Program Overview
Major in Mathematics
Introduction
The character of mathematics changes sharply between lower and upper-division courses. The role of computation diminishes and there is a greater emphasis on deductive reasoning. While some students find the theoretical approach more congenial, most find upper-division courses more difficult.
First Upper-Division Math Courses
It is strongly recommended that only students who earned grades of B- or better in all of Math 53, Math 54 or Math 56, and Math 55 apply to the major programs in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics. The advising staff recommend Mathematics 110 as the first upper-division class. Students are more successful in making the transition with this course. Math 104 is a particularly demanding class and should be taken later in the program.
Eligibility to Declare the Major
To be eligible to declare the major in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics, students must meet the following criteria:
- Completion of Math 1A & Math 1B (or equivalent) with average grades of at least "C".
- Completion of Math 53, Math 54 or Math 56, and Math 55 (or equivalent) with minimum grades of "C" in each, or completion of two of those three courses (with minimum grades of "C" in each) and currently enrolled in the third.
- If students have already taken one or more upper division math courses, they should have a grade point average of at least 2.0 from those courses completed at the time of declaration.
Major Declaration Procedures
Students must submit an Application for the Major in Mathematics/Applied Mathematics. Double majors require signatures from both departments.
Honors Program
Information about graduating with honors in Math or Applied Math can be found on the Honors page.
Course Enrollment and CalCentral
Each semester, advising holds are placed on math and applied math majors who have been declared for more than one semester. Mathematics and Applied Mathematics majors must consult with their Faculty Advisor for their first CalCentral registration period after declaring the major.
Credit by Examination
Outstanding lower-division students may choose to fulfill one or more of the lower-division requirements via credit-by-exam. Although the University awards only P/NP grades for credit-by-exam, credit-by-exam in any of the lower division prerequisite classes is acceptable for entry into the major.
Course Equivalency
Equivalency of courses taken at other colleges and universities should be determined early in the application process. Articulation agreements with the California Community Colleges can be found on assist.org.
Program Changes
Students can add or drop courses via CalCentral through the Wednesday of the fourth week of classes. Grading option changes from letter grade to Pass/No Pass or from Pass/No Pass to letter grade can be done via CalCentral through the tenth week of classes.
Minimum and Maximum Limits of Number of Mathematics Courses Taken
Majors must take a minimum of four upper-division courses to establish residency in either of the math majors. The only limitation on the maximum number of upper-division and graduate mathematics courses a major may take is a College of Letters and Science regulation which states that students cannot register beyond the semester in which they surpass their 130th unit.
Passed/Not Passed Grading (P/NP)
Courses taken to fulfill major requirements must be taken for a letter grade. The one exception is four units of Mathematics 199 (offered pass
ot pass only) which may be used if approved by one's Faculty Advisor.
Probation and Dismissal
A mathematics major whose cumulative grade-point average in the upper-division major taken at Berkeley falls below 2.0 will be placed on departmental probation. The departmental grade-point average computation includes both required courses in the major and approved electives.
Additional Academic Assistance
The Undergraduate Program Office maintains a list of tutors for students seeking assistance. There are tutors listed for mathematics courses at all levels, from the most basic, precalculus courses, through upper-division, and even including basic graduate level courses. The Student Learning Center offers group and drop-in tutoring for the basic lower division classes.
Undergraduate
- Major
- Major in Applied Mathematics
- Major in Mathematics
- Major with a Teaching Concentration
- Declaring the Major
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Honors Program
- Minor
- Advising
- Putnam Competition
- Student Learning Goals & Curriculum Map
- Study Abroad
- Undergraduate Research Opportunities
- Career Resources
Research Areas
- Algebra
- Mathematical Analysis
- Applied Mathematics
- Geometry/Topology
- Mathematical Logic
- Probability
Courses
- Overview
- Choosing Courses
- Solid Foundations Project
- High School Exam Credits
- Lower Division Course Outlines
- Honors Courses
- Berkeley Guide
- Course Equivalency
- Enrollment
- Concurrent Enrollment
- Course Offerings
- Spring 2026
- Fall 2025
- Summer 2025
- Spring 2025
- Fall 2024
- Summer 2024
- Previous Semesters
- Tutoring
- Archives
- Exams
- Textbooks
Graduate
- Ph.D. Program
- Preliminary Examination
- Qualifying Examination
- Dissertation Filing
- M.A. in Mathematics
- Admissions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- New Graduate Students
- Funding
- Graduate Fellowships
- Graduate Life
Additional Information
- The Department of Mathematics is adopting new course numbering, effective Fall 2025.
- The character of mathematics changes sharply between lower and upper-division courses.
- Students are more successful in making the transition with Mathematics 110 as their first upper-division class.
- The advising staff recommend that only students who earned grades of B- or better in all of Math 53, Math 54 or Math 56, and Math 55 apply to the major programs in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics.