Also known as “pure” mathematics, theoretical mathematics explores the basic concepts and structure beneath many math topics ranging from geometry to analysis. With elective options constructed as a part of this track, students are able to personalize the major to meet the needs of their future career/academic goals or highlight particular fields of interest.
Students may review the requirements and sample schedule for the Theoretical Math Track on the 
Math Theoretical Track Requirements and Sample Schedule [pdf] handout.
Students interested in the theoretical math track will be required to complete the following course work, as well as pick 6 hours of electives to highlight their major and field of interest. Many of the other math major tracks offered within the Department of Mathematics have similar core major requirements; the main differences lie within the elective choices that have been previously defined in order to align to each particular career field to which the track applies.
Prerequisite Courses
- Math 1295 Introductory Math Major Seminar (1 cr.)
- Math 1151 Calculus I (5 cr.)
- Math 1152 Calculus II (5 cr.)
Theoretical Track Course Requirements
- Math 2153 Calculus III (4 cr.)
- Math 3345 Foundations of Higher Mathematics (3 cr.)
- Math 2568 Linear Algebra (3 cr.)
- Math 4530 Probability(3 cr.) or Stat 4201 Introduction to Math Statistics I (4 cr.)
- Stat 4202 Introduction to Math Statistics II (4 cr.)
- Math 2255 Differential Equations and Their Applications (3 cr.)
- Math 4547 Introductory Analysis I (3 cr.)
- Math 4548 Introductory Analysis II (3 cr.)
- Math 4580 Abstract Algebra I (3 cr.)
- Math 4581 Abstract Algebra II (3 cr.)
- Math Major Electives (choose two of the following):
- Math 3350 Introduction to Mathematical Biology
- Math 3589 Introduction to Financial Math
- Math 3607 Beginning Scientific Computing
- Math 3618 Theory of Interest
- Math 4350 Quantitative Neuroscience
- Math 4504 History of Mathematics
- Math 4507 Geometry
- Math 4551 Vector Analysis
- Math 4552 Complex Analysis
- Math 4556 Dynamical Systems
- Math 4557 Partial Differential Equations
- Math 4570 Applied Algebraic Topology
- Math 4573 Elementary Number Theory
- Math 4575 Combinatorial Mathematics
- Math 4578 Discrete Mathematical Models
- Math 5001 Introduction to Set Theory
- Math 5051 Introduction to Mathematical Logic
- Math 5101 Linear Math in Finite Dimensions
- Math 5102 Linear Math in Infinite Dimensions
- Math 5451 Calculus of Variations and Tensor Calc
- Math 5529H Honors Combinatorics
- Math 5522H Honors Complex Analysis
- Math 5540H Honors Differential Geometry
- Math 5576H Honors Number Theory
- Math 5601 Essentials of Numerical Methods
- Math 5602 Computational Partial Differential Eqns
- Math 5603 Numerical Linear Algebra
- Math 5632 Financial Economics for Actuaries
- Math 5702 Curves and Surfaces in $\mathbb{E}^3$
- Math 5756 Math Methods in Relativity Theory I
- Math 5757 Math Methods in Relativity Theory II
- Math 5801 General Topology and Knot Theory
Note: Permission to enroll in 5000 level courses require permission of students' academic advisors.
[pdf] - Some links on this page are to .pdf files. If you need these files in a more accessible format, please math@osu.edu . PDF files require the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader software to open them. If you do not have Reader, you may use the following link to Adobe to download it for free at: Adobe Acrobat Reader.
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Sample 4 Year Schedule
Autumn
- Math 4547 or Math 4580 - 3 Credits
- Math Major Elective - 3 Credits
Spring
- Math 4548 or Math 4581 - 3 Credits
- Math Major Elective - 3 Credits
