Academic Advising Resource Center

Mathematics

Why take courses in Mathematics?

Oberlin's Mathematics program nourishes curious minds interested in creative and collaborative problem solving through formal and quantitative reasoning. Students develop a quantitative toolbox, and critical frame of mind, preparing them for careers in a range of fields, for instance: careers in research mathematics, in data analytics, in actuarial work, or in teaching mathematics. 

What kinds of questions does Mathematics explore?

  • What are the foundations of logical reasoning and proof? 

  • How can the concepts of infinity and limits be quantified?
  • How can we create models that capture analytical data from the natural world?

 

What advice would you give students interested in taking courses in Mathematics?

Our courses develop skills that serve many interests and fields of studies, whether you are interested in pursuing mathematics as a major or applying mathematics and statistics to model and analyze phenomena in the social or natural sciences. Depending on your interests and your background, the Mathematics Department will help you identify appropriate first courses. Refer to the Options for First Mathematics and Statistics Course page for brief advice for students (and advisors) to help decide on the appropriate math class to start.

Students who took calculus in high school, even if they did not receive AP credit, are recommended to start at least with Calculus II (MATH 134). The Mathematics Department will not allow students to repeat classes they have taken elsewhere before.

Taking Courses

Placement Survey

The Placement Survey is required only for students interested in enrolling in either MATH 130 (Foundations for Calculus), or  MATH 133 (Calculus I). MATH 130 prepares students who want to take MATH 133 but did not arrive at Oberlin with the necessary level of mathematical preparation.

Classes beyond MATH 130/133 (in particular, MATH 134: Calculus II) do not require taking the placement survey; students can enroll without consent.

Courses for non-majors or general interest

  • MATH 133 or MATH 134, MATH 220, STAT 113 or STAT 205.

Getting started in the major

Potential mathematics majors should take both MATH 220 and MATH 231, in either order, followed by MATH 232.

    Advanced Placement Credit 

    Students may transfer the below listed test scores toward graduation requirements:

    AP Calculus AB (score of 4 or 5) as MATH 133

    AP Calculus BC (score of 3 (with AP Calculus AB subscore of 4 or 5)) as MATH 133

    AP Calculus BC (score of 4 or 5) as MATH 133 and MATH 134

    HL-IB Mathematics AI (score of 6 or 7) as MATH 133

    HL-IB Mathematics AA (score of 5) as MATH 133

    HL-IB Mathematics AA (score of 6 or 7) as MATH 133 and MATH 134

    MATH 133 and 134 do not fulfill any portion of a Mathematics major or minor requirement.  Mathematics does not accept any AP or HL-IB credits for application toward major requirements. Refer to the AP/IB chart for complete information about AP test scores. 

    For STAT classes, AP/IB scores are not accepted for transfer credit. There are two options for a first course in statistics, STAT 113 and STAT 205. Students with a score of 3 on the AP Statistics exam, students who are reasonably comfortable with introductory statistics, or who have a strong mathematical background (even with no statistics background), should take STAT 205 instead of STAT 113.

    Majoring in Mathematics

    Please refer to the Oberlin College Mathematics Major Flow Chart for valuable information regarding the major. See the catalog for additional details about major requirements.

    Related Areas of Study

    Chemistry; Computer Science; Data Science; Economics; Geosciences; Physics; Statistics

    Learn More

    Mathematics Major Requirements
    Mathematics Department