Mathematics

Mark Riggs, Chair    
ACU Box 28012
Abilene, Texas 79699-8012
Foster Science Building, Room 215

Phone: 325-674-2007
Fax: 325-674-6753
Email: mxr02d@acu.edu
Web: www.acu.edu/math

Faculty
Phyllis Bolin, Associate Professor
John Ehrke, Assistant Professor
David Hendricks, Associate Professor
Jason Holland, Associate Professor
 Robert Huff, Assistant Professor
Alexander Karabegov, Professor
Julie McQueen, Instructor
Mark Riggs, Professor
Cheryl Schwiethale, Instructor
John Smallwood, Assistant Professor
Carol Williams, Professor
Connie Yarema, Professor

Majors: Mathematics (BA)
               Mathematics (BS)
               Mathematics - Concentration in
               Actuarial Science (BS)
               Mathematics for High School
               Teacher Certification (BS)
               Middle School Teacher Certification -
               Mathematics (BS)

Minor:   Mathematics

The Department of Mathematics offers the Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and the Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics. High school certification in mathematics and middle school certification in mathematics may be obtained with the Bachelor of Science.

The mathematics department hires students as computer lab monitors or paper graders. For information contact the department administrative coordinator.

Introduction
 As the language in which nature speaks to us, mathematics has been a vital ingredient in physics and chemistry and the intellectual fabrics of a broad range of disciplines, increasing its impact on such diverse areas as space science, management and the social sciences. More recently, the fundamental role of mathematics has been recognized in biology and medicine. Moreover, it has long been an essential component of the school and college curriculum, especially for the preparation of scientists and engineers. Mathematics is the foundation of our technological society and is a growing, changing discipline with new results constantly being discovered. The computer has extended the reach and power of mathematics, making it even more crucial that young people be solidly grounded in the subject. Mathematics is a crucial component of our culture and a discipline essential to the well-being of American science and technology, as well as to economic strength, industrial competitiveness and national defense.

The department offers undergraduate programs in mathematics of quality, scope, and flexibility.

The Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics has the flexibility to permit a student to tailor the degree plan to fit individual needs. Courses required for this degree expose one to a wide range of mathematics and to thought patterns and problem solving skills useful in all of life. This degree is excellent preparation for many careers and has the flexibility to prepare one for graduate study in mathematics, statistics, operations research, medicine, business, and many other areas.

The Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics teaching is designed to prepare high school mathematics teachers. There are several courses in this degree which are specifically tailored to the needs of students preparing to pass the Texas teacher certification examination in mathematics at the high school level.

The Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics for middle school teaching is designed to prepare middle school mathematics teachers. This degree is designed to meet the needs of students preparing to pass the Texas teacher certification examination in mathematics at the middle school level.

The Bachelor of Science in mathematics – concentration in actuarial science – is designed specifically for students whose career goals include the actuarial field.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics is a strong liberal arts degree. The degree requires a minor, and it is suitable for anyone wanting a degree in mathematics while at the same time taking several courses in a different discipline.

The department expects any graduate with a major in mathematics to have the following abilities: (1) to analyze and solve problems using techniques of undergraduate mathematics; (2) to undertake independent study of literature in mathematics; (3) to communicate in both oral and written form the results of mathematical problems and/or investigations; and (4) to use technology in solving mathematical problems.

ACU’s elementary mathematics courses are planned so that students who take precalculus or calculus start at a level suitable to their preparation. Placement in these courses is based on results of the COMPASS placement exam.

Credit by examination for calculus is available through national exams. See “Credit by Examination” brochure available in the Testing Office.

Study Abroad Expectations
 All students are encouraged to participate in ACU’s Study Abroad program. Classes offered at Study Abroad sites vary depending on the site. Academic advisors can assist students in planning ahead for their Study Abroad experience and should be consulted during the freshman year.

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Bachelor of Science Degree (BS)

Admissions Requirements
Before being admitted to a program, a student must satisfy the requirements listed in the ACT/SAT Placement Information section of this catalog.

MATHEMATICS (BS)        

BS: MATHEMATICS DEGREE PLAN (MATH)  
UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS  
Please see the University Requirements section of this catalog. 
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS  

Mathematics

    MATH 185 Calculus I  

    MATH 186 Calculus II  

    MATH 187 Calculus Computer Lab  

    MATH 227 Discrete Mathematics  

    MATH 286 Calculus III  

    MATH 325 Linear Algebra  

    MATH 351 Abstract Algebra I  

    MATH 377 Statistical Methods I  

    MATH 381 Analysis I   

    MATH 397 Mathematics Seminar   

    MATH 497 Mathematics Capstone (writing-intensive course)  

    Choose one:  

        MATH 453 Abstract Algebra II

        MATH 478 Mathematical Statistics

        MATH 483 Analysis II 

 

(3)1

3

1

3

3

3

3

3

3

2

2

3

 

 

 

Advanced Mathematics Selections

    Advanced mathematics selections

         (excluding 309, 311, 410 and 412)  

TOTAL  

1Hours (in parenthesis) may also fulfill university requirements 
and are not included in total major hours

 

 

9

38

SUPPLEMENT FOR MAJOR  

Computer Science

    CS 115 Introduction to Programming  

    CS 120 Programming I  

    CS 341 Numerical Methods  

Supplemental Menu

    BIOL 112/114 General Biology I Lecture/Lab or

         CHEM 133/131 General Chemistry I Lecture/Lab  

    PHYS 120 Engineering Physics I  

    PHYS 121 Engineering Physics I Lab  

    PHYS 122 Engineering Physics II 

    PHYS 123 Engineering Physics II Lab 

    Choose two courses from the following list:  

         ACCT 210, 211

         CHEM 133/131, 134/132

         CS 332, 365, 442

         PHYS 230/231

         Modern foreign language

TOTAL 

1Hours (in parenthesis) may also fulfill university requirements 
and are not included in total major hours

        

 

3

3

3

 

 

(3)1/1 

 (3)1

1

3

1

6-8

 

 

 

 

 

21-23

ELECTIVES  

 

Minimum

 

11-13

 

TOTAL MAJOR HOURS

 

72

OTHER GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS  

 

Minimum GPA in major requirements

Minimum GPA for graduation

Minimum advanced hours

Minimum total hours

Courses numbered 0** do not count in

minimum hours required for degree.

 

2.00

2.00

33

128

 

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MATHEMATICS – CONCENTRATION IN ACTUARIAL SCIENCE (BS)    

BS: MATHEMATICS DEGREE PLAN – CONCENTRATION IN ACTUARIAL SCIENCE (MATH) (MASC)  
UNIVERSITY REQIUREMENTS  

Please see the University Requirements section of this catalog.

 
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS  

Mathematics

    MATH 185 Calculus I  

    MATH 186 Calculus II   

    MATH 187 Calculus Computer Lab   

    MATH 227 Discrete Mathematics  

    MATH 286 Calculus III  

    MATH 377 Statistical Methods I  

    MATH 397 Mathematics Seminar  

    MATH 445 Theory of Interest  

    MATH 477 Statistical Methods II  

    MATH 478 Mathematical Statistics  

    MATH 497 Mathematics Capstone (writing-intensive course)  

Mathematics Selections

    Choose two:  

         MATH 325 Linear Algebra

         MATH 361 Ordinary Differential Equations

         MATH 381 Analysis I

Advanced Mathematics Selection

    (excluding 309, 311, 410 and 412)  

TOTAL  

1Hours (in parenthesis) may also fulfill university requirements 
and are not included in total major hours

 

(3)1

3

1

3

3

3

2

3

3

3

2

 

6

 

 

 

 

3

35

SUPPLEMENT FOR MAJOR  

Computer Science

    CS 115 Introduction to Programming  

    CS 120 Programming I  

Business Administration

    ACCT 210 Financial Accounting  

    ACCT 211 Managerial Accounting  

    ECON 260 Principles of Macroeconomics  

    ECON 261 Principles of Microeconomics  

    FIN 310 Financial Management  

    FIN 419 International Financial Markets 

    IS 324 Management Information Systems  

    One upper level course (FIN 411 suggested)  

Business or Mathematics Selection

    ECON 463 Managerial Economics or

         FIN 412 Financial Theory and Practice (suggested)  

TOTAL  

1Hours (in parenthesis) may also fulfill university requirements 
and are not included in total major hours

 

3

3

 

3

3

(3)1

3

3

3

3

3

 

 

3

30

ELECTIVES  

 

Minimum  

 

7

 

TOTAL MAJOR HOURS 

 

72

OTHER GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS  

 

Minimum GPA in major requirements and supplement  

Minimum GPA for graduation 

Minimum advanced hours   

Minimum total hours  

Courses numbered 0** do not count in

minimum hours required for degree.

 

2.50

2.00

33

128

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MATHEMATICS FOR HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER CERTIFICATION (BS)     

BS: MATHEMATICS (ONE-FIELD TEACHER CERTIFICATION) DEGREE PLAN (MATT)  
UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS  

Please see the University Requirements section of this catalog.

 
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS  

Mathematics

    MATH 185 Calculus I  

    MATH 186 Calculus II  

    MATH 187 Calculus Computer Lab  

    MATH 227 Discrete Mathematics  

    MATH 286 Calculus III  

    MATH 309 Algebraic Concepts for Teachers I  

    MATH 311 Geometric Concepts for Teachers I 

    MATH 325 Linear Algebra  

    MATH 351 Abstract Algebra I or

         MATH 381 Analysis I  

    MATH 377 Statistical Methods I  

    MATH 397 Mathematics Seminar 

    MATH 410 Algebraic Concepts for Teachers II  

    MATH 412 Geometric Concepts for Teachers II  

    MATH 497 Mathematics Capstone (writing-intensive course) 

TOTAL   

1Hours (in parenthesis) may also fulfill university requirements 
and are not included in total major hours

 

(3)1

3

1

3

3

3

3

3

 

3

3

2

3

3

2

35

OTHER REQUIREMENTS  

Computer Science

    CS 115 Introduction to Programming  

    CS 120 Programming I  

Science

    CHEM 133/131, PHYS 110/111, or PHYS 120/121 

Teacher Education Requirements

    EDUC 211 Educational Foundations and

         Multicultural Perspectives  

    EDUC 221 Educational Psychology  

    EDUC 412 Secondary Curriculum and Media  

    EDUC 432 Secondary Management and Methods  

    EDUC 490 Student Teaching  

    READ 322 Reading in Secondary Content Areas  

    SPED 371 Teaching Students with Special Needs

         (writing-intensive course)  

Must make application and be approved to take EDUC 490.

GPA of 2.75 required to remain in Teacher Education Program

TOTAL  

1Hours (in parenthesis) may also fulfill university requirements 
and are not included in total major hours

 

3

3

 

(3)1/1

 

 

3

(3)1 

3

3

6

3

 

3

 

 

28

 

 

ELECTIVES  

 

Minimum  

 

9

 

TOTAL MAJOR HOURS 

 

72

CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION TO TEACHER EDUCATION  

In accordance with Texas state law, the ACU Teacher Education Program has established the following criteria for admission to Teacher Education. Before taking more than 6 hours EDUC a student must first be admitted to the Teacher Education Program. To be admitted to the Teacher Education Program, a student must:

  1. Complete and submit an application for admission into the Teacher Education Program;
  2. Have completed the first 45 semester hours of credit;
  3. Successfully complete with a C or better 12 hours in the candidate’s chosen content field;
  4. Have a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.75 (2.75 or higher in the content field);
  5. Complete 6 hours of University Requirements English with no grade lower than a “C” (In order to maintain admission status the candidate must earn a C or better in all university required  English courses.);
  6. Pass all three sections of the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) test, with a score on the reading section of 260 or higher, a score on the math section of 230 or higher and a score on the writing section of 240 or higher; Students may retake the THEA once if the required level is not earned in the first administration. Acceptance of scores from a third administration of the THEA are subject to review by the Teacher Education Admissions Committee;
  7. Successfully complete (C or better) EDUC 211 - Educational Foundations and Multicultural Perspectives;
  8. Successfully complete the ACU Teacher Education formal writing sample administered in EDUC 211;
  9. Successfully complete first submission of the Teacher Education E-portfolio as described in the ACU Teacher Education Student Handbook;
  10. A declared major that includes certification;
  11. Receive approval from the Teacher Education Admissions and Review Committee. An interview with the committee may be required.

English Language Proficiency Requirement for International Students: International students with primary languages other than English must demonstrate English language proficiency by the following:

Obtain an official TOEFL score of at least 600 (computer-based score of 250, iBT of 100).

Any exemptions or modification to the above requirements due to special circumstances must be requested through the chair of the Department of Teacher Education. All requests will be reviewed and must be approved by the Teacher Education Admissions and Review Committee. In addition, admission to teacher education is not the final step in the process. In order to remain in the program the prospective teacher must continue to meet the GPA requirement (2.75). Approval to take Education Block classes (411/412 and 431/432) and to enroll in student teaching must be obtained from the Teacher Education Admissions and Review Committee before enrolling in those classes.

Additional requirements for maintaining program admission status:

  1. In order to remain in the Teacher Education Program, an overall GPA of 2.75, 2.75 in the content field, and continued approval of the Teacher Education Admissions Committee must be maintained.
  2. A grade of C or better is required for all majors courses.
  3. Junior and senior transfer students must take the THEA and be admitted to the Teacher Education Program during their first semester at Abilene Christian University to continue in professional education course work. Arrangements to take the THEA should be made as quickly as possible by contacting the Office of Career and Academic Development.

 

Note:

A candidate who does not have an overall GPA of 2.75 or higher may be conditionally admitted to the program if all other admissions criteria are met and if all of the following are true:

  1. An overall GPA of 2.75 or higher in the last 60 hours
  2. A GPA of 2.75 in the teaching content field
  3. No university disciplinary actions filed – academic or otherwise
  4. A formal letter of request submitted to the admissions committee describing the candidate’s academic history and articulating motivations for wanting to enter the teaching profession
  5. An interview with the Teacher Education Admissions Committee
 
OTHER GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS  

 

Minimum GPA in major requirements  

Minimum GPA for graduation  

Minimum advanced hours  

Minimum total hours  

Courses numbered 0** do not count in

minimum hours required for degree.

 

2.75

2.75

33

128

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MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER CERTIFICATION – MATHEMATICS (GRADES 4-8) (BS)    

BS: MIDDLE SCHOOL – MATHEMATICS (GRADE 4-8) DEGREE PLAN (MATM) (MATH)  
UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS  

Please see the University Requirements section of this catalog.

 
INTERDISCIPLINARY MAJOR  

Mathematics

    MATH 123 Introduction to Probability and Statistics 

    MATH 124 Precalculus II  

    MATH 131 Calculus for Applications or

         MATH 185 Calculus I  

    MATH 237 Fundamentals of Number and Arithmetic  

    MATH 247 Number Concepts of Middle School Mathematics  

    MATH 248 Foundations of Middle School Mathematics  

    MATH 309 Algebraic Concepts for Teachers I  

    MATH 311 Geometric Concepts for Teachers I  

    MATH 397 Mathematics Seminar  

    MATH 410 Algebraic Concepts for Teachers II 

    MATH 412 Geometric Concepts for Teachers II  

    MATH 497 Mathematics Capstone (writing-intensive course)  

TOTAL MAJOR REQUIREMENTS  

1Hours (in parenthesis) may also fulfill university requirements 

and are not included in total major hours

 

(3)1

3

 

3

3

3

3

3

3

2

3

3

2

31

OTHER REQUIREMENTS  

   

    CS 115 Introduction to Programming  

    EDUC 211 Educational Foundations and

         Multicultural Perspectives  

    EDUC 221 Educational Psychology  

    EDUC 335 Teaching in the Middle School  

    EDUC 412 Secondary Curriculum and Media  

    EDUC 432 Secondary Management and Methods 

    EDUC 470 Teaching Mathematics in Elementary Grades 3-6 

    EDUC 490 Student Teaching 

    READ 322 Reading in Secondary Content Areas  

    SPED 371 Teaching Students with Special Needs

         (writing-intensive course)  

Must make application and be approved to take EDUC 490.

GPA of 2.75 required to remain in Teacher Education Program

TOTAL  

1Hours (in parenthesis) may also fulfill university requirements 

and are not included in total major hours

 

3

 

3

(3)1

3

3

3

3

3

3

 

3

 

 

30

ELECTIVES  

 

Minimum  

 

11

 

TOTAL MAJOR HOURS 

 

72

CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION TO TEACHER EDUCATION  

In accordance with Texas state law, the ACU Teacher Education Program has established the following criteria for admission to Teacher Education. Before taking more than 6 hours EDUC a student must first be admitted to the Teacher Education Program. To be admitted to the Teacher Education Program, a student must:

  1. Complete and submit an application for admission into the Teacher Education Program;
  2. Have completed the first 45 semester hours of credit;
  3. Successfully complete with a C or better 12 hours in the candidate’s chosen content field;
  4. Have a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.75 (2.75 or higher in the content field);
  5. Complete 6 hours of University Requirements English with no grade lower than a “C” (In order to maintain admission status the candidate must earn a C or better in all university required  English courses.);
  6. Pass all three sections of the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) test, with a score on the reading section of 260 or higher, a score on the math section of 230 or higher and a score on the writing section of 240 or higher; Students may retake the THEA once if the required level is not earned in the first administration. Acceptance of scores from a third administration of the THEA are subject to review by the Teacher Education Admissions Committee;
  7. Successfully complete (C or better) EDUC 211 - Educational Foundations and Multicultural Perspectives;
  8. Successfully complete the ACU Teacher Education formal writing sample administered in EDUC 211;
  9. Successfully complete first submission of the Teacher Education E-portfolio as described in the ACU Teacher Education Student Handbook;
  10. A declared major that includes certification;
  11. Receive approval from the Teacher Education Admissions and Review Committee. An interview with the committee may be required.

English Language Proficiency Requirement for International Students: International students with primary languages other than English must demonstrate English language proficiency by the following:

Obtain an official TOEFL score of at least 600 (computer-based score of 250, iBT of 100).

Any exemptions or modification to the above requirements due to special circumstances must be requested through the chair of the Department of Teacher Education. All requests will be reviewed and must be approved by the Teacher Education Admissions and Review Committee. In addition, admission to teacher education is not the final step in the process. In order to remain in the program the prospective teacher must continue to meet the GPA requirement (2.75). Approval to take Education Block classes (411/412 and 431/432) and to enroll in student teaching must be obtained from the Teacher Education Admissions and Review Committee before enrolling in those classes.

Additional requirements for maintaining program admission status:

  1. In order to remain in the Teacher Education Program, an overall GPA of 2.75, 2.75 in the content field, and continued approval of the Teacher Education Admissions Committee must be maintained.
  2. A grade of C or better is required for all majors courses.
  3. Junior and senior transfer students must take the THEA and be admitted to the Teacher Education Program during their first semester at Abilene Christian University to continue in professional education course work. Arrangements to take the THEA should be made as quickly as possible by contacting the Office of Career and Academic Development.

 

Note:

A candidate who does not have an overall GPA of 2.75 or higher may be conditionally admitted to the program if all other admissions criteria are met and if all of the following are true:

  1. An overall GPA of 2.75 or higher in the last 60 hours
  2. A GPA of 2.75 in the teaching content field
  3. No university disciplinary actions filed – academic or otherwise
  4. A formal letter of request submitted to the admissions committee describing the candidate’s academic history and articulating motivations for wanting to enter the teaching profession
  5. An interview with the Teacher Education Admissions Committee
 
OTHER GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS  

 

Minimum GPA in major requirements  

Minimum GPA for graduation  

Minimum advanced hours  

Minimum total hours  

Courses numbered 0** do not count in

minimum hours required for degree.

 

2.75

2.75

33

128

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Bachelor of Arts Degree (BA)

Admission Requirements
Before being admitted to a program, a student must satisfy the requirements listed in the ACT/SAT Placement Information section of this catalog.

Students planning to use the BA in mathematics as a basis for entering the teaching profession at the high school level should refer to the Department of Teacher Education for a list of admission requirements to the Teacher Education Program.

 

MATHEMATICS (BA)       

BA: MATHEMATICS DEGREE PLAN (MATH)  
UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS  

Please see the University Requirements section of this catalog.

 
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS  

Mathematics

    MATH 185 Calculus I  

    MATH 186 Calculus II  

    MATH 187 Calculus Computer Lab  

    MATH 227 Discrete Mathematics  

    MATH 325 Linear Algebra   

    MATH 377 Statistical Methods I  

    MATH 397 Mathematics Seminar  

    MATH 497 Mathematics Capstone (writing-intensive course) 

TOTAL  

 

Other Required Courses

    Sophomore Literature  

    FLFR, FLGE, FLLA, or FLSP 221, 222

TOTAL  

 

1Hours (in parenthesis) may also fulfill university requirements 
and are not included in total major hours

 

(3)1

3

1

3

3

3

2

2

17

 

 

3

6

9

 

CONCENTRATIONS (CHOOSE ONE)  

Applied Mathematics Track

    MATH 351 Abstract Algebra I or MATH 381 Analysis I  

    MATH 477 Statistical Methods II  

    Choose two courses from:  

         MATH 334 Linear Programming

         MATH 361 Ordinary Differential Equations

         MATH 432 Introduction to Operations Research

         MATH 445 Theory of Interest

         MATH 478 Mathematical Statistics

    Advanced Mathematics Selection

         (excluding 309, 311, 410, 412)  

TOTAL  

Pure Mathematics Track

    MATH 351 Abstract Algebra I  

    MATH 381 Analysis I  

    MATH 453 Abstract Algebra II or MATH 483 Analysis II  

    Advanced Mathematics Selections

         (excluding 309, 311, 410, 412) 

TOTAL  

 

3

3

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

15

 

3

3

3

 

6

15

SUPPLEMENT FOR MAJOR  

Computer Science

    CS 115 Introduction to Programming  

    CS 120 Programming I  

Minor or Departmental Supplement

    A minor or 18 hours specified by a department

         (at least 6 hours must be advanced)  

TOTAL  

 

3

3

 

 

18

24

ELECTIVES  

 

Minimum

 

7

 

TOTAL MAJOR HOURS

 

72

OTHER GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS  

 

Minimum GPA in major requirements  

Minimum GPA for graduation  

Minimum advanced hours 

Minimum total hours  

Courses numbered 0** do not count in

minimum hours required for degree.

 

2.00

2.00

33

128

 

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Minor in Mathematics   

A minor in mathematics may be added to other degrees. Some of the courses in this minor will have prerequisites. 

 
MINOR: MATHEMATICS (MATH)  

MATH 185 Calculus I  

MATH 186 Calculus II  

MATH 187 Calculus Computer Lab  

MATH 227 Discrete Mathematics   

Choose three courses from:

     MATH 286, 325, 334, 351, 361, 377, 381, 432, 477  

TOTAL (6 hours must be advanced) 

3

3

1

3

 

9

19

Course Descriptions 
Please see the Course Descriptions section of this catalog. Courses offered by the Department of Mathematics include those with the following designations: MATH, MATW.

 

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