Department of Mathematics

Location: 200 Lucas Building, Phone: (409) 880-8792 

Chair: Mary E. Wilkinson (Interim) 

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 a 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 BA, BS, MS, and ancillary programs:  

• Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. Tracks: General, Teacher Certification  
• Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. Tracks: General, Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics
• Post-Baccalaureate Specialization in Mathematics
• Minor in Mathematics
• Double Major in Mathematics
• Second Degree in Mathematics
• Fast Track BS/MS in Mathematics
• Master of Science in Mathematics 

All degrees emphasize traditional mathematics, both as a 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 six tracks. Among these tracks, the Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, General Track, allows the maximum 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, Teaching Certification Track, is specifically designed for those planning to teach mathematics at the secondary (high school) level. The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, General Track, allows maximum flexibility within the mathematics electives. The Pure Mathematics Track is intended for those considering the possibility of attending graduate school in a foundational area of mathematics. The Applied Mathematics Track leads to applications of computation to design, simulation, planning, control, and analysis of scientific, engineering, and medical phenomena. The Statistics Track leads to careers in data analysis and quality control related to engineering, economics, marketing, pharmaceuticals, and ecology. Students with any of the BS or BA degrees may choose from specialized graduate programs or careers in government, teaching, or industrial job markets.

Degrees Offered

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics - 121 hrs
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics w/Teacher Certification - 125 hrs
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (General Track) - 121 hrs
Bachelor of Science (Pure Mathematics Track) - 124 hrs
Bachelor of Science (Applied Mathematics Track) - 124 hrs
Bachelor of Science (Statistics Track) - 125 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

Center for College Readiness

For current information concerning placement test scores required by Lamar University to enter college-level mathematics classes, go to http://dept.lamar.edu/CollegeReadiness/CRMA.html.

Students who score less than 200 on the mathematics portion of the THEA must begin in CRMA 0370. Students who score from 200 to 239 must begin in CRMA 0371. Students who score from 240 to 269 must begin in CRMA 0372. Students scoring at least 270 should not start in a CRMA course, but should choose the appropriate MATH course.

Mathematics Teaching Certification

Students who wish to earn an initial secondary teaching certificate, with a teaching field in mathematics, should consult the entry of the College of Education and Human Development for details concerning certification.

Post-Baccalaureate Specialization in Mathematics

This program is available to students who already have a baccalaureate degree in a field other than mathematics but wish to obtain teacher certification in mathematics. The student must complete the following courses for the Post-Baccalaureate Specialization in Mathematics:

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 from Division I and Division II courses as listed below, including at least nine hours from Division II.

Division I Courses: MATH 2305, 2413 (or 2460), 2414
Division II Courses: MATH 3301, 3321, 3325, 3328, 3435, above 3435, but excluding 4321.  

Students are encouraged to contact the Mathematics Department early to design plans that suit their interests. A wide variety of choices are available. Examples of possible Minor plans and their areas of concentration are as follows: 

• Pure mathematics focus: MATH 2413, 2414, 3322, 3350, 4325, and 3435 or two courses from 3328, 3351, 4326, 4310, 4330, 4340.
• Applied mathematics focus: MATH 2413, 2414, 3435, 3301, 3370, and one course from 4302, 4310, 4318, or 4315.
• Statistics focus: MATH 2413, 2414, 3325, 3370, and three courses from 4313, 4317, 4319, 4380.

Double (Second) 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 (23 hours of Mathematics Core Courses and 7 hours from MATH 3435 or Mathematics Electives Courses as listed below). In addition, students must satisfy the 3 hours of Computer Science Requirement.

Second Degree in Mathematics

A student pursuing a baccalaureate degree in another field may opt to pursue a second baccalaureate degree in mathematics.  This degree requires 42 hours of mathematics (23 hours of Core Courses and 19 hours from MATH 3435 or Mathematics Electives Courses as listed below).  In addition, students must satisfy the 3 hours of Computer Science Requirement.

Fast Track BS/MS Degree in Mathematics

A student pursuing a baccalaureate degree in mathematics may opt to complete a master's degree in mathematics at the same time, generally in five years of study.  Motivated undergraduate mathematics majors may take the graduate versions of four cross-listed courses during their senior year. Interested students are invited to discuss this with their advisors in the Department of Mathematics.

Minimum Degree Requirements

Philosophy of Knowledge Core Curriculum Requirement. See the Undergraduate Academic Policies and Procedures for the requirements related to courses in philosophy, humanities, composition, literature, communication, history, fine arts, political science, social science, and physical education. The total number of hours required is 48, of which six hours is in mathematics and eight hours is in lab science as listed below. For the Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics (General or Teacher Certification Track), the communication requirement is to be filled by Spanish 1311, German 1311, French 1311, or American Sign Language CMDS 2375. Certain elementary mathematics courses that satisfy the Philosophy of Knowledge 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. Students must maintain a grade point average of 2.00 or better within each component (major, minor, concentration, second major, or specialization) of their degree plans.

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, CHEM 1411 and 1412, GEOL 1403 and 1404, or PHYS 2425 and 2426. This requirement is listed as Lab Sci in the Standard Curriculum for BS and B.A Degree Programs below.

Computer Science (COSC) Requirement

A student graduating with a baccalaureate degree or a second major in mathematics is required to take at least one programming course chosen from COSC 1336, COSC 1337, or COSC 3306. This requirement is listed as COSC in the Standard Curriculum for BS and BA 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 Track 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 Concentration Requirement

A student who pursues a BA or BS 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 BS degree may choose a coherent group of courses from several departments as his or her concentration or professional area in consultation with his or her advisor. A minor or concentration requires a minimum of 21 hours, of which 12 hours must be at junior or senior level.

General Electives Requirement

A student who pursues a BS degree will have 12 hours of general electives while a student who pursues a BA degree have 6 hours of general electives. Students will select these courses in consultation with their advisors.

Mathematics Core Requirement

All BS and BA degrees in mathematics require satisfactory completion of the following courses (23 hours). Of these, 6 hours may be counted toward the Philosophy of Knowledge Core Curriculum Requirement, while the other 17 hours are noted as Mathematics Core Requirement in each degree plan.

MATH 2413 − Calculus I
MATH 2414 − Calculus II
MATH 3322 − Introduction to Advanced Mathematics
MATH 3328 − Linear Algebra
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 track. The approved electives are listed below.

BA (General track) has 9 hours of MATH electives from any area.
BA (Teacher Certification) has no MATH electives.
BS (General Track) has 15 hours of MATH electives from any area.
BS (Pure Math Track) has 3 hours of MATH electives from any area.
BS (Applied Math Track) has 18 hours of MATH electives from applied mathematics or statistics areas or 4310 or 4330.  At least 9 hours must be in applied mathematics area.
BS (Statistics Track) has 9 hours of mathematics electives, at least one course from 4313, 4319, and the remaining from applied mathematics area or 3435, or 4330.           

The following is the list of approved electives for BS, BA (general track), and Double Major in mathematics:

General Area:

MATH 4131, 4231 or 4331 – Special Problems

Pure 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 Track) Requirements

48 hours − Philosophy of Knowledge Core Curriculum Requirement
9 hours − Additional modern language requirements (through 2312)
3 hours − A second literature course
17 hours − Mathematics Core
5 hours − Additional mathematics: MATH 3435 Calculus III, MATH 4131 Research Seminar
9 hours − Mathematics Electives
3 hours − COSC
21 hours − Minor
6 hours − General Electives
121 hours - Total

Bachelor of Arts (Teacher Certification Track) 

48 hours − The Philosophy of Knowledge Core
9 hours − Additional Foreign Language requirements (through 2312)
3 hours − A second Literature course
17 hours − Mathematics Core
15 hours − Additional Mathematics - MATH 2305 Discrete Mathematics, MATH 3300 History of Mathematics, MATH 3317 Problem Solving, MATH 3330 Higher Geometry, MATH 4321 Topics in Secondary Mathematics
3 hours − COSC Requirement
24 hours − Teacher Certification - PEDG 2310, PEDG 3310, PEDG 3320, READ 3326, PEDG 3380, PEDG 4380, PEDG 4620
6 hours − General Electives

125 hours − Total

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (General Track)

48 hours − The Philosophy of Knowledge Core
17 hours − Mathematics Core
5 hours − Additional Math: MATH 3435 Calculus III, MATH 4131 − Research Seminar
15 hours − Mathematics Electives
3 hours − COSC
21 hours − Concentration
12 hours − General Electives
121 hours − Total

Bachelor of Science (Pure Mathematics Track)

48 hours − The Philosophy of Knowledge Core
17 hours − Mathematics Core
20 hours − Additional Mathematics: MATH 3301 Differential Equations, MATH 3435 Calculus III, MATH 4310 Complex Variables, MATH 4326 Analysis II, MATH 4330 Advanced Linear Algebra, MATH 4340 Topology, MATH 4131 Research Seminar
3 hours − Mathematics Electives (any area)
3 hours − COSC
21 hours − Concentration
12 hours − General Electives 

Bachelor of Science (Applied Mathematics Track)

48 hours − The Philosophy of Knowledge Core
17 hours − Mathematics Core
5 hours − Additional Mathematics: MATH 3435 Calculus III, MATH 4131 Research Seminar
9 hours − Mathematics Electives (from Applied Mathematics area)
9 hours − Mathematics Electives (from Applied Mathematics or Statistics area or 4310 or 4330)
3 hours − COSC Requirement
21 hours − Concentration
12 hours − General Electives

124 hours − Total

Bachelor of Science (Statistics Track)

48 hours − The Philosophy of Knowledge Core
17 hours − Mathematics Core
15 hours − Additional Mathematics: 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
9 hours − Mathematics Electives Requirement from the following list: MATH 3435 Calculus III, MATH 4330 Advanced Linear Algebra, Any Mathematics Elective from Applied Mathematics area
3 hours − COSC
21 hours − Concentration
12 hours − General Electives
125 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 train students either for a professionally oriented career in industry or government, for further graduate work in mathematics, or to provide depth and breadth in mathematics education.

Opportunities for a student with a Master of Science in Mathematics are numerous. Such 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 a MS in mathematics. 

The department invests considerable time advising students in the MS program. Once a student is admitted, the advisor will individually tailor the student’s program to meet the needs and/or interests of the student. Consequently, a student with a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, computer science, and engineering, and of the sciences, or secondary education will find appropriate opportunities in this MS program. 

Admission to the Program

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

1. Meet the general requirements as set forth in this catalog for admission to Lamar" College of Graduate Studies.
2. Have a bachelor's degree from an institution approved by a recognized accrediting agency.
3. Meet the standards of a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the last sixty hours of undergraduate work and a minimum GRE combined score of 950.
4. Successfully complete 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 be required to make up such deficiencies 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 head. A student may be admitted conditionally to the graduate degree program, but is required to remove any deficiencies in undergraduate mathematics.

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. Complete at least 24 hours of graduate course work, write a thesis acceptable to the student’s graduate committee, and satisfactorily defend the thesis orally before the graduate committee.
   2. Complete at least 36 hours of graduate course work and satisfactorily complete an examination over the course work before 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