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Location: 200 Lucas Building, Phone: (409) 880-8792 Email: math@lamar.edu 

Chair: Jeremy Alm

Administrative Associate Sr: Dorothy Beckett Rideaux

Professors: Alm, B. Daniel, Kennedy, Mahavier, Vallin

Associate Professors: Couch, J. Fowler, Dawkins, J. Jensen-Vallin, Maesumi

Assistant Professor: Liu, Vega-Guzman

Instructors: Brice, Hodges, Marken, Montgomery, Palmer, Phillips, Riley, Svyeshnikova

Except for one’s native language, mathematics is central to more fields than any other. Whether one studies computer science, economics, engineering, science, social sciences, or the liberal arts, mathematics is the language for any educated person. The Department of Mathematics offers a full range of courses in applied and pure mathematics, mathematics education for elementary and secondary school certification, and statistics. All departmental courses are taught with the goal of transforming students’ thinking and imagination. Foundational courses are designed to empower mathematics majors to handle situations in industry, graduate school, education, or other areas they may choose to pursue. Our professors are passionate about both teaching and research. As a result, mathematics majors not only find teachers who are thoughtful and caring, but they also find professors who are active researchers and seek to engage majors in research opportunities and research seminars. 

All mathematics degree programs allow mathematics majors and minors the flexibility to select courses suited to a variety of interests and career goals. Advising plays an integral role in achieving these objectives. Consequently, each mathematics major is assigned an advisor to assist with scheduling and career planning. 

The department offers the following B.A., B.S., M.S., and ancillary programs:  

• Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics: General, Teacher Certification  
• Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Concentrations: General, Theoretical Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Mathematics Education
• Post-Baccalaureate Specialization in Mathematics
• Minor in Mathematics, Statistics
• Double Major in Mathematics
• Dual Degree in Mathematics
• Fast Track B.S./M.S. in Mathematics
• Master of Science in Mathematics 

All degrees emphasize traditional mathematics, both as basic science and as a major tool in solving problems, and include a range of electives tailored to meet the needs of the individual student. Careers such as cryptology, actuarial science, biomathematics, mathematical finance, and university research are open to our graduates because of a proper selection of courses and research opportunities.   

In the twenty-first century, mathematics finds itself in an enviable position. Our culture is discovering the power and the beauty of mathematics. Many exciting areas of mathematics are interdisciplinary. The study of knot theory has found applications in the study of DNA. Number theory, an esoteric study until recent times, finds application in cryptology, a field essential to national security. The department’s established faculty are able to offer possibilities in these new, exciting areas of mathematics.

A minor or double major in mathematics can considerably enhance the undergraduate experience for a variety of students, strengthen their resumes, and lead to more satisfying careers. Students are encouraged to seek advice from mathematics faculty early in their decision-making stages. For students who wish to pursue baccalaureate degrees in mathematics, the department offers seven degree plans. Among these plans, the Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics (General) allows flexibility for both general electives and mathematics electives, while the language and minor requirements of this degree ensure a well-rounded education. The Bachelor of Arts with Teaching Certification is specifically designed for those planning to teach mathematics at the secondary (high school) level. The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics offers five areas of concentration. The General Concentration allows maximum flexibility within the mathematics electives. The Theoretical Mathematics Concentration is intended for those considering the possibility of attending graduate school in a foundational area of mathematics. The Applied Mathematics Concentration leads to applications of computation to design, simulation, planning, control, and analysis of scientific, engineering, and medical phenomena. The Statistics Concentration leads to careers in data analysis and quality control related to engineering, economics, marketing, pharmaceuticals, and ecology. The Mathematics Education Concentration is for those students who plan to teach mathematics at a secondary level but without the language requirements of the B.A. Students with any of the B.S. or B.A. degrees may choose from specialized graduate programs or careers in government, teaching, or industrial job markets.

Degrees Offered

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics General - 120 hrs
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics w/Teacher Certification - 122 hrs
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (Concentrations) - 120 hrs
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics w/Teacher Certification - 122 hrs

Graduate

Master of Science (Thesis option) - 24 hours of course work and 6 hours of thesis
Master of Science (Non-Thesis option) - 36 hours of course work

Post-Baccalaureate Specialization in Mathematics

This program is available to students who already have baccalaureate degrees in fields other than mathematics, but wish to obtain initial teacher certification in mathematics. These students should consult the College of Education and Human Development for details concerning certification.

MATH 2305 – Discrete Mathematics
MATH 2413 – Calculus and Analytical Geometry I
MATH 2414 – Calculus and Analytical Geometry II
MATH 3322 – Introduction to Advanced Mathematics
MATH 3328 – Linear Algebra
MATH 3330 – Higher Geometry
MATH 3350 – Modern Algebra I
MATH 3370 – Introduction to the Theory of Statistical Inference
MATH 4325 – Analysis I

Minor in Mathematics

A minor in mathematics requires 21 hours of mathematics courses as listed below, including at least six hours at the 3000-4000 level. All courses in the Minor must be completed with a "C" or better.

MATH 2318, 2413, 2414, 2415, 3301, 3311, 3321, 3325, 3370 or any course above MATH 3370 excluding MATH 4321.  

Minor in Statistics

A minor in statistics requires 21 hours of mathematics from Division I and Division II courses as listed below, including at least 12 hours from Division II. All courses in the minor must be completed with a "C" or better.

Division I Courses: MATH 1342, MATH 2305, 2413 (or 2460), 2414

Division II Courses: MATH 3325, 3370, and three courses from MATH 4313, 4317, 4319, 4380

Students are encouraged to contact the Mathematics Department early to design plans that suit their interests.

Double Major in Mathematics

A student pursuing a baccalaureate degree in a mathematically compatible field may opt to pursue a double major in mathematics. A double major requires 30 hours of mathematics (27 hours of Mathematics Core Courses and 3 hours from Mathematics Electives Courses).

Dual Degree in Mathematics

A student pursuing a baccalaureate degree in another field may opt to pursue a dual baccalaureate degree in mathematics. This degree requires 45 hours of mathematics (27 hours of Core Courses and 18 hours from Mathematics Electives Courses as listed below). In addition, students must satisfy the 3 hours of Computer Science requirements.

Minimum Degree Requirements

General Education Core Curriculum Requirement. See the  for the requirements related to courses in communication, mathematics, life and physical sciences, language, philosophy and culture, creative arts, American history, government and political science, and social and behavioral sciences. The total number of hours required is 42, of which 4 hours are in mathematics and 8 hours are in lab science as listed below. For the Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics (General or Teacher Certification), the communication requirement is to be filled by Spanish 1311, French 1311, or American Sign Language DSDE 1371. Certain elementary mathematics courses that satisfy the General Education Core Curriculum Requirement do not count toward a degree in mathematics.

Minimum Grade Requirement

A student must earn a grade of "C" or better in each mathematics course for it to be counted toward any degree or credential offered by the department. The same requirement is applied to any transfer credit.  The prerequisites of any course or external exam must also be satisfied with a grade of "C" or better. The terms "completion", "satisfactory completion", "to have credit for", and similar expressions refer to a minimum grade of "C." A student must earn grades of "C" or better for courses in each component of a degree plan (major, minor, secondary, concentration, dual major, or specialization).

Lab Science (Lab Sci) Requirement

A student graduating with a baccalaureate degree in Mathematics is required to take 8 hours of sequential lab science courses chosen from BIOL 1406 and 1407, GEOL 1403 and 1404, or PHYS 2425 and 2426. This requirement is listed as life and physical sciences in the General Education Core Curriculum for B.S. and B.A. Degree Programs below.

Computer Science (COSC) Requirement

A student graduating with a baccalaureate degree in mathematics is required to take at least one programming course chosen from COSC 1336 or COSC 3306. This requirement is listed as COSC in the B.S. and B.A. degree programs. COSC 3306 is recommended for majors who have considerable programming experience. COSC 1336 requires COSC 1173 as a co-requisite. Students who pursue the Applied Mathematics Concentration are encouraged to consider more advanced computer programming courses. Students who are considering mathematics courses with programming components (such as MATH 3321 or 4315) are encouraged to contact the instructor of the course in advance. A student seeking a double major in mathematics, whose original department has a computer science requirement different from the courses listed above, may submit a request for a waiver to the Chair.

Minor or Secondary Area Requirement

A student who pursues a B.A. or B.S. in mathematics must choose a minor in consultation with his or her advisor. Those who pursue teacher certification will have pedagogy as their minor. A student who pursues a B.S. degree may choose a coherent group of courses from several departments as his or her secondary or professional area in consultation with his or her advisor. A minor or secondary area requires a minimum of 21 hours, of which at least 12 hours must be at junior or senior level.

General Electives Requirement

Each degree plan includes general electives; students will select these courses in consultation with their advisors.

Mathematics Core Requirement

All B.S. and B.A. degrees in mathematics require the satisfactory completion of the following courses (27 hours). Of these, 4 hours are counted toward the General Education Core Curriculum Requirement, while the other 23 hours are noted as Mathematics Core Requirements in each degree plan.

MATH 2413 − Calculus I
MATH 2414 − Calculus II
MATH 3322 − Introduction to Advanced Mathematics
MATH 3328 − Linear Algebra
MATH 3435 - Calculus III
MATH 3350 – Modern Algebra I
MATH 3370 − Introduction to the Theory of Statistical Inference
MATH 4325 − Analysis I

Mathematics Electives Requirement

Students who pursue a degree in mathematics have a certain number of hours of mathematics electives from specified areas depending on their chosen concentration. The approved electives are listed below.

B.A. (General): Take any four mathematics electives from any area below.
B.A. (Teacher Certification): No math electives.
B.S. (General Concentration): Take any six mathematics electives from any area below.
B.S. (Applied Math Concentration): Take 3301, 3321, 4302, 4315 and two from 3325, 4313, 4316, 4317, 4318, 4319, 4360, 4380.
B.S. (Statistics Concentration): Take 3325, 4313, 4317, 4319, 4380 and one from 3301, 3321, 4302, 4310, 4315, 4316, 4318, 4330.
B.S. (Theoretical Math Concentration): Take 4310, 4330, 4340, 4326 and two from 3301, 3330, 3351, 4302, 4315, 4380.
B.S. (Math Education Concentration): Take any one elective from any area below.         

The following is the list of approved electives for B.S., B.A. (general), and double major in mathematics:

General Area:

MATH 4131, 4231 or 4331 – Special Problems

Theoretical Math Area:

MATH 3330 – Higher Geometry
MATH 3351 – Abstract Algebra II
MATH 4310 – Complex Variables
MATH 4326 – Analysis II
MATH 4330 – Advanced Linear Algebra
MATH 4340 – Topology

Applied Math Area:

MATH 3301 – Differential Equations
MATH 3321 – Discrete Structures
MATH 4302 – Partial Differential Equations
MATH 4315 – Numerical Analysis
MATH 4316 – Topics in Applied Numerical Methods
MATH 4318 – Applied Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory

Statistics Area:

MATH 3325 – Statistical Analysis with SPSS or MINITAB
MATH 4313 – Introduction to Linear Regression Analysis
MATH 4317 – Introduction to Probability Theory and Stochastic Processes
MATH 4319 – Introduction to Design of Experiments
MATH 4380 – Theory of Statistical Inference

Bachelor of Arts (General) Requirements

42 hours − General Education Core Curriculum Requirement
9 hours − Additional modern language requirements (through 2312)
3 hours − A second literature course
23 hours − Mathematics Core
12 hours − Mathematics Electives
3 hours − COSC
21 hours − Minor
7 hours − PHIL 2303 and 4 hours general electives
120 hours - Total

Bachelor of Arts with Teacher Certification

42 hours − The General Education Core
9 hours − Additional Foreign Language requirements (through 2312)
3 hours − A second Literature course
23 hours − Mathematics Core
15 hours − Additional Mathematics - MATH 2305 Discrete Mathematics, MATH 3300 History of Mathematics, MATH 4307 Problem Solving, MATH 3330 Higher Geometry, MATH 4321 Topics in Secondary Mathematics
3 hours − COSC Requirement
21 hours − Teacher Certification - PEDG 2310, PEDG 3300, READ 3326, PEDG 3380, PEDG 4380, PEDG 4620
6 hours − PHIL 2302 and 3 hrs general electives

122 hours − Total

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

42 hours − The General Education Core
23 hours − Mathematics Core
18 hours − Mathematics Electives according to concentration chosen
3 hours − COSC
21 hours − Minor or secondary area of study
13 hours − PHIL 2303 and 10 hours of general electives
120 hours − Total

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (Math Education Concentration)

42 hours − The General Education Core
23 hours − Mathematics Core
18 hours − Additional Mathematics: MATH 2305 Discrete Mathematics, MATH 3300 History of Mathematics, MATH 4307 Problem Solving, MATH 3330 Higher Geometry, MATH 4321 Topics in Secondary Mathematics, and 3 hours chosen from any area
3 hours − COSC
21 hours − Education Courses
15 hours − PHIL 2303 plus 12 hours general electives
122 hours – Total

Graduate Program

The Department of Mathematics offers a program of study leading to a Master of Science degree in Mathematics. It is designed to prepare students either for professionally oriented careers in industry or government, for further graduate work in mathematics, or for the depth and breadth necessary for a career in mathematics education.

Prospects for a student with a Master of Science in Mathematics are numerous. Opportunities exist in all areas of applied mathematics including computer science, statistics, operations research, numerical analysis, mathematical physics, administration/management science, engineering, secondary and elementary school teaching. These represent a sample of the excellent job opportunities available for a student who earns our M.S.

The department invests considerable time advising students in the M.S. program. Once a student is admitted, the advisor will tailor the individual program to meet the new scholar's needs and/or interests. Consequently, a student with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, computer science, engineering, applied sciences, or secondary education will find appropriate opportunities in this M.S. program. 

Admission to the Program

In order to be admitted to the Graduate Degree Program, a student must have:

1. Met the general requirements as set forth in this catalog for admission to Lamar's College of Graduate Studies.
2. Earned a bachelor's degree from an institution approved by a recognized accrediting agency.
3. Achieved the standards of a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the last sixty hours of undergraduate work and a minimum GRE combined score of 290. Non-native English speakers must have successfully completed the IELTS.
4. Successfully completed no fewer than 27 semester hours of undergraduate mathematics including courses equivalent or comparable to the following: abstract algebra, analysis, differential equations, linear algebra and statistics, 12 hours of which must be at the junior and/or senior level. Applicants who do not meet this requirement may still be admitted conditionally and be required to make up missing coursework as prescribed by the department. A GPA of 3.0 for assigned deficiency/leveling courses must be maintained and grades below "C" will not be accepted.

Final approval as to what course work is acceptable toward admission to the graduate degree program lies with the graduate advisor and the department chair. 

Admission to Candidacy

In order to be admitted to candidacy a student must

1. Successfully complete 12 semester hours of approved graduate work in mathematics.
2. Remove all deficiencies in mathematics designated by the Graduate Advisor and the Department Chair.
3. Satisfy the general Admission to Candidacy requirements as set forth in this catalog.

Completion of the Program

In order to complete the M.S. program, a student must

1.  Take the Advanced Mathematics section of the Graduate Record Examination and have the score reported to the Graduate Advisor.
2. Complete one of the two following programs:
   1. At least 24 hours of graduate course work, a written thesis acceptable to the student’s graduate committee, and a satisfactory oral defense of the thesis before the graduate committee.
   2. At least 36 hours of graduate course work and successfully pass an examination over the course work prepared by the student’s graduate committee.
3. Include at least three courses from among the following:  MATH 5310 Theory of Functions of Real Variables, MATH 5312 Complex Variables or 5350 Complex Variables, MATH 5320 Modern Algebra, MATH 5340 Topology.