<p>So, I got into JHU, and Im very interested, but I've heard bad things about the math program. Any evidence to the contrary? Thanks!</p>
<p>Well congrats on JHU. I've only heard great things about the Mathematics department at Hopkins actually. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.mathematics.jhu.edu/new/%5B/url%5D">http://www.mathematics.jhu.edu/new/</a></p>
<p>The students get a lot of attention especially early on. It's a tough major for sure - but graduates do amazing things in fact. Here is a list of faculty:</p>
<p>Here are the major requirements:</p>
<pre><code>* Calculus I, II, and III. Majors are encouraged but not required to take Honors variants.
* Advanced Algebra I (110.401) and one other term of algebra, either Elementary Number Theory (110.304) or Advanced Algebra II (110.402). Note: Linear Algebra (110.201) does not satisfy this requirement, but Honors Linear Algebra (110.212), does. Honors Linear Algebra may not be counted for two requirements.
* Either Analysis I (110.405) or Honors Analysis I (110.415) and one other term of analysis chosen from Methods of Complex Analysis (110.311), Analysis II (110.406), Partial Differential Equations for Applications (110.417), Introduction to Differential Geometry (110.439) or Fourier Analysis & Generalized Functions (110.443).
* Linear Algebra (110.201) and Elementary Number Theory (110.304), or mathematics courses at the 300-level or above (excluding the 1-credit seminar 345).
* Two terms in any one of the following areas of applications of mathematics, or other appropriate advanced courses as approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
Physics: Classical Mechanics (171.204), Introduction to Electromagnetic Theory (171.301), Topics in Advanced Electromagnetic Theory (171.302), Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (171.303-304), Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics (171.312)
Chemistry: Chemical Applications of Group Theory (030.345), Intermediate Quantum Chemistry (030.453), Physical Chemistry II (030.302)
Mathematic Sciences: Dynamical Systems (550.391), Introduction to Probability (550.420), Introduction to Stochastic Processes (550.426), Introduction to Statistics (550.430), Mathematical Game Theory (550.453), Combinatorial Analysis (550.471) Graph Theory (550.472)
Economics: Microeconomic Theory (180.301), Macroeconomic Theory (180.302), Game Theory and the Social Sciences (180.315)
Mechanical Engineering: 530.305
Computer Science: Artificial Intelligence (600.435), Algorithms I (600.463), Randomized Algorithms (600.464), 600.488
</code></pre>
<p>Also, if you are into mathematical research or modeling, then Hopkins is a GREAT place.</p>
<p>I'd also recommend you check out the Applied Math program, located at <a href="http://www.ams.jhu.edu%5B/url%5D">www.ams.jhu.edu</a>. It's my major, so if you have any questions, please feel free to ask them.</p>
<p>oh yeah, do not take any class taught by Prof. Zucker.
I had him for Linear Algebra - the worst teacher I've ever had in my life. Luckily we had a great TA.</p>
<p>I would actually recommend visiting and trying to speak with staff and or faculty from both the Math and Applied Math Departments. Both programs have faculty that are very involved with undergraduates, and it is the faculty that determine the strength of a program. If you can visit, then send emails to the departments (links above) with questions about what kind of math you want to study.</p>
<p>In my personal opinion, the faculty in both of these departments are very involved with the undergrads and have a true passion for their fields of study. Plus both fields benefit from Hopkins strong emphasis on research!</p>
<p>I have a number of friends who are math majors (including "regular" and applied math, some who are doubling in both), and all of them have nothing but fantastic things to say about the math department and its faculty. </p>
<p>My math courses at JHU have been fantastic - a few years ago, Hopkins brought on 3 or 4 new junior faculty with the expressed purpose of increasing accessibility to students in larger courses (for example, having these professors focus on the Calc I/II sequences, and bringing them in BECAUSE of their proven teaching abilities). Both of my calc professors were AMAZING: some of the best I've had here. The first one managed to learn the names of everyone in our 200+ person lecture - he told everyone to bring a photo of themself with their name on it so he could make flashcards, and sure enough, he would call out names in class to encourage participation. The second took the time to write personal notes on each person's exams - in a class of about 150 people; he would note where you had improved and give tips & encouragement - something that I've rarely heard about at other schools (because such tasks are left to TAs, if notes are made at all). Beyond their personalities, though, they were just generally great teachers that made the material exciting & relevant regardless of whether or not you were a math major.</p>
<p>My friends who have majored in math have gone on to do a lot of different things - one is now getting her math PhD at Duke after finishing her BA/MA in math here in four years; another will be teaching math to high schoolers in DC through Teach for America before going on to do public policy work; several have gone onto med school. </p>
<p>Since the math department is relatively small, it's very accepting & encouraging of getting its undergraduates involved in research. Their departmental office is, I've been told, quick to hook students up with faculty that would love to have undergrads sign onto their projects.</p>
<p>I'm a (pure) math major at JHU.</p>
<p>The department is pretty good, but it is not one of the leading departments at JHU. </p>
<p>The department has very few undergraduates; there are more profesors then declared majors. As a result, upper division courses tend to be fairly small. However, the department still offers a comprehensive selection of upper division and graduate courses. It is possible (and encouraged) to take graduate courses as an undergraduate.</p>
<p>The teaching is pretty good. I can tell a lot of the proffesors put a lot of time into teaching their courses. Upper division classes are usuall small. The TAs are generally pretty good. Some of them have issues with limited english proffecency, but that is true of any math department. </p>
<p>Many majors go to top grad schools. Other go into more applied fields. The math major has very lax requirements so it is very easy to earn another major or take other interesting coursework.</p>
<p>I hope you choose to study math at Hopkins this fall.</p>
<p>Hmmmm. Alot to consider. I'm visiting on wednesday, so Ill make some more decisions then. Thanks so much.</p>
<p>During your visit, which I assume is during the Open House, you really should visit the Math Department and also try to sit in on some classes. That will help you decide whether or not JHU is right for you and what you want to study. </p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>yes, just make sure that the class you sit in is not taught by Zucker</p>
<p>haha........</p>
<p>How bad is Zucker? I've heard things, but I was thinking about taking lin alg next semester, but he's teaching it. </p>
<p>I had an OK professor for Calc 3 last semester, but is Zucker avoidable at all costs?</p>
<p>YES, avoid Zucker like the plague
I had him for Lin. Alg. for 1st semester this year
he is a horrible teacher
his review for the midterms and tests consists of going over 1 and 1/4 of a problem. he says stupid **** and expects you to laugh at it. Very few people actually understand what he's saying. After 1/2 of the term, my friends and I quit going to his class and just read the book instead. He simply regurgitates the book and that also, unsuccessfully.</p>
<p>some of his comments are just plain weird...</p>
<p>I was accepted as a math/physics double-major so this is good to hear.</p>
<p>dnbmathguy, how do you like the Applied Math department? Satisfied with teaching/research opportunities (if that's your thing) etc.? Advice?</p>
<p>I tried to visit a math class when I visited, but the listing of classes had the wrong time down for the class, so I missed it. Grr.</p>
<p>I really liked what I saw of the campus/students/general vibe, but I've also heard bad things about the math department, so I'm a bit wary.</p>
<p>Zucker might be wierd, but he's not that bad.
Besides, if your in the major you can usualy avoid taking his coures</p>