10 Complete Checklists For Applying To A Math Minor At Umass Amherst

Applying to a math minor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a great way to enhance your undergraduate degree and open up new career opportunities. To ensure a successful application, it's essential to follow a comprehensive checklist. Here are 10 complete checklists to guide you through the process:

Checklist 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the math minor at UMass Amherst, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a currently enrolled undergraduate student at UMass Amherst
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
• Have completed at least 12 credits of college-level coursework
• Have a strong foundation in mathematics, with a minimum grade of C in MATH 131 (Calculus I) and MATH 132 (Calculus II)

It’s crucial to review the eligibility requirements carefully and ensure you meet all the conditions before proceeding with your application.

Additional Requirements for Non-Math Majors

If you’re not a math major, you may need to complete additional coursework to demonstrate your proficiency in mathematics. This may include:

• Taking mathematical proof courses, such as MATH 300 (Introduction to Mathematical Proof)
• Completing a mathematics placement exam to assess your math skills

Consult with the math department to determine the specific requirements for non-math majors.

Course	Credits	Prerequisites
MATH 131	4	MATH 127 or equivalent
MATH 132	4	MATH 131 or equivalent
MATH 300	3	MATH 132 or equivalent

Checklist 2: Choose Your Math Minor Concentration

The math minor at UMass Amherst offers several concentrations, including:

• Pure Mathematics: Focuses on theoretical mathematics, including topics like number theory and algebraic geometry
• Applied Mathematics: Emphasizes the application of mathematical techniques to real-world problems, including statistics and computational mathematics
• Mathematics Education: Prepares students to teach mathematics at the secondary level, with courses in mathematics education and pedagogy

Select a concentration that aligns with your interests and career goals.

Concentration Requirements

Each concentration has specific course requirements, which may include:

• Pure Mathematics: MATH 411 (Introduction to Number Theory), MATH 421 (Introduction to Algebraic Geometry)
• Applied Mathematics: MATH 331 (Introduction to Statistics), MATH 341 (Introduction to Computational Mathematics)
• Mathematics Education: MATH 301 (Introduction to Mathematics Education), MATH 401 (Mathematics Pedagogy)

Review the course catalog and consult with the math department to ensure you’re meeting all the requirements for your chosen concentration.

Checklist 3: Complete the Required Coursework

The math minor at UMass Amherst requires a minimum of 18 credits of coursework, including:

• Core courses: MATH 131, MATH 132, MATH 233 (Calculus III)
• Elective courses: Choose from a variety of math courses, including linear algebra, differential equations, and probability

Ensure you’re taking the required courses and meeting the minimum credit requirement.

Course Planning

Plan your coursework carefully to ensure you’re meeting all the requirements and staying on track to graduate. Consider:

• Course sequencing: Take courses in the correct order, with prerequisites met
• Course load: Balance your coursework with other academic and extracurricular responsibilities

Consult with the math department and your academic advisor to create a personalized course plan.

Checklist 4: Meet with the Math Department

Schedule a meeting with the math department to:

• Discuss your application: Review your eligibility and ensure you’re meeting all the requirements
• Choose your concentration: Get guidance on selecting a concentration that aligns with your interests and career goals
• Plan your coursework: Create a personalized course plan to ensure you’re meeting all the requirements and staying on track to graduate

This meeting is an essential step in the application process, so be sure to schedule it well in advance.

Department Contact Information

Don’t hesitate to reach out to the math department with questions or concerns:

• Phone: 413-545-2859
• Email: math@umass.edu
• Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Stay in touch with the math department throughout your application process.

Checklist 5: Submit Your Application

Once you’ve met with the math department and completed the required coursework, submit your application:

• Online application: Complete the online application form, available on the UMass Amherst website
• Transcripts: Submit official transcripts from all previous academic institutions
• Letters of recommendation: Provide letters of recommendation from academic or professional references

Ensure you’re submitting all the required materials and meeting the application deadline.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the math minor at UMass Amherst is:

• February 15th for fall semester admission
• October 15th for spring semester admission

Plan ahead and submit your application well in advance of the deadline.

Checklist 6: Complete Any Additional Requirements

Depending on your concentration and coursework, you may need to complete additional requirements, such as:

• Mathematics placement exam: Assess your math skills and determine your placement in math courses
• Practicum or internship: Gain practical experience in mathematics, either through a practicum or internship

Review the course catalog and consult with the math department to determine if you need to complete any additional requirements.

Practicum or Internship Opportunities

Take advantage of practicum or internship opportunities to gain hands-on experience in mathematics:

• Mathematics research: Participate in research projects, either on campus or through external organizations
• Mathematics education: Gain experience teaching mathematics, either through student teaching or volunteer work

These opportunities can enhance your academic experience and provide valuable career skills.

Checklist 7: Maintain a Strong Academic Record

To remain in good standing in the math minor program, you must:

• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0
• Complete all coursework with a grade of C or higher
• Meet with the math department regularly to review your progress and stay on track

Stay focused on your academic goals and maintain a strong record to ensure your success in the program.

Academic Support Services

Take advantage of academic support services to help you succeed in the math minor program:

• Math tutoring: Get one-on-one support from math tutors, either on campus or online