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DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS

Timothy Hudson, Department Head

 

One of the oldest and most fundamental sciences, Mathematics is the science of quantitative relationships using numbers and symbols. Mathematicians use theory, algorithms, computational techniques, and the latest computer technology to solve problems in physics, engineering, science, business, and economics. Mathematics is usually referred to as pure (theoretical and abstract) or applied (practical problem solving). Mathematics includes numerous sub-disciplines, including analysis, abstract algebra, geometry, probability, statistics, and mathematics education. The overall educational objective of the Mathematics undergraduate degree program at Southeastern is to provide students with the opportunity to develop their analytical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and problem-solving skills that will prepare them to succeed in either graduate school or in a variety of careers in business, industry, government, or teaching.

Candidates for a Major in Mathematics must earn a minimum grade of “C” or better in all mathematics courses taken.

A Minor in Mathematics may be obtained by completing a minimum of 22 hours of mathematics courses as follows:

MATH 200 5 hours
MATH 201 5 hours
MATH 223 3 hours
MATH 312 3 hours
MATH 309, 350, 360, 370, or 400-level Math courses (Choose 2)1 6 hours
Total 22 hours

1Math 467, 485, and 486 may not be used to satisfy this requirement.

 

Placement in Mathematics

Since the Department of Mathematics uses the ACT Mathematics score for initial placement of students into their first mathematics courses, we must have their official ACT scores entered into Southeastern’s computer system before students can register for mathematics courses. Our placement procedure is outlined below:

  1. A student whose ACT mathematics score is 18 is required to concurrently enroll in MATH 92 and MATH 105.
  2. Placement of beginning freshman according to the ACT mathematics score:
      • MATH 92: ACT mathematics score of 18. (must be taken concurrently with MATH 105). Credit for MATH 92 does not count toward graduation
      • MATH 151: ACT mathematics score of 19 or 20.
      • MATH 161: ACT mathematics score of 21 or higher.
      • MATH 175: ACT mathematics score of 25 or higher.
      • MATH 200: ACT mathematics score of 28 or higher.
  3. Advanced Placement Policies:
      • A student whose ACT Mathematics score is 28 or above is eligible to enroll directly in MATH 162, 163, 175, or 241 depending upon their choice of major. Upon completion of MATH 162, 163, 175, or 241 with the grade of "C" or better in the first attempt, the student will receive the grade "P" in MATH 161, with 3 credit hours.
      • A student whose ACT Mathematics score is 28 or above is eligible to enroll directly in MATH 200. Upon completion of MATH 200 with a grade of "C" or better in the first attempt, the student will receive the grade "P" in MATH 175, with 5 credit hours.
      • A student who earns credit in MATH 163, 200, or 241 via the AP, Cambridge International, or International Baccalaureate Calculus or Statistics exams will receive the grade of “P” in MATH 161, with 3 credit hours.
      • Students who transfer in a mathematics course at the level of trigonometry-based calculus or above with a grade of "C" or better will receive a grade of "P" for Math 161, with 3 credit hours.

 

Progression Policy

Students pursuing the degree of Bachelor of Science in Mathematics must meet both of the following progression standards:

  1. Students may not repeat any of the following courses more than once: MATH 200, MATH 201, MATH 312, or MATH 223.
  2. Students must successfully complete MATH 200 with a grade of "C" or better by the end of the 4th regular semester following the declaration of a major in mathematics.

Students with exceptional circumstances must have an alternative progression plan approved by the Department Head. Students who do not meet these standards will not be allowed to continue in the Mathematics major. 

 

Honors Diploma in the Discipline

For information on earning Sophomore Honors Distinction, Senior Honors Distinction, or the Honors Diploma, please consult The University Honors Program section of this catalog, the Director of the Honors Program, and/or your Department Head.