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.

Placement in Mathematics

The Department of Mathematics uses the following procedure to place admitted students into their first mathematics course:

A student without ACT scores or whose ACT mathematics score is 18 or below is required to concurrently enroll in either MATH 1002 /MATH 1050 or MATH 1001 /MATH 1070 .
Placement of beginning freshman according to the ACT mathematics score:
- MATH 1001 : ACT mathematics score of 18 or below. (must be taken concurrently with MATH 1070 ). Credit for MATH 1001 does not count towards graduation.
- MATH 1002 : ACT mathematics score of 18 or below. (must be taken concurrently with MATH 1050 ). Credit for MATH 1002 does not count towards graduation.
- MATH 1050 : ACT mathematics score of 19 or higher.
- MATH 1070 : ACT mathematics score of 19 or higher.
- MATH 1610 : ACT mathematics score of 22 or higher.
- MATH 1750 : ACT mathematics score of 25 or higher.
- MATH 2000 : ACT mathematics score of 28 or higher.
Advanced Placement Policies:
1. A student whose ACT Mathematics score is 28 or above is eligible to enroll directly in MATH 1620 , MATH 1630 , MATH 1750 , or MATH 2410 depending upon their choice of major. Upon completion of MATH 1620 , MATH 1630 , MATH 1750 , or MATH 2410 with the grade of “C” or better in the first attempt, the student will receive the grade “P” in MATH 1610 , with 3 credit hours.
2. A student whose ACT Mathematics score is 28 or above is eligible to enroll directly in MATH 2000 . Upon completion of MATH 2000 with a grade of “C” or better in the first attempt, the student will receive the grade “P” in MATH 1750 , with 5 credit hours.
3. A student who earns credit in MATH 1630 , MATH 2000 , or MATH 2410 via the AP, Cambridge International, or International Baccalaureate Calculus or Statistics exams will receive the grade of “P” in MATH 1610 , with 3 credit hours.
4. 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 1610 , with 3 credit hours.

Progression Policy

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

Students may not repeat any of the following courses more than once: MATH 2000 , MATH 2010 , MATH 3120 , or MATH 2230 .
Students must successfully complete MATH 2000 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.