The Mathematical Honors program is a program for mathematically enthusiastic students that are looking for extended opportunities to engage in studying more mathematical topics than are currently covered in the majors required coursework. The program has a mathematical course curriculum and additional experiences for students who want to graduate with honors. The math honors curriculum is composed of a series of seminars that emphasize how mathematics combine with humanities, sciences, and social sciences converge in considering important questions. There are both lower and upper division honors courses, with varying topics each quarter. To graduate with Mathematical Honors students are involved in additional, advanced courses and culminating research or creative project. In addition, students engage in mathematical and science outreach experiences, practicing communicating mathematics to the broader community.
Students wishing to apply should contact the mathematics department to find out about minimum qualifications and the application process. Students may apply to the Mathematics Honors program at any point in their college career.
Math honors students must maintain a high level of academic achievement. All students are held to the academic and behavioral standards as set forth in the CWU Student Code of Conduct. A math honors student is in good academic standing when their cumulative grade point average (GPA) is 3.0 or higher. If a student’s cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 the student shall be placed on academic warning. Any student whose cumulative GPA is below 3.0 at the time of graduation will not receive honors recognition from the math honors. The math honors director has the discretion to waive and/or modify these standards for individual students as long as such modification does not affect the academic integrity of the program, as determined by the director. A student who has been suspended from the program for violating the CWU Student Code of Conduct may reapply; however, re-admittance is not guaranteed.
For additional information, visit the math honors website (https://www.cwu.edu/math-honors/), stop by the math department office (2nd floor of Samuelson), or call 509-963-2103.
Admission Requirements
(1) Meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate in a mathematics degree program at CWU;
- Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0; and a major GPA of at least 3.0.
(2) Complete an application with two recommendations and a personal statement. Application materials are available on the program website, https://www.cwu.edu/math-honors/.
Graduation Requirements
To graduate with a mathematics honors certificate a student must:
- stay in good standing for the duration of their participation in the program. These requirements are outlined below;
- complete a minimum of six math honors seminars (either MATH 207 or MATH 407);
- complete at least 1 credit of Honors program approved independent study (MATH 496) with a faculty member in the form a senior capstone project or 40 hours of approved mathematical community; and outreach culminated by a final project report.
Program Requirements
To maintain participation in the Mathematics Honors program students must:
- Complete at least two honors seminars for each year of participation (either MATH 207 or MATH 407).
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0; and a major GPA of at least 3.0.
- Participate in 10-hours of math service/ outreach events or other approved extra-curricular math events per quarter.
Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- demonstrate an ability to individually and collaboratively engage in inquiry using mathematical practices;
- use disciplinary core ideas and cross-cutting concepts to provide evidence-based explanations of the natural world; and
- effectively communicate mathematics to an audience of children, peers, experts, or the public.