The Transfer Student and the Mathematics Major

Students who have completed the equivalent of two years at a community college, four-year college or university and who wish to spend the final two undergraduate years pursuing serious study of mathematics at a major research institution are encouraged to consider carefully the option of transferring as a junior to Cornell's College of Arts and Sciences.

The prerequisites for the mathematics major can be briefly summarized as follows

1. A one-semester introductory linear algebra course covering matrices and linear systems, vector spaces, linear transformations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors;
2. A one-semester course on multivariable differential, integral, and vector calculus that includes at least some of the fundamental theorems relating multiple, line, and surface integrals (i.e., Green's, Stokes', and Divergence Theorems);
3. A unit on infinite series, such as is contained in most second-semester calculus courses.

A transfer student from another college or university who has performed at a high level in courses covering the material of (a) and/or (b) can usually receive transfer credit for the course or courses as equivalents of Cornell's MATH 221 and/or 222, respectively. The student can be accepted into the mathematics major after receiving transfer credit for both of these courses.

Transfer students who have completed fewer than two years at another institution may need to satisfy one or more of the above prerequisites at Cornell before being accepted into the major. One of the requirements for the mathematics major is COM S100, an introduction to elementary computer programming concepts with emphasis on techniques of problem analysis and the development of algorithms and programs. Prospective mathematics majors are advised to satisfy this requirement early in their college careers. In similar fashion, the student at another institution is advised to take, if possible, a course in introductory programming concepts before transferring to Cornell to major in mathematics. The course should include the development of programs in at least one computer programming language. Upon arrival at Cornell, the student should apply to the Computer Science Department for approval of transfer credit for such a course.

For more information: Transfer Students: Admissions Requirements @ Cornell Undergraduate Admissions Office

Last modified:November 10, 2006