Getting Started

During their first two years of study, most MTH / STA majors complete a Calculus sequence (ending with Calculus III, MTH 252 or MTH 252.H), Linear Algebra (MTH 222) and one to three additional Mathematics or Statistics courses. Students may begin the statistics sequence (STA 301, 401, …) prior to Calculus III but will need Calculus III and either MTH 222 or MTH 231 for higher-level STA courses. An advisor can help you choose additional courses in mathematics or statistics beyond the 200 level. 

It is a good idea to take a computer programming course, such as CSE 174, in your first year. That course will satisfy part of the Related Courses Requirement. Other electives should be carefully selected to apply toward the Foundation part of the Miami Plan, your divisional requirements, and/or to start a base for meeting the remainder of the Related Courses requirement. 

Each year a number of students qualify for a head start in our programs by having passed an Advanced Placement Examination of the Educational Testing Service in calculus or statistics. The following table gives details:

Exam 

Score 

AP Credit 

Starting Course 

Statistics 

3, 4 or 5 

STA 261 

STA 363 (Statistical Methods Minor) or 

STA 401 (after completing the Calc II prerequisite) 

Calculus AB 

3 

MTH 151 

MTH 249 (or drop back to MTH 153, see Note 2) 

Calculus AB 

4 or 5 

MTH 151 

MTH 249 or 249.H 

Calculus BC 

3 

MTH 151, 251 

MTH 252 (or drop back to MTH 249, see Note 3) 

Calculus BC 

4 or 5 

MTH 151, 251 

MTH 252 or 222.T/331.T (See Note 5) 

Notes on Fall Offerings 

1. At most 14 semester hours of calculus count towards graduation. 

2. A student with AP credit for MTH 151-251 may choose to 'drop back' or repeat Calculus II by taking MTH 249. In this case, the student ends up with a total of 10 credits—5 from AP and 5 from MTH 249. 

3. MTH 249 is offered Fall Term only with enrollment limited to incoming first-year students. MTH 249.H is the honors version, intended for students who have credit for MTH 151 and: have earned a 5 on the AB Advanced Placement Calculus exam, or have scored 31 or higher on the ACT, or have scored 1350 or higher on the SAT. 

4. MTH 222.T and MTH 331.T are special versions of 222 and 331 that are combined to create a single 5-hour course. It is necessary to register for both courses separately, however. Students who have credit for Calculus I and II, and have shown strong interest and talent in mathematics, should consider MTH 222.T/331.T. Admission to this course requires the permission of the instructor. Contact the instructor or a mathematics advisor.