Study Abroad

Major Advising Page – Department of Mathematics

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Mathematics recognizes that diversity in background, experience, and context add incredible value to mathematical coursework and the learning process as a whole. Studying abroad is a precious 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 have the ability to 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.

Prospective Math 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. Major advisors may make exceptions to this requirement. Students should meet with a math advisor before declaring in order to discuss course selection and major plan.

Math Course Considerations Abroad

It is entirely possible that the student may take mathematics coursework while abroad that could come into UW-Madison as an equivalent mathematics course. Certain mathematics courses that do not have a direct equivalence within the department offerings may come into UW-Madison as a Topics in Mathematics Study Abroad course (either MATH 207, 407, or 607). These particular courses must be pre-approved by the math department in order for MATH 207, 407, or 607 equivalence to be awarded. MATH 407 and MATH 607 count towards requirements for the math major.

While courses 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 (i.e. directly through UW-Madison). The on campus requirement can be satisfied through any upper-level mathematics coursework, not just that which counts toward specified major requirements

Mapping Your Study Abroad Experience as a Math Major

Please view the Mathematics Guide page for information on the Math major, including both the Regular Major and the 6 different Named Options. Students pursuing a math major should meet with a math advisor to determine appropriate coursework before studying abroad.

Below are some additional considerations that may be pertinent for students studying abroad:

Freshman Year

  • If there are no other direct equivalencies for math coursework, the topics courses MATH 407 and 607 can be taken after approval from the math department.

Sophomore Year

  • If a linear algebra course is not available, an upper-level mathematics course may be advisable depending on course content and qualifications.
  • If there are no other direct equivalencies for math coursework, the topics courses MATH 407 and 607 can be taken after approval from the math department.

Junior Year

  • Prospective math students should consider taking upper-level mathematics coursework.

Senior Year

  • By this year, the Math Department assumes that all requirements besides additional upper-level courses in the major have been completed. Students should be looking into courses that have been approved as additional upper-level coursework. If these courses are not direct equivalencies, the student should speak with the Math Department about the possibility of having a course(s) count as MATH 407 or 607.

Questions to Ask

Your Academic Advisor

  • 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 outside of my major?
  • Will this particular course count toward a direct math course equivalency, or will it count toward 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

Your Study Abroad Advisor

  • What classes can I take abroad?
  • 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 abroad?

Identifying Programs That are Right for You

Studying abroad, regardless of the program, offers myriad benefits. When considering programs, strive to identify those that will expose you to subjects, places, cultures, and languages that you find appealing, while also helping you complete your degree. You will likely find that many programs all over the world fit your goals and interests. Below is a list of programs that have strong offerings in Mathematics.

Search all IAP programs
Research all programs using the IAP Program Search page.   This is not an exhaustive list of all programs that offer Math courses.  There may be other programs that are a better fit for your individual needs or interests.