Calculus Requirements At Boston University: What You Need To Know

does boston university require students to take calculus

Boston University is a world-class research institution that offers over 300 academic programs to its students. The university recommends that applicants complete 3-4 years of mathematics, including precalculus and calculus, before applying. While calculus is not a mandatory prerequisite for all programs, certain schools within the university, such as the College of Engineering and the Questrom School of Business, require applicants to have completed a year of calculus or precalculus and AP Statistics. Students enrolled in International Baccalaureate (IB) courses can meet these requirements through specific HL or SL Math courses. Additionally, some majors, such as Economics, are math-heavy and may require a solid understanding of calculus.

Characteristics Values
Is calculus required for all students? No, but it is recommended.
Is calculus required for students applying to the College of Engineering? Yes.
Is calculus required for students applying to the Questrom School of Business? Yes.

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Students applying to the College of Engineering are required to have taken calculus

Calculus is a requirement for students applying to Boston University's College of Engineering. The university recommends that applicants have taken 3-4 years of mathematics, including precalculus and calculus. For students enrolled in IB courses, this requirement is met through enrollment in HL or SL Math Analysis & Approaches or HL Math Applications & Interpretations.

Boston University's College of Engineering is a popular choice for students, with engineering being one of the most popular major areas. The university offers over 300 academic programs, and applicants are advised to select a specific BU school or college when applying. The College of Engineering is one of the options available to students applying to Boston University.

The university is located in Boston, Massachusetts, and has a campus spanning 169 acres along the Charles River. It has a competitive acceptance rate of around 10%, with over 80,000 applicants each year. The average GPA of accepted students is between 3.8 and 4.0, and the average SAT score is 1418. The university values academic excellence and extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership, service, research, and creativity.

Boston University offers a range of resources to support students in their studies, including small class sizes, mentorship opportunities with accomplished professors, and tutoring services. The standard calculus sequence at the university includes MA 123 (Calculus I), MA 124 (Calculus II), and MA 225 (Multivariate Calculus). Students with advanced credit may choose to start at a higher level or retake a course to solidify their understanding. The university also offers an honors calculus sequence, MA 129 (Honors Calculus) and MA 230 (Honors Vector Calculus), for students who wish to explore calculus in greater depth.

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Students applying to the Questrom School of Business must have taken calculus

Calculus is a requirement for applicants to the Questrom School of Business at Boston University. Prospective students are expected to have completed a year of calculus or precalculus and a year of AP Statistics.

Students who are enrolled in IB courses can meet this requirement by enrolling in HL or SL Math Analysis & Approaches or HL Math Applications & Interpretations.

For students who are not confident in their calculus abilities, there are a variety of online resources available, such as Khan Academy, Paul's Online Math Notes, and tutorial.math.lamar.edu. Additionally, BU offers an innovative HUB Program for general education, which may provide further support.

It is important to note that calculus is a foundational requirement for many business courses, and students will need to develop a solid understanding of the subject to succeed in their chosen major. This is especially true for economics, which is considered a math-heavy degree, and students are advised to make calculus a high priority if they are considering this field.

Furthermore, calculus is a prerequisite for several other courses at BU, such as Economics and Finance, which are part of the core curriculum for Questrom students. Thus, it is beneficial for applicants to the Questrom School of Business to have a strong foundation in calculus before enrolling.

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Calculus is recommended for students applying to Boston University who wish to pursue a degree in a STEM field. While it is not mandatory for all applicants, those interested in STEM subjects, particularly economics, are strongly advised to have a solid understanding of calculus. This includes taking courses in precalculus and calculus, as well as familiarising themselves with basic calc topics.

Boston University's admissions process is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of around 10%. The university looks for academically gifted students with strong academic potential. Thus, for STEM applicants, it is beneficial to have taken challenging mathematics courses, such as AP Calculus, to demonstrate their ability to handle rigorous coursework.

The recommended high school curriculum for most BU programs includes 3-4 years of mathematics, with precalculus/calculus suggested. Additionally, specific schools within BU have their own calculus requirements. For instance, applicants to the College of Engineering are required to have a year of calculus under their belt. Similarly, applicants to the Questrom School of Business must have completed a year of calculus or a combination of precalculus and AP Statistics.

Furthermore, calculus serves as an essential foundation for many STEM subjects at the university level. For example, economics at BU is a math-heavy degree that relies heavily on applied calculus. Professors in higher-level economics classes often assume that students have a strong understanding of basic calculus topics. Thus, a firm grasp of calculus will not only strengthen your application to BU but also prepare you for the rigours of a STEM curriculum.

In conclusion, while calculus may not be mandatory for all applicants to Boston University, it is highly recommended for those interested in pursuing STEM subjects. Not only does it demonstrate your academic preparedness, but it also lays the groundwork for success in STEM fields, particularly economics.

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Students can take an honours calculus sequence

Calculus is not a mandatory course for all students at Boston University. However, calculus is a requirement for applicants to the College of Engineering and the Questrom School of Business. For students enrolled in IB courses, this requirement would be met with enrollment in HL or SL Math Analysis & Approaches or HL Math Applications & Interpretations.

For students who are interested in taking calculus, Boston University offers the standard calculus sequence of MA 123 (Calculus I), MA 124 (Calculus II), and MA 225 (Multivariate Calculus). Students who have taken Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus or similar placement exams may receive credit for one or more of these courses.

Additionally, Boston University offers an honours calculus sequence for students who wish to delve deeper into the subject. The honours sequence includes MA 129 (Honours Calculus), which combines MA 123 and MA 124 into a single semester course taught at the honours level, and MA 230 (Honours Vector Calculus), which is the honours version of MA 225. These courses provide a more abstract and comprehensive understanding of calculus and serve as excellent preparation for Honours Differential Equations (MA 231) and Honours Linear Algebra (MA 442).

The honours calculus sequence is designed for students who want to explore calculus in a more challenging and rigorous manner. It offers a faster pace and a greater emphasis on theoretical concepts. Students considering this sequence should have a strong foundation in mathematics and be comfortable with abstract thinking.

MA 129, the first course in the honours sequence, covers the material typically taught in MA 123 and MA 124 in a condensed and accelerated format. It provides an intensive exploration of the fundamental concepts of calculus, including functions, limits, derivatives, and integrals. The course is typically taught over one semester, requiring a significant time commitment and dedication from students.

Following MA 129, students can enrol in MA 230, Honours Vector Calculus. This course delves into multivariate calculus, extending the concepts of functions and derivatives to higher dimensions. It explores vectors, partial derivatives, multiple integrals, and vector fields, building upon the knowledge gained in MA 129.

The honours calculus sequence at Boston University offers a unique opportunity for students who are passionate about mathematics and desire a deeper understanding of calculus. It provides a solid foundation for further studies in mathematics, engineering, physics, and other quantitative fields. Students considering this sequence should carefully evaluate their mathematical proficiency and be prepared for the increased demands of the honours-level curriculum.

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Calculus is not required for students applying to the College of Fine Arts

Boston University does recommend 3-4 years of mathematics for most BU programs, with precalculus/calculus recommended. However, calculus is not a requirement for admission to the university.

The university does have specific requirements for applicants to the College of Engineering and the Questrom School of Business. Applicants to the College of Engineering are required to have completed a year of calculus. Applicants to the Questrom School of Business must have taken a year of calculus or a year of precalculus and a year of AP Statistics.

Boston University is a highly selective university with an acceptance rate of around 10%. The admissions committee closely evaluates applicants' academics, test scores, and extracurriculars. The average GPA of accepted students is 3.8-4.0, and the average SAT score is 1418.

Frequently asked questions

Calculus is not a requirement for all students at Boston University. However, applicants to the College of Engineering and the Questrom School of Business are required to have a year of calculus or a combination of precalculus and AP Statistics.

The standard calculus sequence at Boston University is MA 123 (Calculus I), MA 124 (Calculus II), and MA 225 (Multivariate Calculus). The university also offers an honors calculus sequence, which includes MA 129 (Honors Calculus) and MA 230 (Honors Vector Calculus).

Students who have taken Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus or similar placement exams may receive credit for one or more of the standard calculus courses. However, it is recommended that students have a strong background in mathematics, including precalculus and calculus, to be well-prepared for the calculus courses at Boston University.

Transfer students applying to the Questrom School of Business at Boston University need to have taken a college-level calculus course or completed an AP/IB-level calculus course in high school.

While calculus is generally required for students applying to the College of Engineering and the Questrom School of Business, there may be some flexibility for transfer students or those with unique circumstances. It is best to contact the admissions office or the relevant department for specific guidance.

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