Course FAQs

What math classes can I take at Wellesley?

The Math Department offers many math courses at many levels! Here are some classes you can take at each point of your math journey.  See the math/major map and the major/minor requirements!

Getting started:

• 115 Calculus I and 115z Applied Calculus I  [Required for Math Major/Minor]

• 123 Mathematics and Politics

• First Year Seminars, e.g., 124Y Discrete Mathematics [For First Years Only]

After 115/115z:

• 116 Calculus II [Required for Math Major/Minor]

After 116/120:

• 205 Multivariable Calculus [Required for Math Major/Minor]

• 215 Differential Equations

• 223 Number Theory [Intro to Proof Class, Intro to some ideas in Math 305 Abstract Algebra]

• 225 Combinatorics [Intro to Proof Class, Important Prerequisite for CS Major]

After 205:

• 206 Linear Algebra [Required for Math Major/Minor, important for Mathematics in general, Intro to Proof Class]

• STAT 218 Introductory Statistics and Data Analysis [Intro Statistics Class with foundations in Calculus. You can also learn R]

• 220 Probability [Required for Statistics Minor]

After 206:

• 305 Abstract Algebra [Required for Math Major]

• 302 Real Analysis [Required for Math Major]

After 305:

• 302 Real Analysis [Required for Math Major, but doesn't require 305]

• 306 Topics in Abstract Algebra [Topics depend on professor]

• 309 Foundations of Mathematics [Requires either 305 or 302]

• 322 Advanced Linear Algebra

• 325 Graph Theory [ Requires 225 and either 305 or 302]

• 326 Combinatorics [Requires 225 and 305 as a Corequisite]

After 302:

• 305 Abstract Algebra [Required for Math Major, but doesn't require 302]

• 303 Topics in Analysis [Topics depend on professor]

• 307 Topology [Requires 305 as a Corequisite]

• 309 Foundations of Mathematics [Requires either 305 or 302]

• 310 Complex Analysis 

• 325 Graph Theory [ Requires 225 and either 305 or 302]

After taking both 302 and 305:

Any 300 level is fair game! 

Note: 340 Calderwood Seminar: Explaining Math [Typically requires 305 and 302, but 302 can be Corequisite with permission of instructor]

I am interested in Stat/Data Science! What classes can I take?

Wellesley offers many Stat classes! Check the Stat minor requirements here.

• 150 Introduction to Data Literacy: Everyday Applications [Intro Statistics Class with no Calculus]

• 160 Fundamentals of Statistics [Intro Statistics Class with no Calculus. R is taught]

• 218 Introductory Statistics and Data Analysis [Intro Statistics Class with foundations in Calculus. R is taught]

• 220 Probability [Same as MATH 220]

• 221 Statistical Inference [Requires 220]

• 228 Multivariate Data Analysis[Requires 205 and 218/260/318]

• 260 Applied Data Analytics and Statistical Inference [Requires Introductory Statistics Course, Can be skipped if taken QAI summer course]

• 309 Causal Inference

• 318 Regression Analytics and Statistical Models [Requires 205, 206, and STAT 218/STAT 160/ECON 103/STAT 260]

• 320 Introduction to Bayesian Statistical Methods [Requires 205, Introductory Statistics Course or a Statistical modeling course (QR 260/STAT 260/STAT 318/QAI Summer Course), Corequisite 220]

For Data Science, refer to the major requirements page. 

Note: In May 2023, the Academic Council approved a new major for data science. Starting in the academic year 2023-2024, students who wish to declare a data science major need to follow the new major requirements, which designates Data Science as a regular major instead of a structured individual major. The differences between the old and new major requirements can be found in this document. 

What is proof writing all about?  Which 200-level courses include introductions to writing proofs?   

Proof writing is the way mathematicians argue that something is true - it's really just writing a complete, fully logical mathematical argument out in words (and mathematical symbols too).   Even though there are some useful approaches and specific conventions for writing proofs, learning to write proofs (with its emphasis on writing logically, concisely, and clearly) will strengthen your writing in general.

Here are the 200-level courses that include introductions to proof writing: 

• 206 Linear Algebra [Required for Math Major]

• 223 Number Theory [Introduces some ideas in 305]

• 225 Combinatorics [Required for CS Major]

• Sometimes first year seminars (whose topics vary) also include an introduction.   

I just took 206 and am planning to eventually take some 300-level classes, what courses should I take next?

There is no single "right" next course to take  after 206. It depends on your interests and needs! Here are a few things to keep in mind. 

• Some students find it valuable to take a few 200-level proof classes so as to solidify their proof skills before advancing to the 300-levels. 

• Students whose proof skills are already strong after Math 206 often immediately take a 300-level next. They also sometimes take other 200-levels courses first or take one at each level.  

• Talk to your 206 prof and/or major advisor for more advice!  

Should I take 302 or 305 first?

Depends on you and your needs/interests! Since Abstract Algebra builds on ideas/proof techniques from 206 (the prereq for both classes), many students opt to take 305 first since the progression is natural. Some take 223 alongside or before 305 as it introduces some ideas from 305, and some students elect to take 302 first based on their interests or schedule.  Many students  take other 200-level classes before or alongside whichever class they choose one.   Talk to a math professor about your particular situation.

What classes can I take at MIT? Should I take a class there?

Check the MIT course browser for  courses! 

• It is typically recommended to take MIT classes after you've taken a substantial number of mathematics classes at Wellesley, including ones at the 300-level (though of course particular situations may change that advice).  

Taking an MIT class can be a good experience if you are considering going to grad school, since it gives you a feel for what a department with a grad program can feel like.  There are larger classes and usually less professor involvement. However, before deciding to take a class, think of the costs:

• • Commuting takes a huge chunk of time (Less time for office hours for both MIT and Wellesley)

  • Pacing may be faster

  • Less personal attention from professors

  • Can be hard to make study groups if there are no other Wellesley students in the class

Where can I do math outside of class?

Check out our Math/Stat Outside of Class page!   Within the curriculum, there are two  kinds of Honors opportunities for seniors:  

• • Research and write a thesis over the course of your senior year

  • Take a series of honors exams in the spring of your senior year

There are also occasionally opportunities for Independent Studies - speak with faculty if you are curious about learning more.