Contents
Catalog Links

Department of Mathematics

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

Head of Department

Andrew J. Potter

325-670-5826

HSU Box 16060

apotter@hsutx.edu

Faculty

Leah Cole, Ph.D., Associate Professor

Patrick Miller, D.Sc. Professor

Andrew Jay Potter, Ph.D., Professor

Jessica Rieger, M.Ed., Assistant Professor

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. Computers and the science of computing play important roles in the programs in the department. 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 or middle school mathematics teachers should choose the program in the Bachelor of Behavioral Science degree.

Technological Competency is satisfied by CSCI 1320, which is required for every mathematics major.

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, MATH 1315 Discrete Mathematics, or MATH 1305 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.

Pre-Graduate Software Engineering and Computer Science

Students desiring to enroll in graduate programs in software engineering or computer science are strongly encouraged to major in computer science and minor in mathematics; major in mathematics and minor in computer science; or double major in mathematics and computer science. Alternatively, students may major in any science and take the following courses: MATH 1420 Calculus I, MATH 1421 Calculus II, MATH 2320 Calculus III, MATH 3305 Linear Algebra, MATH 3315 Mathematical Structures MATH 4310 Numerical Analysis; CSCI 1320 Program Design and Development, CSCI 2320 Program Design and Development II, CSCI 3320 Assembly Language and Computer Organization, CSCI 3323 Computer Data Structures.