Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

Mathematics includes the study of numbers, sets, functions, symbolic logic, geometry, and probability. Studying mathematics promotes discipline, creativity, precision of thought, communication skills, and problem solving skills. These qualities are highly sought after in the education market and in industry. 

What is Mathematics?

Mathematics is the queen of the sciences, according to Carl Friedrich Gauss (1777-1855), one of the most prolific mathematical innovators of all time. Mathematics is most simply defined as the study of the relationships obtaining amongst pure quantities. Mathematics historically attracts to its royal court many of the world's finest thinkers, including household names (Euclid, Archimedes, Cantor, Fermat) as well as those whose extraordinary ingenuity continue to inspire a more elite coterie (Erd s, von Neumann, G del).

The persistency of its challenges occasionally generates hundreds of years of intense intellectual labor on the offhand commentary of mere marginalia (as in the case of the notorious Fermat's last theorem ). Coupled with the enticing potential of witnessing, for the first time ever with human eyes, a previously undiscerned universal truth, mathematics continues to intoxicate the countesses/earls, duchesses/dukes, dames/knights, (and, occasionally, serfs and court jesters) of the mathematical community.

As the fundamental tool of theoretical physics, mathematics constitutes an indisputably essential discipline for technological progress. Without mathematics, humanity could not feasibly comprehend the subtleties and implications underlying such phenomena as electromagnetism, radioactive decay, telecommunications, or even such simple devices as the ratchet-and-pawl or pulley system, integral to demonstrating basic ideas in classical mechanics.

The standard of mathematics rigorous proof justifying what we call mathematical certainty maintains the torch of intellectual integrity as a beacon of hope to wayfarers on those oft tempestuous seas known as the empirical sciences (physics, chemistry, engineering). Mathematics provides a universal link connecting the various peoples and places of Earth in common pursuit of humanity's ever-present goals: Goodness, beauty, and truth.

Mathematics is the study of numbers and shapes and their many connections. These connections bring about more complex structures and areas of study such as graphs, functions, sets, probability, statistics, geometry, algebra, and calculus. The investigation of the connections found in mathematics is a vital and integral part of the subject because it hits on the process of mathematics. Mathematical thinking is based on logical reasoning, abstraction, generalization, and critical thinking. Logical proof ties the connections of mathematics together with a certainty that is exceedingly rare in other fields of human endeavor.

The mathematical way of thinking is what makes mathematics a subject worthy of study from the earliest grades through college. That is why there is a need for good mathematics teachers and all types of employers benefit from hiring a person who has attained the discipline of mathematical thinking.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Apply mathematical reasoning to solve problems.
2. Represent mathematical information numerically, graphically, and symbolically.
3. Evaluate mathematical information numerically, graphically, and symbolically.
4. Draw inferences from mathematical models such as formulas, graphs, and tables.
5. Use appropriate technology in problem solving situations.
6. Communicate mathematical knowledge, discoveries, and research to colleagues and the general public.

Mathematics Education Option (above outcomes plus:)

1. Utilize a variety of teaching techniques to convey mathematical concepts.
2. Use a variety of classroom strategies to convey mathematical concepts.
3. Utilize a variety of assessment strategies to evaluate student learning.

There are currently two options when pursuing a mathematics degree which include the mathematics generalist option or the mathematics education option. Students who choose either option take a wide variety of rigorous mathematics courses. Students who take the mathematics education option also take courses in educational theory and gain practical experience in public schools as well as become state certified to teach at the secondary level in Oklahoma. 

Mathematics Generalist - 12 hours (7630)

• MATH 3913 - Introduction to Analysis
• MATH 4013 - Abstract Algebra II
• MATH 4063 - Intermediate Analysis
• MATH 4303 - Complex Analysis I

Mathematics Education - 12 hours (7631)

• MATH 3313 - College Geometry
• MATH 3763 - Teaching Mathematics
• MATH 4613 - History of Mathematics
• MATH 4713 - Teaching Secondary Mathematics

Transfer Agreements

TCC Mathematics AS to NSU Mathematics BS

TCC Mathematics AS to NSU Mathematics-Mathematics Education BS

Minor - 18 hours (Mathematics Generalist Option)

Mathematics Education Option - Complete Professional Education Requirements

Teacher Education Admission and Certification Policies

In addition to courses in the discipline, all students completing a baccalaureate degree that leads to teacher certification must meet the following requirements for certification.

• Be accepted for admission to teacher education, pre-II internship, and full internship according to published course sequence and guidelines.
• Demonstrate proficiency at the high novice level in a language other than English.
• Complete all courses in the major and Professional Education Core with a grade of “C” or higher.
• Students entering NSU beginning Fall 2013 must have an overall GPA of 2.75 for admission to teacher education.
• Once admitted to the teacher education program, all majors must continue to maintain a GPA of 2.5 (overall and in their major field of study) through completion.
• 4 X 12 requirement - Early Childhood, Elementary Education, and Special Education programs require completion of 12 semester hours with a grade of “C” or better in the following disciplines: Communication Arts (English, Communication, Literature), Math, Science, and Social Science (Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology) prior to graduation.
• All Professional Education majors must complete PSYC 1003 or PSYC 1113.  Advisors recommend those courses be completed as part of the General Education course sequence.