The Elective Program
To complete the degree, three elective mathematics courses totaling at least seven credits are required. All electives must be numbered over 100 (some off-campus math courses numbered in the 100s that replicate HMC Core course content may not be counted toward the elective requirement).
The elective program will be designed by the student in consultation with their advisor. Courses outside of mathematics may be counted toward the elective program if approved by petition to the department. Courses that are cross-listed between computer science and mathematics, such as Complexity Theory, which appears as both and , can be taken under either course number.
To assist students in designing their elective program, the department has prepared a variety of sample programs. These sample programs list courses that support a wide range of career goals in academics, business, or industry. About half of our graduates immediately join the workforce and about half enter graduate school. Several sample elective programs are listed below. In each of these samples, the first two courses are strongly recommended; at least one additional course is to be selected in order to complete the elective program. We emphasize that sample elective programs are advisory. Students may follow a sample program or design one of their own.