Explore your interests in mathematics at Lawrence.


Academic advising at Lawrence seeks to empower each student to craft and pursue a transformative liberal arts experience that prepares them for impactful and personally fulfilling lives. Faculty advisors support students in planning and achieving their educational goals, facilitate connections to campus resources and communities, and guide students to make informed decisions as they pursue their academic interests and aspirations. 

Course Planning for New and Exploring Students

Students interested in the mathematics major (or the interdisciplinary major in mathematics - economics) should begin the calculus sequence during their first year. Students must take the ALEKS math placement assessment to determine where to start in the calculus sequence:

  • MATH 102: Foundations in Math (Proctored assessment required, no minimum score)
  • MATH 103: Preparation for Calculus (Minimum Score: 45)
  • MATH 140: Calculus (Minimum Score: 75)
  • MATH 155: Multivariable Calculus (Minimum Score: 75) — students scoring a 75+ will only start here if they have AP, IB, or Calculus I transfer credit 
  • MATH 200: Complex Sequences and Series (Minimum Score: 75) — students scoring a 75+ will only start here if they have Multivariable Calculus transfer credit 

AP/IB Credit and Advanced Placement

Students scoring a 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC exams will earn credit for MATH 140 and may take the ALEKS Placement Assessment to start with MATH 155. If student elects to take MATH 140, no additional AP credit will be awarded. Students with IB scores of scores of 5, 6, or 7 in mathematics will also earn credit for MATH 140 and may take the ALEKS Placement Assessment to start with MATH 155.

Declare a Major/Minor

All students are expected to declare a major before the end of sophomore year. Ideally, sophomore students will declare a major (and switch to an advisor in the major) before advance registration advising begins in spring term.

Major Advising

All students will transition to a major advisor upon declaration. The major advisor will help students plan their coursework to satisfy requirements for the major, select courses in other areas to complement the major or satisfy personal interests, and prepare for their Senior Experience. Prospective mathematics majors should consult with any of the following mathematics faculty about serving as a major advisor:

Add a Major Advisor

Need help identifying an advisor in the major? Students can contact advising@lawrence.edu for assistance with advisor matching.

Minor Advising

Students do not need an official advisor for the mathematics or statistics & data science minors. Instead, mathematics or statistics & data science minors are encouraged to consult with the mathematics department chair or other affiliated faculty for advice on course selection and satisfying minor requirements.

Additional Student Resources

If you still have questions about advising support related to the mathematics program, we invite you to contact the department chair. 

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