You can be a math major under one of three schedules:
Note that all mathematics department co-ops are in the spring-summer. This allows the department to maximize the number of majors on campus in the fall and winter quarters and thus to offer a wider course selection than would otherwise be possible.
The decision that you make at the time of your application is not irrevocable- students change their minds about these choices. Clearly anytime during the freshman year these choices can be changed. Beyond the freshman year there is still some flexibility, but any changes are best worked out in consultation with both your math and co-op advisors.
Students use the co-op to explore a variety of options. If you look at what our math majors say [
Student Profiles ], you will see that some of them find an initial co-op employer that they stay with for three years and even past graduation. Others try out a variety of jobs in an attempt to discover what feels right for them. Still others decide that to get where they want in the field they are interested in, they will need to pursue graduate work.
Students who are interested in pursuing graduate studies may or may not choose to do co-ops. Those who pursue co-ops may try some in industry and others in research. Research co-ops frequently come in the form of an REU. The REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) programs are funded by the National Science Foundation and provide money to work with professors on research. This can happen here at Drexel or at programs organized across the country. To get an idea of the types of programs offered, you can look at:
Since the co-op lasts for two quarters, and the REU is typically a summer program, the REU student often spends spring quarter working for the math department doing tutoring, grading, and sometimes even filling in on some recitation classes. This is excellent experience for graduate school, since almost all graduate students eventually end up doing some teaching.
For more information about co-op education at Drexel University click here.
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