Advising FAQs

The questions below cover what comes up most often about the math major, placement, credit, and choosing your math courses at Lafayette. Still have a question? Reach out to your advisor.

Placement Questions

Which math course should I take first?

It depends on your intended major. If you’re planning a major that requires calculus at the level of MATH 161 or above (the sciences, engineering, the mathematical sciences), start in MATH 161. MATH 141 is intended for specific majors rather than as a general starting point — for example Economics and certain science tracks — so check whether your intended major accepts it. It’s not an easier version of Calculus 1 and doesn’t substitute for MATH 161; if your major requires 161 and you begin in 141, you’ll need to take 161 as well.

For humanities or arts majors, a course like MATH 104 or MATH 110 satisfies the Common Course of Study quantitative reasoning requirement (https://ccs.lafayette.edu/). Incoming students also complete a Math Survey and online Advising Tests over the summer; these are non-binding and used for advising only. Not sure where to start? Email the Mathematics Placement Committee at math-placement.group@lafayette.edu.

How does AP (or IB / A-level) credit work?

Current departmental policy:

  • Calculus AB, 4 or 5 → MATH 161
  • Calculus BC, 4 or 5 → MATH 161 and MATH 162
  • Calculus BC, 3 → MATH 161
  • Statistics, 4 or 5 → MATH 186

Make sure your scores reach the College. Policies can change, so the Registrar’s page is the authoritative source and covers IB, A-levels, and transfer credit: https://registrar.lafayette.edu/additional-resources/ap-ib-exam-information/. If your score earns credit, you may waive it and take the course instead.

I did well in high school calculus but don't have credit, can I still start higher?

Yes, if you demonstrate the prerequisite. To register above MATH 161, you need credit for the prerequisite or a passing score on a Credit Exam given during Orientation. Note: passing the MATH 161 credit exam doesn’t grant 161 credit immediately; it lets you register for MATH 162, and once you pass 162 you receive credit for both. The same applies to the 162 and 263 exams. We don’t accept dual-enrollment credit for courses taught at your high school.

What are the Advising Tests — do they place me into a course or grant credit?

No to both. We advise, we don’t place: the department doesn’t assign you to a course or tell you what to take, so if you hear you were “placed” in MATH 141 or 161, that’s not quite right. Incoming students complete a short Math Survey and up to three online Advising Tests (A covers precalculus, B covers MATH 161 material, C covers MATH 162 material). The results are non-binding and for advising only — they don’t grant or withhold credit and don’t stop you from registering for any course. They simply help you decide whether reviewing some precalculus first would set you up well for calculus. Advanced placement credit is earned separately, through AP/IB/A-level scores or a Credit Exam.

Advice for Majors

I’m thinking about graduate school in math/stat—what should I know?

Plan early, because the strongest preparation involves courses that build on one another. What you’ll want depends on the kind of program you’re aiming for.

Master’s in statistics or data science. Courses in probability and mathematical statistics are the foundation, and a course in regression is highly recommended. Substantial computing experience matters a great deal for these programs — take advantage of opportunities to build it.

PhD in statistics or applied mathematics. Ideally pursue the theoretical track of the major (AB or BS). At a minimum it is strongly recommended to take Real Analysis and Vector Spaces. Research experience is a significant part of a competitive application — an REU, an honors thesis, or an EXCEL project. Fill your electives with courses that complement your chosen program.

PhD in theoretical mathematics. Complete the BS mathematics major and take as many additional mathematics courses as electives.  Again, seek out research experience through an REU, thesis, or EXCEL project.

In every case, talk with your advisor or any faculty member in the department early on. We’re glad to help you shape a course plan and find research opportunities that fit your interests.

When are specific math courses offered?

Please see our course flowchart which details when courses are offered and course dependencies.

Note: timing of courses is subject to change, always consult your advisor. 

I'm considering a major in the mathematical sciences — what should I know early on?

All our majors share four core courses (MATH 161, 162, 263, and 272), so you don’t need to pick a specific major or track until you’ve finished them. Take MATH 272 as early as you can. The published requirements are minimums — we encourage you to keep taking electives that interest you.