Mathematics at Cornell University

Mathematics is the language of modern science; basic training in the discipline is essential for those who want to understand, as well as for those who want to take part in, the important scientific developments of our time. Acquaintance with mathematics is also extremely useful for students in the social sciences and valuable for anyone interested in the full range of human culture and the ways of knowing the universe in which we live.

The Department of Mathematics faculty has strong and broad groups specializing in algebra, number theory, combinatorics, real and complex analysis, Lie groups, topology and geometry, logic, probability and statistics, mathematical physics, and applied mathematics. Additionally, several other departments at Cornell offer courses which involve a significant amount of advanced mathematical content.  These include computer science, economics, operations research, physics, and statistics. Certain courses in these and other disciplines can be readily integrated into the math major though the various concentrations which are offered.

The department offers a rich variety of undergraduate courses. Additionally, some of the introductory graduate courses are suitable for undergraduates who have completed a rigorous foundation of 4000-level coursework in mathematics. Under some conditions, a student may carry out an independent reading or research project for college credit under the supervision of a faculty member.

Members of the department are available to discuss with students the appropriate course for their levels of ability and interest, and students are urged to avail themselves of this help. Students who want to take any of the courses numbered 3000 or above are invited to confer with the instructor before enrolling.