Central 227
541-552-6141
Sherry Ettlich, Chair

All mathematics courses are designed to improve students’ abilities to think, analyze, and communicate, and, in particular, to use mathematics to express, define, and answer questions about the world. The bachelor’s degree program nurtures these abilities while building a solid base in mathematics—a combination highly valued by business, government, industry, and graduate programs in a variety of fields.

The department’s primary concern is the development of each student’s confidence in using mathematical ideas, approaches, and exposition. Key coursework hones the learner’s abilities to critically understand and use mathematics. One of the program goals is to make direct connections between mathematics and the contemporary environment.

Mathematics Placement Testing

To help students determine the mathematics courses that best meet their needs, the Mathematics Department uses a computerized placement test and encourages students to meet with a mathematics faculty member for individual advising. New students are required to take the mathematics placement test. Please contact Academic Support Services to find out when upcoming placement testing sessions are scheduled.
Some students, however, may qualify for a transfer placement waiver. Students with prior college mathematics coursework should meet with the department chair to determine whether a waiver is appropriate.

The computer system checks prerequisites when processing a student’s request to register for a mathematics course. Students must have a C- or better in the prerequisite course or the appropriate SOU mathematics placement level to register. On rare occasions, a student may have a reasonable substitution for the stated prerequisite. In those situations, the student should see the department chair for clearance before trying to register for the course.

Curriculum for Nonmajors

The lower division curriculum offers a variety of choices for nonmajors. Consult your advisor or the Mathematics Department to select courses that match your background and goals. Possibilities include:

Students wanting a solid statistics core should consider MTH 243  and MTH 244 .

Liberal arts majors wanting a solid mathematics core should consider MTH 251 , MTH 252 , MTH 261 , MTH 290 , and MTH 311 .

Prospective elementary and middle school teachers should take MTH 211 , 212 , 213 .

Physical science majors should consult their advisors and consider MTH 251 , 252 , 253 , 261 , 281 , 290 , 321 , 361 , 421 , and 461 .

For breadth, others should consider MTH 105 , 158 , or 243 ; for more depth, consider MTH 111 , 112 , 251 , 252 , and 290 .

Majors in any discipline who would like substantial training in applied mathematics can choose from blocks of courses in applied mathematics (MTH 321 , 421 ) and probability and statistics (MTH 361 , 461 ).

Many upper division courses also serve nonmajors.

Prospective elementary, middle school, and high school teachers may select topics in mathematics education (MTH 481 /581 ).

Choosing a Major

Students who wish to major in mathematics should see the department chair to sign up for the major and be assigned an advisor for help with academic and career planning.

All majors take a common core of courses that includes two important coordinating courses: Mathematical Perspectives (MTH 290), which introduces prospective majors to the scope and role of mathematics in the world, and the Senior Colloquium (MTH 490), which helps graduating seniors integrate the diverse elements of their mathematics studies. Majors develop a common knowledge base and maturity in the study of mathematics, with topics courses providing senior-level studies in important areas of mathematics.

Transfer Students

Transfer students will have full junior standing in the mathematics major if they transfer in the following courses: an approved computer science language (such as Visual BASIC, C++, or Java), a full year of single-variable calculus, and one term of linear algebra. One term of lower division statistics is also recommended.

Affiliations

The Mathematics Department is a member of the American Mathematics Society, the Mathematical Association of America, and the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics. These organizations are actively committed to advancing mathematics and maintaining the currency of college mathematics programs.

Facilities

The department is committed to using technology to enhance student learning. The Computing Services lab is equipped with software specific to mathematics coursework.

The Harry S. Kieval Memorial Mathematics Education Laboratory is well-stocked with materials available for use by regional educators, preprofessional education students, and students in mathematics education courses.

Located near faculty offices, the Mathematics Study Room provides a space where students may gather regularly to study and socialize. It is equipped with lockers, three computer stations, and a variety of other supplies.

Teacher Licensing

Students who would like to teach math at the middle school or high school level in Oregon public schools must complete specific course requirements in mathematics before applying for admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at SOU. Interested students should consult the department chair regarding mathematics requirements and the assignment of an advisor and the School of Education regarding admission requirements for the MAT program.

Students must prepare in advance to increase their chances of acceptance into this competitive program. Practica, internships, and volunteer experiences working with children in the public schools are required prior to application to the MAT program.

Students who wish to teach mathematics at the high school level in Oregon public schools need an Advanced Mathematics Endorsement. The specific course requirements in mathematics are roughly equivalent to the mathematics major at SOU, with three 300-level courses and four 400-level courses. These courses should be completed before applying for admission to the MAT program at SOU. Contact the Mathematics Department chair to obtain the current course listing and a mathematics advisor. All SOU mathematics majors meet these requirements, provided they select the MTH 481 courses for their applied area.

Students who would like to teach mathematics at the middle school level in Oregon public schools should pursue a Basic Mathematics Endorsement. The specific course requirements in mathematics total 27 credits and comprise coursework applicable to both intermediate and middle school teaching. The elementary/middle school licensure requires 12 of these credits, plus an additional 15 credits to add the Basic Mathematics Endorsement. These courses should be completed before applying for admission to the MAT program. Students completing these courses as part of the undergraduate degree at SOU are eligible for a minor in mathematics education. Contact the Mathematics Department chair to obtain the current course listing and a mathematics advisor.

Program Requirements

Degree Programs

Mathematics, BA or BS 

Mathematics with Honors in Mathematics, BA or BS 

Business-Mathematics 

Mathematics-Computer Science 

Minors

Mathematics Minor 

Mathematics Education Minor 

Programs

Major

• •  Mathematics with Honors in Mathematics, BA or BS
• •  Mathematics, BA or BS

Co-Major

• •  Business-Mathematics
• •  Mathematics-Computer Science

Minor

• •  Mathematics Education Minor
• •  Mathematics Minor