On this page:

• I think I want to major in mathematics, what courses should I take? 
• Which courses can I take to help me decide if I want to major in math?
• Which courses can I take in the department if I have chosen another major?
• What kinds of jobs do graduates who majored in mathematics have?
• What are the volunteer or service learning opportunities in this department?
• Does this department sponsor any special programs or internships?
• Can I major in mathematics and still study abroad?
• How could I decide if I might like mathematics?
• Do I need any special computer equipment for courses in this department?
• What are the major requirements?
• How can I major in mathematics and complete a minor in education?
• What are the minor requirements in mathematics? 

Q. I think I want to major in mathematics, what courses should I take?
A. Depending on placement, MAT 1117 (Calculus I), MAT 1118 (Calculus II), or MAT 2224 (Foundations of Mathematics).

Q. Which courses can I take to help me decide if I want to major in math?
A. A calculus course and MAT 2224.

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Q. Which courses can I take in the department if I have chosen another major?
A. There are several dual majors with mathematics available. You could also take some (or all) of the courses listed in the minor.

Computer Science-Mathematics Dual Major (67 hours)

• Computer Science 1106, 1107, 2201, 2210
• Two additional courses chosen from Computer Science 2205, 2208, and 2213
• Three additional four-credit courses in Computer Science at the 2000 level or higher
• Mathematics 1118, 2218, 2224, 3305, 4406
• Two additional mathematics courses at the 2000 level or higher
• Two hours of Mathematics Problem Seminar
• 1 credit Capstone Experience in either Computer Science or Mathematics

Mathematics with Secondary (7-12) Teacher Certification (78 hours)

• Mathematics 1118, 2218, 2224, 3305, 3310,3316, 3322, 4406, 4494
• One 4-credit course at the 2000 level or higher (excluding MA 2241)
• One hour of Mathematics Problem Seminar
• Computer Science 1106
• Education 1141, 2240, 3344
• Semester in Education: 3327, 3320, 4432, 4434
• Psychology 1106, 3306

Mathematics-Biology Dual Major (66 hours)

• Mathematics 1118, 2218, 2224, 3304, 3305, 3323, 4494
• One hour of Mathematics Problem Seminar
• Computer Science 1106
• Biology 1111, 1112 (with Laboratory)
• Four additional courses at the 2000-3000 level to be chosen from at least three of the four biological course groups (see Biology Major Requirements) and including at least 2 laboratory courses, and a Capstone Experience
• Chemistry 1103, 1104
• Physics 1101

Mathematics-Economics Dual Major (62 hours)

• Mathematics 1118, 2218, 2219, 2224, 3305, 3323, 4494
• One 4-credit course chosen from: Mathematics 3324, 3328, or 3335
• One hour of Mathematics Problem Seminar
• Computer Science 1106
• Economics 2201, 3303, 3320, 4405*
• Two courses of Economics electives at the 3000-4000 level
• Statistics 2216

Mathematics-Physics Dual Major (63 hours)

• Mathematics 1118, 2218, 2224, 3304,3316, 3323
• Two hours of Mathematics Problem Seminar
• Computer Science 1106, 2210
• Physics 1101, 1102, 2204, 2211, 2212, 3311
• One 4-credit course chosen from Physics 2209, 3307, 3309, 3312
• Mathematics 4494 or Physics 4491  

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Q. What kinds of jobs do graduates who majored in mathematics have?
A. Our graduates have been very successful in obtaining positions in a variety of areas including computer corporations, insurance companies, communications firms, health services, school systems, and government agencies. Because mathematics students are involved in problem solving from the very beginning of their studies at McDaniel College, they are especially in demand by corporate and government recruiters.

Many have pursued graduate study as schools such as the University of Texas-Austin, Harvard University, the University of Virginia, Cornell University, the University of Michigan, North Carolina State University, the University of Maryland Baltimore, the University of California at Berkeley, Brandeis University, North Carolina State University, the Johns Hopkins University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Washington University at St. Louis, University of Maryland, Michigan State University, SUNY at Stony Brook, and the University of Pennsylvania. All have received either fellowships or assistantships which funded their studies at either the Master's or Ph.D. level.


While most students do graduate work in the mathematical sciences, we have one student currently in a Ph.D. program in economics at Washington University in St. Louis and another in the Law School at the University of Maryland.


Frequently our graduates return to discuss career opportunities in mathematics and computer science at annual Career Nights. In the last few years graduates with the following positions have been back on campus:

• Senior programmer/analyst, Sentient HealthCare
• Mathematician, Pentagon
• Systems engineer EDS
• Senior Actuarial Assistant, USF&G Insurance Co.
• Cartographer, Defense Mapping Agency
• Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Credit Analyst, Maryland Bank Statistician, National Agricultural Statistics Service
• NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
• Vice President, Dean Witter Reynolds Chief, Computer Science Division, Department of Defense(NSA)
• Director of Financial Planning, Denny's Restaurants
• Senior Computer Programmer, National Geographic Society
• Senior Accountant, Homewood Hospital Center
• Assistant Circulation Director, Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine
• Vice President IIT Research Institute
• Programming Analyst, Datatel Corporation

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Q. Does this department sponsor any special programs or internships?
A. We sponsor independent studies, undergraduate research projects, and senior honors projects. There is also an opportunity for our majors to serve as (paid) tutors for some of the freshman classes. 

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Q. Can I major in mathematics and still study abroad?
A. Yes

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Q. How could I decide if I might like mathematics?
A. If you like to solve problems, or work on mental puzzles chances are that you will enjoy mathematics.

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Q. Do I need any special computer equipment for courses in this department?
A. No 

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Q. What are the major requirements?
A. Mathematics Basic Major (47 hours): 

• Mathematics 1118, 2218, 2219, 2224, 3305, 3316, 4406, 4494*
• Three 4-credit courses at the 2000 level or higher (excluding MAT2241), one of which can be a computer science course
• Two hours of Mathematics Problem Seminar
• Computer Science 1106

*Capstone Experience

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Q. How can I major in mathematics and complete a minor in education?
A. Mathematics with Secondary (7-12) Teacher Certification (78 hours):

• Mathematics 1118, 2218, 2224, 3305, 3310,3316, 3322, 4406, 4494
• One 4-credit course at the 2000 level or higher (excluding MA 2241)
• One hour of Mathematics Problem Seminar
• Computer Science 1106
• Education 1141, 2240, 3344
• Semester in Education: 3327, 3320, 4432, 4434
• Psychology 1106, 3306  

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Q. What are the minor requirements in mathematics?
A. Mathematics Minor (24 hours):

• Mathematics 1118, 2218, 2224
• Three courses from: Mathematics 2207, 2210, 2219, 3304, 3305, 3316, 3323, 3324, 3328, 3335, 3336, or 4406

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