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ApplyBA in Mathematics | BS in Mathematics | BS in Mathematics with Teacher Certification | BA in Mathematics with Secondary Certification (2 Teaching Fields) | Minor in Mathematics | Minor in Statistics | Mathematics Course Descriptions | Statistics Course Descriptions
Chair: Brian Loft (936) 294-1563
Coordinators: Rebecca Garcia (Mathematics), Max Coleman (Mathematics Education), Steve Scariano (Statistics), Mary Lou Shelton (Developmental Mathematics)
Faculty: John Alford, Ferry Butar, Scott Chapman, Max Coleman, Beth Cory, Brandy Doleshal, Rebecca Garcia, Luis Garcia-Puente, Cecil Hallum, Damon Hay, Melinda Holt, William Jasper, Dustin Jones, Jodie Kirk, Mark Klespis, Brian Loft, Martin Malandro, Ananda Bandulasiri Manage, Taylor Martin, Joseph O’Brien, Steve Scariano, Valerie Sharon, Jon Short, Ken Smith, Mary Swarthout, Edward Swim, Jianzhong Wang, Linda Zientek
Website: www.shsu.edu/academics/mathematics-and-statistics/
Mathematics is a powerful tool for solving practical problems, combining logic and precision with intuition and imagination. The basic goal of mathematics is to reveal and explain patterns - whether the pattern appears as electrical impulses in an animal’s nervous system, as fluctuations in stock market prices, or as fine detail of an abstract geometric figure.
Mission
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics provides an environment that is conducive to and promotes the understanding of mathematics and statistics by all students, encourages community and institutional service, and encourages and supports continued faculty development and scholarship.
Academic Programs
- BA in Mathematics
- BS in Mathematics
- BS in Mathematics (Teacher Certification)
- BA in Mathematics (Secondary Certification 2 Teaching Fields)
Highlights
- Host for annual mathematics conference on teaching of mathematics
- Home of Reeves Center for Mathematics Education
- Direct a variety of undergraduate research programs
- Provide undergraduate student presentations at MAA meetings
- Coordinate numerous grants with government and education agencies
Career Opportunities
- Accounting and Finance
- Computer Programming
- Sales and Marketing
- Management and Related Positions
- Actuarial
- Computer Systems Analysis
- Engineering
- Statistics
- Mathematics
- Operations Research
- Modeling
- Academic Positions - High School or College
Suggested Minors
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Music
- Physics
- Pre-Med/Biology
- Statistics
Student Organizations
- Mathematical Association of America (MAA)
- Pi-Mu-Epsilon Mathematics Honor Society
- Ruth Lane Math Society
Internships
Possible internships exist with NASA, National Security Agency, Actuarial Firms, Oil Industry.
Scholarships
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers several scholarships each year and Sam Houston State University offers additional, university-wide scholarships. Additional fellowships are available for students engaged in undergraduate research. For information on departmental scholarships, contact the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Information on University scholarships may be obtained at Office of Academic Scholarships or by telephone (936) 294-1672.
Program Specific Requirements
Anyone considering a degree in Mathematics should consult an advisor in the Mathematics department prior to registering for any courses.
Curriculum
Bachelor of Arts, Major in Mathematics
| Notes | ||
| 1MATH 1420 satisfies component required by major. | ||
| 2PHYS 1422 satisfies component area and degree specific. | ||
| 3ENGL Literature satisfies component area and degree specific. | ||
| Bachelor of Arts - Major in Mathematics | ||
|---|---|---|
| SHSU Course Number | Hours | Recommended Sequence |
| Core Curriculum | ||
| Component Area I (Communication) | 6 | Freshman |
| Component Area II (Mathematics) | 3 | Freshman |
| Component Area III (Life and Physical Science) | 8 | Courses for Science Majors |
| Component Area IV (Language, Philosophy, and Culture) | 3 | Fresh/Soph/Junior |
| Component Area V (Creative Arts) | 3 | Fresh/Soph/Junior |
| Component Area VI (U.S. History) | 6 | Fresh/Soph/Junior |
| Component Area VII (Political Science/Government) | 6 | Fresh/Soph/Junior |
| Component Area VIII (Social and Behavioral Sciences) | 3 | Fresh/Soph/Junior |
| Component Area IX (Component Area Option) | 4 | Sophomore |
| Degree Specific Requirements | ||
| Foreign Language | 11-14 | Soph/Junior/Senior |
| PHYS 14112 or PHYS 1422 | 4 | Freshman |
| Philosophy | 3 | Junior |
| COSC 1436 | 4 | Sophomore |
| ENGL Literature3 | 3 | Sophomore |
| Major Core | ||
| MATH 1420 | 4 | Freshman |
| MATH 1430 | 4 | Freshman |
| MATH 2440 | 4 | Sophomore |
| MATH 3300 | 3 | Sophomore |
| MATH 3377 | 3 | Junior |
| MATH 4361 | 3 | Senior |
| MATH 4366 | 3 | Senior |
| MATH 4371 | 3 | Senior |
| MATH 4377 | 3 | Senior |
| Major | ||
| MATH electives | 6 | Junior/Senior |
| Minor | 18 | Junior/Senior |
| Electives | 9-12 | To bring to 120 total hrs |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
The following courses can only be used as required advanced electives by students who are seeking elementary/middle school teacher certification: MATH 3380, MATH 3381, MATH 3383, MATH 3384, MATH 3386, and MATH 3387. The following courses can only be used as required advanced electives by students who are seeking secondary teacher certification: MATH 4384 and MATH 4385.
Students should use the minor and advanced general electives to complete the 42-advanced hour requirement for graduation.
In order to satisfy Component Area 3 (Natural Science, Not in Department of Physics), the student must take classes from the following: BIOL 1411, BIOL 1413, BIOL 2401, CHEM 1411, CHEM 1412, Any lab course from Geology or Geography.
Bachelor of Science, Major in Mathematics
| Notes | ||
| 1MATH 1420 satisfies component required by major. | ||
| 2PHYS 1422 satisfies component area and degree specific. | ||
| 3ENGL Literature satisfies component area and degree specific. | ||
| Bachelor of Science - Major in Mathematics | ||
|---|---|---|
| SHSU Course Number | Hours | Recommended Sequence |
| Core Curriculum | ||
| Component Area I (Communication) | 6 | Freshman |
| Component Area II (Mathematics) | 3 | Freshman |
| Component Area III (Life and Physical Science) | 8 | Courses for Science Majors |
| Component Area IV (Language, Philosophy, and Culture) | 3 | Fresh/Soph/Junior |
| Component Area V (Creative Arts) | 3 | Fresh/Soph/Junior |
| Component Area VI (U.S. History) | 6 | Fresh/Soph/Junior |
| Component Area VII (Political Science/Government) | 6 | Fresh/Soph/Junior |
| Component Area VIII (Social and Behavioral Sciences) | 3 | Fresh/Soph/Junior |
| Component Area IX (Component Area Option) | 4 | Sophomore |
| Degree Specific Requirements | ||
| PHYS 14112 and PHYS 1422 or PHYS 2426 | 8 | Sophomore |
| ENGL Literature | 3 | Sophomore |
| COSC 1436 | 4 | Sophomore |
| Major Core | ||
| MATH 1420 | 4 | Freshman |
| MATH 1430 | 4 | Freshman |
| MATH 2440 | 4 | Sophomore |
| MATH 3300 | 3 | Sophomore |
| MATH 3376 | 3 | Junior/Senior |
| MATH 3377 | 3 | Junior/Senior |
| MATH 4361 | 3 | Senior |
| MATH 4366 | 3 | Senior |
| MATH 4371 | 3 | Senior |
| MATH 4377 | 3 | Senior |
| Major | ||
| MATH electives | 6 | Junior/Senior |
| Minor | 18 | Junior/Senior |
| Electives | 16 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
The following courses can only be used as required advanced electives by students who are seeking elementary/middle school teacher certification: MATH 3380, MATH 3381, MATH 3383, MATH 3384, MATH 3386, and MATH 3387. The following courses can only be used as required advanced electives by students who are seeking secondary teacher certification: MATH 4384 and MATH 4385.
Students should use the minor and electives to complete the 42-advanced hour requirement for graduation.
In order to satisfy Component Area 3 (Natural Science, Not in Department of Physics), the student must take classes from the following: BIOL 1311/BIOL 1111, BIOL 1313/BIOL 1113, BIOL 2401, CHEM 1311, CHEM 1312/CHEM 1112, Any lab course from Geology or Geography.
Bachelor of Science, Major in Mathematics with Teacher Certification
For students selecting a Minor as a Second Teaching Field
The requirements include COSC 1436 or approved substitute, MATH 1420, MATH 1430, MATH 2440, MATH 3363, MATH 3300, MATH 3377, MATH 3379, MATH 4377, MATH 4384, and MATH 4385.
For students who do not select a Minor
The requirements include those above, and one of the following options:
OPTION 1: (Analysis Emphasis) MATH 4361, MATH 4367, and an upper level mathematics course.
OPTION 2: (Statistics Emphasis) STAT 3380, STAT 4370, and MATH/STAT 4371.
| Notes | ||
| 1MATH 1420 satisfies component required by major. | ||
| 2PHYS 1422 satisfies component area and degree specific. | ||
| 3ENGL Literature satisfies component area and degree specific. | ||
| Bachelor of Science - Major in Mathematics with Teacher Certification | ||
|---|---|---|
| SHSU Course Number | Hours | Recommended Sequence |
| Core Curriculum | ||
| Component Area I (Communication) | 6 | Freshman |
| Component Area II (Mathematics) | 3 | Freshman |
| Component Area III (Life and Physical Science) | 8 | Courses for Science Majors |
| Component Area IV (Language, Philosophy, and Culture) | 3 | Fresh/Soph/Junior |
| Component Area V (Creative Arts) | 3 | Fresh/Soph/Junior |
| Component Area VI (U.S. History) | 6 | Fresh/Soph/Junior |
| Component Area VII (Political Science/Government) | 6 | Fresh/Soph/Junior |
| Component Area VIII (Social and Behavioral Sciences) | 3 | Fresh/Soph/Junior |
| Component Area IX (Component Area Option) | 4 | Sophomore |
| Degree Specific Requirements | ||
| PHYS 14112 and PHYS 1422 or PHYS 2426 | 8 | Sophomore |
| ENGL Literature3 | 3 | Sophomore |
| COSC 1436 | 4 | Sophomore |
| Major Core | ||
| MATH 1420 | 4 | Freshman |
| MATH 1430 | 4 | Freshman |
| MATH 2440 | 4 | Sophomore |
| MATH 3363 | 3 | Sophomore |
| MATH 3300 | 3 | Sophomore |
| MATH 3377 | 3 | Junior |
| MATH 3379 | 3 | Junior |
| MATH 4377 | 3 | Senior |
| MATH 4384 | 3 | Senior |
| MATH 4385 | 3 | Senior |
| Major | ||
| Option 1 – MATH 4361, MATH 4367 and an advanced MATH elective | 9 | Senior |
| Or Option 2 – STAT 3380, STAT 4371, and STAT 4374 | 9 | Senior |
| Minor | ||
| CISE 3384 | 3 | Junior |
| CISE 4374 | 3 | Junior |
| READ 4375 | 3 | Senior |
| CISE 4364 | 3 | Senior |
| CISE 4394 | 3 | Senior |
| CISE 4377 | 3 | Senior |
| CISE 4396 | 3 | Senior |
| CISE 4397 | 3 | Senior |
| Elective | 7 | Junior/Senior |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
Bachelor of Arts, Major in Mathematics with Secondary Certification With Two Teaching Fields
| Notes | ||
| 1MATH 1420 satisfies component required by major. | ||
| 2PHYS 1422 satisfies component area and degree specific. | ||
| 3ENGL Literature satisfies component area and degree specific. | ||
| Bachelor of Arts, Major in Mathematics with Secondary Certification With Two Teaching Fields | ||
|---|---|---|
| SHSU Course Number | Hours | Recommended Sequence |
| Core Curriculum | ||
| Component Area I (Communication) | 6 | Freshman |
| Component Area II (Mathematics) | 3 | Freshman |
| Component Area III (Life and Physical Science) | 8 | Courses for Science Majors |
| Component Area IV (Language, Philosophy, and Culture) | 3 | Fresh/Soph/Junior |
| Component Area V (Creative Arts) | 3 | Fresh/Soph/Junior |
| Component Area VI (U.S. History) | 6 | Fresh/Soph/Junior |
| Component Area VII (Political Science/Government) | 6 | Fresh/Soph/Junior |
| Component Area VIII (Social and Behavioral Sciences) | 3 | Fresh/Soph/Junior |
| Component Area IX (Component Area Option) | 4 | Sophomore |
| Degree Specific Requirements | ||
| Foreign Language | 11-14 | Soph/Junior/Senior |
| Philosophy | 3 | Junior |
| PHYS 14112 or PHYS 1422 | 4 | Freshman |
| COSC 1436 | 4 | Sophomore |
| ENGL Literature3 | 3 | Sophomore |
| Major Core | ||
| MATH 14201 | 4 | Freshman |
| MATH 1430 | 4 | Freshman |
| MATH 2440 | 4 | Sophomore |
| MATH 3363 | 3 | Sophomore |
| MATH 3300 | 3 | Junior |
| MATH 3377 | 3 | Junior |
| MATH 3379 or MATH 4371 | 3 | Junior/Senior |
| MATH 4361 | 3 | Senior |
| MATH 4377 | 3 | Senior |
| MATH 4384 | 3 | Senior |
| MATH 4385 | 3 | Senior |
| Minor | ||
| Secondary Teaching Field | 18 | Junior/Senior |
| CISE 3384 | 3 | Junior |
| CISE 4374 | 3 | Junior |
| READ 4375 | 3 | Senior |
| CISE 4364 | 3 | Senior |
| CISE 4394 | 3 | Senior |
| CISE 4377 | 3 | Senior |
| CISE 4396 | 3 | Senior |
| CISE 4397 | 3 | Senior |
| Total Hours | 135-142 | |
Minor in Mathematics with Teacher Certification
Middle School Level Certification
Plans must include MATH 1384, MATH 1385, MATH 2384, MATH 2385, MATH 3380, MATH 3383, MATH 3384, MATH 3386 and MATH 3387 or approved substitutes.
The following certifications are available for students who wish to teach in middle school: 4-8 Mathematics and 4-8 Mathematics/Science. Detailed four-year plans are located in the College of Education section of this catalog.
Secondary Level Certification
Plans must include MATH 1420, MATH 1430, MATH 3363 , MATH 3300, MATH 3377, MATH 3379, MATH 4384, MATH 4385 and COSC 1436 or approved substitutes.
Teacher Certification
In addition to the listed degree requirements, the following courses must be completed for teacher certification. Several of these courses may be taken as electives or to partially complete existing degree requirements. CISE 3374, CISE 3383, CISE 4364, CISE 4380, CISE 4394, CISE 4396, and CISE 4397, READ 4320.
Minor in Mathematics without Teacher Certification
Minors in mathematics must include MATH 1420, MATH 1430 and one of the following: MATH 2440 and 6 semester hours of advanced mathematics (no more than 3 hours of courses cross listed with STA), or 10 semester hours of advanced mathematics (no more than 3 hours of courses cross listed with STA). Prerequisites should be carefully noted. The following courses can only be used as required advanced electives by students who are seeking elementary/middle school teacher certification: MATH 3380, MATH 3381, MATH 3383, MATH 3384, MATH 3386, and MATH 3387. The following courses can only be used as required advanced electives by students who are seeking secondary teacher certification: MATH 4384 and MATH 4385. A student’s major program of study may also impose requirements on a minor in mathematics. Thus, the selection of courses for a mathematics minor should be made with the counsel of both the major advisor and a mathematics advisor.
Minor in Statistics
Requirements are adjusted to accommodate program emphases.
Minor in Statistical Theory
STAT 3379, STAT 4371, STAT 4372, and three courses elected from STAT 3380, STAT 3381, STAT 4370, STAT 4373, and STAT 4374.
Minor in Statistical Method
STAT 3379, STAT 3380, STAT 4374, and three courses elected from STAT 3381, STAT 4370, and STAT 4373 which includes special topics choices from Bayesian Analysis, Quality Control, Time Series, Survival Modeling, and Biostatistics.
A concentration of twelve semester hours is appropriate for students who need an understanding of statistics to augment study in another field but who do not require a minor in statistics. A typical concentration might consist of STAT 3379 and STAT 3380 with two additional courses selected from STAT 3381, STAT 4370, STAT 3371, STAT 4372, STAT 4373, and STAT 4374.
