Department of Mathematics

https://www.hsutx.edu/academics/undergraduate-majors-minors/mathematics-degrees/

Head of Department

Andrew Jay Potter

325-670-5826

HSU Box 16060

apotter@hsutx.edu

Faculty

Patrick Miller, D.Sc., Professor

Andrew Jay Potter, Ph.D., Professor

Jessica Rieger, M.Ed., Instructor

Objectives

The department offers programs leading to Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Behavioral Science, and Bachelor of Science degrees.

Students are encouraged to learn by doing mathematics. Appropriate attention is given to theory and experience is provided in a variety of interesting applications. Mathematics preparation is provided to help the student take advantage of career opportunities in business, government, and education. Prerequisites for upper-level study in mathematics at the graduate level are also included in the department’s programs.

A student who graduates with a major in mathematics will (1) have the knowledge and skill to set up and solve problems; (2) be able to use computers in support of mathematics problem-solving; (3) be able to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, mathematical ideas and results; and (4) have an appreciation for the place of mathematics in culture.

Students who plan to become professional mathematicians or who plan to use mathematics in a career other than teaching should choose a program in either the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. If the student has a special interest in computer science or one of the natural sciences, the Bachelor of Science degree program should be selected. Students who plan to become secondary school mathematics teachers should choose the 7-12 certification program in the Bachelor of Science degree and students who plan to become middle school mathematics teachers should choose the 4-8 certification program in the Bachelor of Behavioral Science degree.

Technological Competency is satisfied by CSCI 1320 or EDUC 1306.

Notes:

  1. Students who major or minor in mathematics should begin with MATH 1420, Calculus I, unless deficient in mathematics preparation.
  2. Qualified students are encouraged to earn credit by examination. See “Credit by Examination
  3. Courses designed to fulfill degree requirements should be carefully selected in consultation with the department and the student’s advisor.
  4. MATH 0300 Intermediate Algebra is required in preparation for MATH 1310 College Algebra, or MATH 1316 Finite Mathematics for Business, if the ACT math score is below 18 or SAT math score below 510, or less than a 75% score on the Math Placement Exam which may be taken in lieu of an  ACT or SAT score.
  5. Students are encouraged to use calculators, graphing calculators, and computers.

Teacher Preparation Program

Students seeking teacher certification in Mathematics should refer to the Irvin School of Education section of this catalog for Texas certification requirements. All students seeking certification must have the written consent of the head of the Department of Mathematics to be eligible to receive a bar code from the Dean of the Irvin School of Education to take the TExES.