Major Advising Page: Mathematics
The UW–Madison Department of Mathematics recognizes that diversity in background, experience, and context adds incredible value to mathematical coursework and the learning process. Studying abroad is a great opportunity to learn in a context that may challenge your worldview and open your mind to new possibilities and ideas.
Students from a wide range of majors, fields, and interests can pursue the experience of studying abroad. Studying math abroad enriches your learning and gives you an experience that is not necessarily available at UW–Madison.
Course considerations
You may find courses abroad that will come back to UW–Madison as a direct equivalent to one of our MATH courses. Certain math courses that do not have a direct equivalence may come into UW–Madison as a Topics in Mathematics Study Abroad course (either MATH 207, 407, or 607). Courses must be pre-approved by the Math Department for MATH 207, 407, or 607 equivalence to be awarded. MATH 407 and MATH 607 count towards requirements for the math major.
While major courses taken through approved UW–Madison-sponsored study abroad programs will count toward the Math major requirement of 15 upper-level major credits taken in residence, a student should be aware that at least 15 upper-level credits of MATH must be taken on campus at UW–Madison. You must consult with the Mathematics Director of Undergraduate Studies or the Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies to verify how you will satisfy this requirement.
Map your experience as a
mathematics student
Please view the Guide page for information on the math major, including the standard major and the six different named options. Students pursuing a math major should meet with a math advisor to determine appropriate coursework before studying abroad.
Prospective students
To be accepted as a major in mathematics, a student must complete MATH 221, MATH 222, and MATH 234 with an overall grade point average of 2.500 in these classes. Students should meet with a math advisor before declaring to discuss course selection and a major plan.
Freshman year
Prospective math majors often finish up the introductory calculus sequence in their first year. If there are no direct equivalencies for math coursework, ask your advisor about the topics courses MATH 407 and 607.
You may want to consider a winter/spring break or summer program if studying abroad early is a priority for you, but you’re unable to find applicable math coursework. If you plan to study abroad later, start exploring potential programs and plan to attend the Study Abroad Fair, which occurs each fall.
Sophomore year
Linear algebra is a very common course that students look for in their second year. If there are no direct equivalencies for math coursework, consider MATH 407 or 607. This is a good time to meet with your advisor to determine where to fit a semester abroad into your degree plan.
Junior year
This is the most popular year to study abroad since students are usually past the core courses and are focusing on upper-level math electives. If there are no direct equivalencies for math coursework, the topics courses MATH 407 and 607 can be taken after approval from the math department. Make sure to check in with your advisor to make plans for your next semester after you return.
Senior year
Studying abroad in your final year is definitely possible, but it will require careful planning to make sure all degree requirements will be satisfied. Keep in mind that many graduate school applications are due at the end of the fall semester, so going abroad would mean asking for letters of recommendation and getting feedback on your application materials remotely. Also, keep in mind that you would have to engage in post-graduation job recruitment and searching remotely as well if you go abroad.
You should also ask your advisors about the timing of degree conferral if you plan to study abroad in your final semester. These are not reasons to avoid studying abroad in your final year but are factors that need to be planned for ahead of time.
Ask questions
- What classes must I complete for my degree (breadth/depth, major requirements, etc.)?
- Do I need to be on UW–Madison’s campus for any courses in my major?
- How many electives do I have to take outside of my major?
- Will this particular course come back as a direct course equivalent, or will it come back as a math study abroad topics course?
For study abroad questions, the best major advisor to contact is:
Dr Mitch Keller
Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies
Book an Appointment with Dr Keller
- What classes can I take on my program?
- How and when do I select courses for my program?
- When will I know course equivalents for my program?
- What is the class structure like on my program?
- What skills do careers related to my major require, and how might participating in a particular program help me gain those skills?
- When would be the best time to participate in a program based on my career goals?
- How will participating in a study abroad, study away, or international internship make me stand out?
- Why do I want to participate on a program?
- How long do I want to participate on a program for – a few weeks, a semester, a year?
- How does participating on a program fit into my academic, personal, and/or professional goals?
- What career skills or proficiencies will I strive to acquire or enhance on my program?
Discover programs that are right for you
The following are programs that may be of interest to you! Durations and courses vary and may count toward electives or degree requirements. If you do not have specific requirements, there’s more flexibility in program type and location.
These opportunities are not an exhaustive list of all programs.
In this section
Semester and academic year programs
England
- University of Bristol
- University of Leeds
- London School of Economics (academic year or summer)
Hong Kong
Ireland
Japan
New Zealand
Singapore
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Saint Louis University Madrid (semester or summer)
Trinidad & Tobago
Short-term programs
England
London School of Economics (academic year or summer)
Spain
Saint Louis University Madrid (semester or summer)
International Internships
International internships allow you to apply your academic skills to the real world and gain valuable professional experience abroad while earning UW–Madison course credit.
As you consider your academic and professional goals for studying abroad, explore the different internship options, including UW Signature internships, internship-focused programs, part-time internships, or applying for credit for an external internship.
Check with your academic advisor to see if earning credit for your internship abroad can fulfill a major or certificate requirement.
Hear from students in your major
Explore student blogs and reflections to see how your peers have connected international experiences to their studies. Discover real stories about the skills, challenges, and professional insights gained through our programs.
Photo credit: Grace Del Frate (England)
Want more information?
Dive deeper into how courses and credits work on our programs, or connect with an advisor to find the best fit for your goals.
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