The Mathematics major’s named options allow students to develop a deep understanding of how the subject relates to other areas of human inquiry. The requirements for these options feature mathematics courses with topics inspired by and commonly applied to problems in these associated fields. Though often paired with a second major in a related area, these programs function well alone and are suited to any mathematics student with a variety of interests. Students interested in a named option are recommended to meet with an advisor to navigate the various plans and courses available to them. Advising information can be found on the BA or BS pages.
The named options do not support Honors in the Major.
Requirements
The Mathematics for Economics and Finance program requires at least 10 courses for at least 30 credits as described below.
Core Math Requirement
Complete at least six MATH courses for at least 18 credits.
Linear Algebra
Complete one course from the list below. Only one of these courses will be used to fulfill minimum course/credit requirements for the major.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 341 | Linear Algebra | 3-5 |
| or MATH 320 | Linear Algebra and Differential Equations | |
| or MATH 340 | Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra | |
| or MATH 345 | Linear Algebra and Optimization | |
| or MATH 375 | Topics in Multi-Variable Calculus and Linear Algebra | |
Differential Equations
Complete one course from the list below. At most one course in Introductory Differential Equations (MATH 319, MATH 320, and MATH 376) may be used to fulfill the course/credit requirements for the major. If a student takes MATH 320 to complete the Linear Algebra requirement, they may also use that course for this requirement. The course and credits will count only once toward the course/credit requirements for the major.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 319 | Techniques in Ordinary Differential Equations | 3 |
| or MATH 320 | Linear Algebra and Differential Equations | |
| or MATH 376 | Topics in Multi-Variable Calculus and Differential Equations | |
| MATH 322 | Applied Mathematical Analysis 2: Partial Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 415 | Applied Dynamical Systems, Chaos and Modeling | 3 |
| MATH 519 | Ordinary Differential Equations | 3 |
Transition to Advanced Mathematics
Complete one course or sequence from the list below. If a student takes MATH 341 or MATH 375 to complete the Linear Algebra requirement, they may also use that course for this requirement. If a student takes MATH 322 to complete the Differential Equations requirement, they may also use that course for this requirement in sequence with MATH 321. In these situations, the course and credits will count only once toward the course/credit requirements for the major.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 341 | Linear Algebra | 3-5 |
| or MATH 375 | Topics in Multi-Variable Calculus and Linear Algebra | |
| MATH 421 | The Theory of Single Variable Calculus | 3 |
| MATH 321 & MATH 322 | Applied Mathematical Analysis 1: Vector and Complex Calculus and Applied Mathematical Analysis 2: Partial Differential Equations | 6 |
Analysis
Complete one course from:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 521 | Analysis I | 3 |
MATH Electives
Complete at least six MATH courses for at least 18 credits to satisfy the overall requirements of the major by choosing additional MATH courses from the lists below.
At least one MATH elective must be chosen from the list of Advanced MATH Elective courses. The remaining courses required to reach the required minimum courses and credits may be chosen from either the list of Advanced MATH Elective courses or the Additional MATH Electives.
Advanced MATH Elective
If a student takes MATH 519 to complete the Differential Equations requirement, they may also use that course for this requirement. The course and credits will count only once toward the course/credit requirements for the major.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH/COMP SCI 513 | Numerical Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH/COMP SCI 514 | Numerical Analysis | 3 |
| MATH 519 | Ordinary Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 522 | Analysis II | 3 |
| MATH/COMP SCI/I SY E/STAT 525 | Linear Optimization | 3 |
| MATH 531 | Probability Theory | 3 |
| MATH 535 | Mathematical Methods in Data Science | 3 |
| MATH 540 | Linear Algebra II | 3 |
| MATH 616 | Data-Driven Dynamical Systems, Stochastic Modeling and Prediction | 3 |
| MATH 619 | Analysis of Partial Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 627 | Introduction to Fourier Analysis | 3 |
| MATH 629 | Introduction to Measure and Integration | 3 |
| MATH/I SY E/OTM/STAT 632 | Introduction to Stochastic Processes | 3 |
| MATH 635 | An Introduction to Brownian Motion and Stochastic Calculus | 3 |
Additional MATH Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH/STAT 310 | Introduction to Probability and Mathematical Statistics II | 3 |
| MATH 321 | Applied Mathematical Analysis 1: Vector and Complex Calculus | 3 |
| MATH 322 | Applied Mathematical Analysis 2: Partial Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 415 | Applied Dynamical Systems, Chaos and Modeling | 3 |
| MATH 421 | The Theory of Single Variable Calculus | 3 |
| MATH/COMP SCI/I SY E 425 | Introduction to Combinatorial Optimization | 3 |
| MATH/STAT 431 | Introduction to the Theory of Probability | 3 |
| or STAT/MATH 309 | Introduction to Probability and Mathematical Statistics I | |
At most one course in Introductory Probability (STAT/MATH 309 and MATH/STAT 431) may be used to fulfill the course/credit requirements for the major. | ||
| MATH 443 | Applied Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 444 | Graphs and Networks in Data Science | 3 |
| MATH/COMP SCI/STAT 475 | Introduction to Combinatorics | 3 |
Economics/Finance Requirement
Complete at least four courses for at least 12 credits. Each course that satisfies this requirement must be distinct from those satisfying any part of the Core Math requirement. Courses below may have prerequisites outside of the requirements for this named option.
Introductory Sequence
Complete one sequence from:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECON 311 & ECON 312 | Intermediate Microeconomic Theory - Advanced Treatment and Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory - Advanced Treatment | 6 |
| ECON 301 & ECON 302 | Intermediate Microeconomic Theory and Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory | 8 |
| FINANCE/ECON 300 & FINANCE/ECON 320 | Introduction to Finance and Investment Theory | 6 |
Economics/Finance Electives
To reach the four courses and 12 credits required, students may complete additional courses from the MATH electives lists above or any of the following courses.
Approved Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECON 400 | Introduction to Applied Econometrics | 4 |
| ECON 410 | Introductory Econometrics | 4 |
| ECON/A A E 421 | Economic Decision Analysis | 4 |
| ECON 435 | The Financial System | 3 |
| ECON 441 | Analytical Public Finance | 3-4 |
| ECON 442 | Macroeconomic Policy | 3-4 |
| ECON 448 | Human Resources and Economic Growth | 3-4 |
| ECON 450 | Wages and the Labor Market | 3-4 |
| ECON 455 | Behavioral Economics | 3-4 |
| ECON 458 | Industrial Structure and Competitive Strategy | 3 |
| ECON 460 | Economic Forecasting | 3-4 |
| ECON 461 | International Macroeconomics | 3-4 |
| ECON 464 | International Trade | 3-4 |
| ECON 468 | Industrial Organization and Imperfect Competition | 3-4 |
| ECON 475 | Economics of Growth | 3-4 |
| ECON/FINANCE 503 | Markets with Frictions | 3 |
| ECON 521 | Game Theory and Economic Analysis | 3-4 |
| ECON/A A E 526 | Quantitative Methods in Agricultural and Applied Economics | 4 |
| ECON 621 | Markets and Models | 3-4 |
| ECON 661 | Issues in International Macroeconomics | 3-4 |
| ECON 664 | Issues in International Trade | 3-4 |
| ECON 666 | Issues in International Finance | 3-4 |
| FINANCE 305 | Financial Markets, Institutions and Economic Activity | 3 |
| FINANCE 325 | Corporation Finance | 3 |
| FINANCE 330 | Derivative Securities | 3 |
| FINANCE 340 | Fixed Income Securities | 3 |
| FINANCE/INTL BUS 445 | Multinational Business Finance | 3 |
Residence and Quality of Work
- 2.000 GPA on all MATH courses and courses eligible for the major.
- This includes all MATH courses (including those cross-listed with MATH), regardless of appearing in the requirements of the program, and any non-MATH course that meets a requirement in the program.
- 2.000 GPA on at least 15 credits of upper level credit in the major.
- This includes all MATH courses numbered 307 and above (including those cross-listed with MATH), regardless of appearing in the requirements of the program, and any non-MATH courses that meet a requirement in the program and carry the Advanced level designation.
- 15 credits in MATH in the major taken on the UW-Madison campus.
- This includes all MATH courses numbered 307 and above (including those cross-listed with MATH), regardless of appearing in the requirements of the program.
Four-Year Plan
This Four-Year Plan is only one way a student may complete an L&S degree with this major. Many factors can affect student degree planning, including placement scores, credit for transferred courses, credits earned by examination, and individual scholarly interests. In addition, many students have commitments (e.g., athletics, honors, research, student organizations, study abroad, work and volunteer experiences) that necessitate they adjust their plans accordingly. Informed students engage in their own unique Wisconsin Experience by consulting their academic advisors, Guide, DARS, and Course Search & Enroll for assistance making and adjusting their plan.
In general, your four year plan in mathematics should be organized along the following sequence:
- Calculus
- Linear Algebra
- Required Transition to Advanced Mathematics course
- Additional 300/400-level courses as needed
- Required Advanced MATH course
- Additional 500/600-level courses
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MATH 221 | 5 | MATH 222 | 4 |
| Literature Breadth | 3 | ECON 101 | 4 |
| Communication A | 3 | Ethnic Studies | 3 |
| Language (if required) | 4 | Language (if required) | 4 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MATH 2341 | 4 | MATH Linear Algebra | 3 |
| Humanities Breadth | 3 | 300/400-level MATH Elective3 | 3 |
| Communication B | 3 | Humanities Breadth | 3 |
| Physical Science Breadth | 3 | Physical Science Breadth | 3 |
| Elective2 | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MATH Differential Equations | 3 | Required Transition to Advanced Math Course | 3 |
| Economics/Finance intro course 1 | 3-4 | Economics/Finance intro course 2 | 3-4 |
| Biological Sciences Breadth | 3 | Biological Sciences Breadth | 3 |
| Literature Breadth | 3 | Physical Science Breadth | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MATH 521 | 3 | 500/600-level MATH Elective | 3 |
| Econ/Finance Elective | 3-4 | Econ/Finance elective | 3-4 |
| Social Science Breadth | 3 | Social Science Breadth | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 2 |
| 15 | 14 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
Students must declare a major by the time they reach Senior standing (86 credits).
Please refer to the Requirements tab in Guide for additional College of Letters & Science Breadth and Degree Requirements as well as Residence and Quality of Work requirements for the major.
- 1
Students should declare the math major upon successful completion of this course
- 2
Students may use this elective to take the second prerequisite for their introductory economics/finance sequence: ECON 102, ACCT I S 100, or ACCT I S 300.
- 3
MATH/STAT 431 or STAT/MATH 309 is recommended since it can be used as the prerequisite for a number of the Economics and Finance courses students can choose in this named option.