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, Rebecca Garcia, Luis Garcia-Puente, Cecil Hallum, Damon Hay, Melinda Holt, William Jasper, Dustin Jones (on leave), Jodie Kirk, Mark Klespis, Brian Loft, Martin Malandro, Ananda Bandulasiri Manage, 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
3 Digit to 4 Digit Crosswalk
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
| Core Curriculum | ||
| Component Area I (Communication) | 6 |
Freshman |
| Component Area II (Mathematics)1 | 3 |
Freshman |
| Component Area III (Natural Sciences) | 8 |
Courses for Science Majors |
| Component Area IV (Humanities/Visual/Performing Arts) | 9 |
Fresh/Soph/Junior |
| Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) | 15 |
Fresh/Soph/Junior |
| Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) | 1 |
Sophomore |
| Degree Specific Requirements | ||
| Foreign Language | 11-14 |
Soph/Junior/Senior |
| PHY 141 <PHYS 1411>2 or PHY 142 <PHYS 1422> | 4 |
Freshman |
| Philosophy | 3 |
Junior |
| CS 146 <COSC 1436> | 4 |
Sophomore |
| ENG <ENGL> Literature3 | 3 |
Sophomore |
| Major Core | ||
| MTH 142 <MATH 1420> | 4 |
Freshman |
| MTH 143 <MATH 1430> | 4 |
Freshman |
| MTH 244 <MATH 2440> | 4 |
Sophomore |
| MTH 364 <MATH 3300> | 3 |
Sophomore |
| MTH 377 <MATH 3377> | 3 |
Junior |
| MTH 461 <MATH 4361> | 3 |
Senior |
| MTH 466 <MATH 4366> | 3 |
Senior |
| MTH 471 <MATH 4371> | 3 |
Senior |
| MTH 477 <MATH 4377> | 3 |
Senior |
| Major | ||
| MTH <MATH> electives | 6 |
Junior/Senior |
| Minor | 18 |
Junior/Senior |
| Electives | 9-12 |
To bring to 120 total hrs |
| Total Hours: | 120 |
|
Notes:
1MTH 142 <MATH 1420> satisfies component required by major.
2PHY 141 <PHYS 1422> satisfies component area and degree specific.
3ENG Literature satisfies component area and degree specific.
The following courses can only be used as required advanced electives by students who are seeking elementary/middle school teacher certification: MTH 380 <MATH 3380>, 381 <3381>, 383 <3383>, 384 <3384>, 386 <3386>, and 387 <3387>. The following courses can only be used as required advanced electives by students who are seeking secondary teacher certification: MTH 484 <MATH 4384> and 485 <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: BIO 161/111 <BIOL 1311/1111>, BIO 162/112 <BIOL 1313/1113>, BIO 245 <BIOL 2401>, CHM 138/118 <CHEM 1311>, CHM 139/119 <CHEM 1312/1112>, Any lab course from Geology or Geography.
Bachelor of Science
Major in Mathematics
3 Digit to 4 Digit Crosswalk
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
| Core Curriculum | ||
| Component Area I (Communication) | 6 |
Freshman |
| Component Area II (Mathematics)1 | 3 |
Freshman |
| Component Area III (Natural Sciences) | 8 |
Courses for Science Majors |
| Component Area IV (Humanities/Visual/Performing Arts) | 9 |
Sophomore/Junior |
| Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) | 15 |
Fresh/Soph/Junior |
| Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) | 1 |
Freshman |
| Degree Specific Requirements | ||
| PHY 141 <PHYS 1411>2 and PHYS 142 <PHYS 1422> or PHY 245 <PHYS 2426> |
8 |
Sophomore |
| ENG <ENGL> Literature | 3 |
Sophomore |
| CS 146 <COSC 1436> | 4 |
Sophomore |
| Major Core | ||
| MTH 142 <MATH 1420> | 4 |
Freshman |
| MTH 143 <MATH 1430> | 4 |
Freshman |
| MTH 244 <MATH 2440> | 4 |
Sophomore |
| MTH 364 <MATH 3300> | 3 |
Sophomore |
| MTH 376 <MATH 3376> | 3 |
Junior/Senior |
| MTH 377 <MATH 3377> | 3 |
Junior/Senior |
| MTH 461 <MATH 4361> | 3 |
Senior |
| MTH 466 <MATH 4366> | 3 |
Senior |
| MTH 471 <MATH 4371> | 3 |
Senior |
| MTH 477 <MATH 4377> | 3 |
Senior |
| Major | ||
| MTH <MATH> electives | 6 |
Junior/Senior |
| Minor | 18 |
Junior/Senior |
| Electives | 16 |
|
| Total Hours: | 120 |
|
Notes:
1MTH 142<MATH 1420> satisfies component required by major.
2PHY 141 <PHYS 1422> satisfies component area and degree specific.
3ENG <ENGL> Literature satisfies component area and degree specific.
The following courses can only be used as required advanced electives by students who are seeking elementary/middle school teacher certification: MTH 380 <MATH 3380>, 381 <3381>, 383 <3383>, 384 <3384>, 386 <3386>, and 387 <3387>. The following courses can only be used as required advanced electives by students who are seeking secondary teacher certification: MTH 484 <MATH 4384> and 485 <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: BIO 161/111 <BIOL 1311/1111>, BIO 162/112 <BIOL 1313/1113>, BIO 245 <BIOL 2401>, CHM 138/118 <CHEM 1311>, CHM 139/119 <CHEM 1312/1112>, 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 CS 146 or approved substitute, MTH 142 <MATH 1420>, 143 <MATH1430>, 244 <2440>, 363 <3363>, 364 <3300>, 377 <3377>, 379 <3379>, 477 <4377>, 484 <4384>, and 485 <4385>.
For students who do not select a Minor
The requirements include those above, and one of the following options:
OPTION 1: (Analysis Emphasis) MTH 461 <MATH 4361>, 467 <4367>, and an upper level mathematics course.
OPTION 2: (Statistics Emphasis) STA 380 <STAT 3380>, STA 470 <STAT 4370>, and MTH <MATH>/STA <STAT> 471 <4371>.
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication) |
6 |
Freshman |
Component Area II (Mathematics)1 |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
Courses for Science Majors |
Component Area IV (Humanities/Visual/Performing Arts) |
9 |
Soph/Junior/Senior |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
15 |
Freshman/Sophomore |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
Freshman |
Degree Specific Requirements |
||
PHY 141 <PHYS 1411>2 and PHYS 142 <PHYS 1422> or |
8 |
Sophomore |
ENG <ENGL> Literature3 |
3 |
Sophomore |
4 |
Sophomore |
|
Major Core |
||
4 |
Freshman |
|
4 |
Freshman |
|
4 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
Major |
||
Option 1 – MTH 461 <MATH 4361>, MTH 467 <MATH 4367> |
9 |
Senior |
Or Option 2 – STA 380 <STAT 3380>, STA 471 <STAT 4371>, |
9 |
Senior |
Minor |
||
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
Elective |
7 |
Junior/Senior |
Total Hours: 120 |
||
Notes:
1MTH 142<MATH 1420> satisfies component required by major.
2PHY 141 <PHYS 1422> satisfies component area and degree specific.
3ENG <ENGL> 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)1 |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
Courses for Science Majors |
Component Area IV (Humanities/Visual/Performing Arts) |
9 |
Fresh/Soph/Junior |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
15 |
Fresh/Soph/Junior |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
Sophomore |
Degree Specific Requirements |
||
Foreign Language |
11-14 |
Soph/Junior/Senior |
Philosophy |
3 |
Junior |
4 |
Freshman |
|
4 |
Sophomore |
|
ENG <ENGL> Literature3 |
3 |
Sophomore |
Major Core |
||
4 |
Freshman |
|
4 |
Freshman |
|
4 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Junior/Senior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
Minor |
||
Secondary Teaching Field |
18 |
Junior/Senior |
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
Total Hours: 135-142 |
||
Notes:
1MTH 142<MATH 1420> satisfies component required by major.
2PHY 141 <PHYS 1422> satisfies component area and degree specific.
3ENG <ENGL> Literature satisfies component area and degree specific.
Minor in Mathematics with Teacher Certification
Middle School Level Certification
Plans must include MTH 184 <MATH 1384>, 185 <1385>, 284 <2384>, 285 <2385>, 380 <3380>, 383 <3383> 384 <3384>, 386 <3386> and 387 <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 MTH 142 <MATH 1420>, 143 <1430>, 363 <3363> , 364 <3300>, 377 <3377>, 379 <3379>, 484 <4384>, 485 <4385> and CS 146 <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. SED 374 <CISE 3374>, 383 <3383>, 464 <4364>, 480 <4380>, 494 <4394>, 496 <4396>, and 497 <4397>, RDG 492 <READ 4320>.
Minor in Mathematics without Teacher Certification
Minors in mathematics must include MTH 142 <MATH 1420>, 143 <1430> and one of the following: MTH 244 <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: MTH 380 <MATH 3380>, MTH 381 <MATH 3381>, 383 <3383>, 384 <3384>, 386 <3386>, and 387 <3387>. The following courses can only be used as required advanced electives by students who are seeking secondary teacher certification: MTH 484 <MATH 4384> and 485 <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
STA 379 <STAT 3379>, 380 <3380>, 471 <3371>, 472 <4372>, and two courses elected from STA 381 <STAT 3381>, 470 <4370>, 473 <4373>, and 474 <4374>.
Minor in Statistical Method
STA 379 <STAT 3379>, 380 <3380> , 381 <3381>, 474 <4374>, 473 <4373>, and one course elected from STA 470 <STAT 4370> 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 STA 379 <STAT 3379> and 380 <3380> with two additional courses selected from STA 381 <3381>, 470 <4370>, 471 <3371>, 472 <4372>, 473 <4373>, and 474 <4374>.