Double major: completing the major requirements of both majors, any prerequisite courses for both majors, and general education requirements for the primary major. One diploma is awarded which denotes the primary major. The secondary major is listed on the transcript.
Dual degree: all degree requirements for both majors must be fulfilled, along with at minimum 30 credit hours above the minimum requirement to complete the primary major. For example, if the primary degree requirement is 120 total credit hours, a student must complete a total of 150 credit hours to fulfill the dual credit requirement. Two diplomas are awarded in this instance.
One is not better than the other; it will vastly depend on your personal timeline to degree completion, current academic goals and future career goals, and even finances. The important thing to remember is that two majors can be achieved in one way or another, and it is best to discuss the details with your academic advisor.
Majoring in Mathematical Sciences as a second major
Below are the most common double majors with mathematical sciences at VCU. The additional requirements needed for a math major are listed by major and concentration. Please note that there are 5 different concentrations within Mathematical Sciences so they will vary slightly depending on your chosen concentration.
Biomedical Engineering
Chemistry
Chemical Engineering
Computer Science
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering
Physics
All of these majors require at least: MATH 200, MATH 201, and MATH 301.
The math department has 5 different concentrations. As a result, these lists are not comprehensive for all concentrations. They are meant to give a general overview of the most commonly required additional classes. Depending on your chosen concentration, you will have other classes you must take in addition to these. For details and all course requirements for your desired concentration, please see the Bulletin and connect with the math advisor, Mrs. Calla Talman at talmancp@vcu.ed.
Biomedical Engineering
Requires
Need to Take
MATH 200
MATH 307 (in most cases)
MATH 201
MATH/CMSC 255 or EGRE 245
MATH 301
MATH 300
MATH 310
MATH 407 (in most cases)
STAT 210 or 441
MATH 490
Chemistry
Biochemistry and Chemical Science concentrations
Requires
Need to Take
MATH 200
MATH 307 (in most cases)
MATH 201
MATH/CMSC 255 or EGRE 245
STAT 210 or 212 (Biochemistry only)
MATH 300
MATH 407 (in most cases)
MATH 490
MATH 310
Chemical Modeling
Requires
Need to Take
MATH 200
MATH 301
MATH 201
MATH/CMSC 255 or EGRE 245
MATH 307
MATH 300
MATH 310 or 302
MATH 407 (in most cases)
STAT 210 or 212
MATH 490
Professional Chemist and Professional Chemist with Honors