 5.0 units taken
Note: No more than 4.0 units from professional areas may be counted toward the degree. Courses included in the Applied Human Nutrition science minor will not be counted as professional electives.

Note: First-class honours will be awarded to students who maintain a GPA of 3.5 or better in 10.0 units in the honours subject and no grade below B- in all courses counted for the degree beyond the first 5.0 units taken.

Bachelor of Science (Honours) – Mathematics

Students must successfully complete 20.0 units with the following requirements:
❏ a minimum of 10.0 and a maximum of 12.0 units in the honours subject as follows:

  • MATH 1113, 1114, 2208, 2211, and 2221 (2.5 units)
  • a further 7.5 additional units of MATH as specified by the chosen area of specialization:

Specialization in Mathematics: Required Courses

  • MATH 2212, 2222, 2225, 3311, 3312, 3325, 3326 and 4499 (4.0 units)
  • 2.0 additional units of MATH at the 2000 level or above
  • 1.5 additional units of MATH at the 4000 level

or

Specialization in Statistics: Required Courses

  • MATH 2206, 2209, 2283, 2284, 3303, 3304, 3407, 3408, 4407 and 4498 (5.0 units)
  • 1.5 additional units of MATH at the 2000 level or above
  • 1.0 additional unit of MATH at the 4000 level

❏ CMPS 1155
Note: MATH 2462, 2463 and 2465 may not be counted towards the honours degree
❏ a minor consisting of 3.0 units in a science field (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Science Communication or designated Applied Human Nutrition courses) as specified by the department. Students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the required 3.0 units
❏ 1.0 unit from each core group A, B, and C listed under the Bachelor of Arts (General Studies) (exclusive of the honours subject):

  • Core A – Sciences & Mathematics (1.0 unit)
  • Core B – Social Sciences (1.0 unit)
  • Core C – Humanities (1.0 unit)

❏ obtain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a grade of at least C- in 10.0 units of the required MATH honours courses
❏ achieve a minimum of B- in the honours thesis
❏ obtain an overall GPA of 3.0 or better in all courses counted for the degree beyond the first 5.0 units taken
Note: No more than 4.0 units from professional areas may be counted toward the degree. Courses included in the Applied Human Nutrition science minor will not be counted as professional electives.

Note: First-class honours will be awarded to students who maintain a GPA of 3.5 or better in 10.0 units in the honours subject and no grade below B- in all courses counted for the degree beyond the first 5.0 units taken.

Honours Certificate

Students who have graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University with either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science with a major in Mathematics or a combined major in Mathematics may apply to do an honours certificate. Students must fulfill the requirements for the honours degree listed above and meet the University regulations regarding honours certificates.

Concentration in Mathematics

To obtain a concentration in Mathematics, students must fulfill the following requirements:
❏ MATH 1113, 1114, 2211, 2221, 2222, 2225
❏ MATH 3311 or 3325
❏ an additional 0.5 unit of MATH at the 3000 level or above (may include the other of MATH 3311 or 3325 but may not include 3303 or 3304)

Concentration in Applied Statistics

To obtain a concentration in Applied Statistics, students must fulfill the following requirements:
❏ MATH 1113, 1114, 2206, 2208, 2209, 2284, 3303 and 3304

Minor in Mathematics

To obtain a minor in Mathematics, students must fulfill the following requirements:
❏ MATH 1113 and 1114
❏ At least 1.0 unit of the following: MATH 2211, 2212, 2221, 2222 and 2225
❏ 1.0 additional units of MATH at the 2000 level or above, excluding MATH 2462, 2463 & 2465
Note: Students who wish to include more than one unit of MATH 2206, 2208, 2209, 2283 and 2284 should consider the Statistics minor or the Applied Statistics minor.

Minor in Statistics

To obtain a minor in Statistics, students must fulfill the following requirements:
❏ MATH 1113, 1114, 2206, 2208 and 2209
❏ MATH 3303 or 3304

Minor in Applied Statistics

To obtain a minor in Applied Statistics, students must fulfill the following requirements:
❏ MATH 2208, 2209, 3303 and 3304
❏ 1.0 unit selected from MATH 1113, 2283 and 2284

Note: Because of the overlap with Mathematics major and minor requirements, students who major in Mathematics must satisfy the minor requirement for their degree in an area other than Applied Statistics or Statistics. Minors in Mathematics, Statistics and in Applied Statistics cannot be used to satisfy the requirements of the “double minor” option of the Bachelor of Arts or of the Bachelor of Science. Any students who satisfy existing degree requirements and complete the above-noted sequence of courses shall be acknowledged in the usual way as having done the minor in Applied Statistics.

Academic Note: This web-based calendar information is applicable for the 2024-2025 academic year which runs from September 01, 2024 to August 31, 2025.

For information on previous years, please consult the University Academic Calendars web page.

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