Welcome to the math department! We are excited that you want to take classes with us. For majors other than the mathematics included in this section, we are providing some notes that may help you get started. We would also encourage you to speak with your (intended) major’s DUS—they are the best person to advise you about courses to take.
If you have completed some of your major’s requied math courses prior to enrolling at Yale, please reach out to the major’s DUS for advice, and to ask what options may be available as far as completing the requirements. (The math DUSes are happy to provide advice, but any arrangements about requirements of another major must be settled with the major’s DUS, rather than with the Math department.)
Off the top
Most Yale students complete a calculus course at some point during their studies. If you have not yet completed the calculus sequence all the way through multivariable, and you either wish to continue with the sequence, or you want to keep your options open as far majors or other courses that require calculus, then one of the courses in the calculus sequence may be a great place to start.
In order to enroll, you will need to complete the placement exam, and then register for a section of your course through preference selection. For details, see the intro courses guide section.
Never Taken Calculus?
If you have never taken calculus, do not expect to need calculus for your major or other classes, and would prefer to take another kind of math course at Yale, then you might enjoy one of our level 100 seminars (numbered 101 - 109): these are described on our introductory courses and sequences page. The seminars have limited enrollment, and do not expect any prior knowledge of calculus. They teach a combination of math topics and problem solving skills that can be useful for students in any major.
If You Have Taken Calculus
If you have completed a multivariable calculus course, and your major does not require calculus, then you can enroll directly in a higher level math course. You do not need to have your previous math courses evaluated: for purposes of pre-requisite to other courses, you can simply tell the instructor that you have completed the relevant course prior to enrolling at Yale.
For courses to take after multivariable calculus: Frequent choices for many majors include linear algebra (Math 2220, 2250, or 2260), probability theory (Math 2410), discrete mathematics (Math 2440), or differential equations (Math 2460). You will find these described on the introductory courses and sequences page. If you need any help choosing, please don’t hesitate to stop by the academic fair, write to math.dus@yale.edu, stop by one of our August office hours (to be posted on the Math DUS page,) or consult the DUS of your major for recommendations.
If you have completed a multivariable calculus course and your major does require calculus, then you will need to meet with the DUS of your major to discuss what the options may be. Some majors allow students to substitute a higher level math course, for example. You will not need to have the course evaluated by the Math department: options regarding the requirements must be done with the DUS of the major. We are, of course, happy to help you decide which math course to start with!
Have questions or need more information?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Math DUS Team via email or office hours (during the semester).