PROGRAM INFORMATION
Campus: St. John's	Faculty: Faculty of Science
Department: Mathematics and Statistics	Honours available: Yes
Degree(s): Bachelor of arts; Bachelor of science; Joint arts and science degree
Length: Four years
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Pure mathematics involves the study of the core areas of mathematics such as abstract algebra, number theory, geometry, and real and complex analysis. It is also a desirable prerequisite for almost any area of learning since it can serve as an extremely effective tool for training in logical reasoning.

Mathematics and statistics at Memorial

We employ undergraduate students in the Math Help Centre and to mark course assignments. Some of our students qualify for summer research employment funded by the National Science and Engineering Research Council.

We offer major and honours programs leading to either a bachelor of arts (BA) or bachelor of science (B.Sc.) in pure mathematics. Joint programs are also offered in:

• computer science/pure mathematics (B.Sc. major and honours)
• economics/pure mathematics (B.Sc. major)
• pure mathematics/statistics (B.Sc. honours)

Admission requirements

You may apply for admission into the Faculty Science or the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences by indicating bachelor of science or bachelor of arts, respectively, as your program choice on the undergraduate application for admission.

Direct entry into the Faculty of Science or the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences from high school is subject to meeting the general admission requirements for Memorial University, including appropriate courses in mathematics and a laboratory science for bachelor of science. Applicants without a laboratory science subject should apply for bachelor of arts.

Admission to the major for B.Sc. students

You cannot choose pure mathematics as your major at the time of application. After completion of 15 credit hours of study, you may request permission to declare a major in pure mathematics from the Department of Mathematics & Statistics. 

B.Sc. students must complete the following core degree requirements:

• six credit hours in critical reading and writing (CRW) courses, including at least three credit hours in English
• six credit hours in mathematics
• six credit hours in courses from each of two sciences other than mathematics

It is recommended that you complete the core degree requirements in your first year of study.

Admission to the major for BA students

You cannot choose pure mathematics as your major at the time of application. After completion of 15 credit hours of study, you may request permission to declare a major in pure math from the program officer in the Department of Mathematics & Statistics.

Students are strongly recommended to complete the BA core degree requirements in the first year of study.

Sample first year

Wondering what courses you would take in your first year? Check out a sample program of suggested courses for mathematics students. 

Sample courses beyond first year

MATH 2320 - Discrete Mathematics
MATH 3202 - Vector Calculus
MATH 3320 - Abstract Algebra

Career opportunities

A bachelor of science degree, with a major in pure mathematics, prepares students for a variety of careers including:

• accountant
• actuary
• investment banker
• personal finance adviser
• risk analyst
• risk management specialist
• software specialist
• teacher

Note: some of these careers may call for supplementary education or preparation in the form of graduate studies, experiential learning or professional courses and exams.