Quantitative Reasoning

The mental rigor resulting from quantitative study has been celebrated for as long as formal education has existed, and applications of quantitative methods have proven critical to a wide range of disciplines. Mathematics and statistics are the basic languages of the natural and the social sciences, and they have become useful tools in many of the humanities. Algorithms and formal logical constructs are the foundation of contemporary information technology, of mathematics itself, and of the rigorous dissection of logical arguments in any discipline. An educated person must be able to make, understand, and evaluate arguments on the basis of quantitative information.

To ensure that they have an opportunity to improve their quantitative reasoning skills, all students must take two courses designated QR in the YCPS; at least one of these courses must be taken by the fourth term, and two by the sixth term. Many such courses are taught through the departments of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science, but appropriate courses may also be found in Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Engineering, Geology and Geophysics, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, and Psychology.

Additional Resources

• Distributional Requirements chart
• Science and Quantitative Courses at Yale
• Yale College Programs of Study (YCPS)