Mathematics

(130 semester hours) Requirements are subject to change.

The mathematics major at Springfield College offers students a broad and solid background in the field, preparing them to immediately pursue a professional career in government, business, and various industries that require mathematical discipline. Students also have the option to proceed to graduate school for further study in mathematics, statistics, or applied mathematics.

Offerings in mathematical analysis, linear algebra, discrete mathematics, and probability theory are supplemented by courses in abstract algebra, geometry, and mathematics seminar. Mathematics majors have the opportunity to complete a minor, including computer science, computer programming, business management, and economics. All students are assigned an academic advisor who assists them in the development of their course of study.

Students may also opt to seek licensure as a teacher of mathematics at the 5–8 and/or 8–12 grade levels by completing the secondary education licensure core in addition to requirements for the major. (Students who are interested in teaching at the elementary level should consider the mathematics and computer technology major.)

For more information about the mathematics major, contact Dr. Peter Polito, chairperson of the Mathematics/Physics/Computer Science Department, at (413) 748-3313 or the Admissions Office at (800) 343-1257.

General Education Program - 41–47 s.h. in addition to courses taken for the major.

I. General Education Program

To integrate the humanics philosophy into their lives, Springfield College students engage in the search for knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of values through a variety of courses in the sciences and humanities. In addition to those General Education courses, students must complete 6 s.h. of Writing-Across-the-Curriculum (WAC) courses. For more information see the General Education Program and WAC courses. In the major requirements listed below, selected courses which fulfill General Education categories are marked with an asterisk; selected WAC courses are marked with a “W”.

II. Program Requirements (42 s.h.)

¹ Students who have a deficiency in their mathematics preparation may be required to take MATH 115, College Algebra, and/or MATH 125, Precalculus Mathematics, before taking MATH 140, Calculus I.

CISC 105* - Introduction to Computer Concepts Credits: 3 s.h
CISC 165* - Programming in BASIC Credits: 3 s.h
or
CISC 175* - Introduction to Computer Science with C++ and Java Credits: 3 s.h
MATH 140* - Calculus I Credits: 3 s.h
See note 1 above
MATH 142* - Calculus II Credits: 3 s.h
MATH 205 - Geometry Credits: 3 s.h
MATH 215* - Probability and Statistics Credits: 3 s.h
MATH 220 - Calculus III Credits: 3 ea s.h
MATH 222 - Calculus IV Credits: 3 ea s.h
MATH 235 - Discrete Mathematics I Credits: 3 s.h
MATH 305 - Elementary Differential Equations Credits: 3 s.h
MATH 310 - Linear Algebra Credits: 3 s.h
MATH 335 - Discrete Mathematics II Credits: 3 s.h
MATH 382 - Mathematics Seminar Credits: 3 s.h
MATH 405 - Mathematical Analysis Credits: 3 s.h

III. Electives

41 – 47 s.h., to complete 130 s.h.; or 7 s.h. if seeking secondary licensure

Mathematics majors who are not pursuing secondary licensure are encouraged to complete a minor in computer programming or computer science as part of their electives.

IV. Advanced Standing and Program Standards

In order to continue in the mathematics major, students must qualify for advanced standing during the spring semester of their sophomore year, prior to registration for junior-level classes. (Students seeking secondary teacher licensure must also meet certain standards to be accepted into the teacher preparation program. More information about those requirements can be found on page 118). In order to qualify for advanced standing as a mathematics major, students must:

Achieve at least a 2.500 cumulative GPA.
Achieve at least a 2.500 GPA in their program requirements.
Complete all program requirements with a grade of C- or better. Courses in which unsatisfactory grades were received mustbe repeated.
Be making satisfactory progress toward the completion of their program of study, as determined by the academic advisor and the department.
Have completed or be in the process of completing any program requirements in which an incomplete was received.

(Incomplete grades in program requirements must be completed by the end of the semester following the receipt of the incomplete, unless an extended deadline has been negotiated.) Students who do not meet these minimum standards are placed on departmental probationary status for a period of not more than one year. A student will be removed from departmental probationary status if and only if the minimum standards for advanced standing have been met. A student who is unable to meet the minimum standards during the probationary period will be subject to being dropped from the major. Once achieved, advanced standing must be maintained in order to continue in the major and complete the program.

V. Optional Secondary Teacher Licensure Program (37 s.h.)

Mathematics majors may elect to seek licensure as a teacher of mathematics at the secondary level (grades 5–8 and or 8–12). Advisement is provided by a member of the Mathematics/Physics/Computer Science Department and a member of the Education Department. Students seeking licensure should begin their program upon their admission to the College, but in order to be considered teacher candidates and to complete the professional preparation requirements, they must apply for official admission to the teacher preparation program and be accepted. Application to the teacher preparation program typically occurs prior to the junior year. More information about requirements for admittance to the teacher preparation program can be found on page 118. Mathematics majors seeking licensure must complete all requirements for the major plus the additional requirements listed below.

Secondary Teacher Professional Preparation Requirements (37 s.h.)

EDUC 100 - Introduction to Education Credits: 2 s.h
EDUC 234 - Curriculum, Methods, and Organization for Secondary Teachers Credits: 3 s.h
EDUC 237*W - Foundations of Multicultural Education Credits: 3 s.h
EDUC 318 - Tutorial Pre-Practicum Credits: 3 s.h
EDUC 364 - Pre-Practicum-Teaching and Special Issues in Secondary Education Credits: 3 s.h
EDUC 463 - Practicum Seminar Credits: 3 s.h
EDUC 471 - Learning, Teaching, and Technology Credits: 3 s.h
PSYC 250W - Childhood and Adolescent Development Credits: 3 s.h

Select a total of 14 s.h. from:

EDUC 464 - Middle School Practicum Credits: 7-14 s.h
EDUC 465 - High School Practicum Credits: 7-14 s.h

VI. Sample Program by Year

The program listed below is a sample—courses are not guaranteed to be offered during the semester or year listed. It is the student’s responsibility to insure that all requirements are met on a timely basis and that needed prerequisite courses are completed before taking upper-level requirements; therefore, they should consult carefully with an advisor when planning their program. Students must average 16.25 s.h. a semester to complete this program in four years.

In addition to the courses identified below, the general mathematics major will need to fulfill the following General Education categories: Natural Science, Health, Physical Education, Literature, Second Language/Culture, Visual and Performing Arts, History, Social Science, Philosophy, Religion, and Writing-Across-the-Curriculum (WAC). Up to 38 s.h. of electives will be required to complete 130 s.h. Students must insure that both WAC requirements are fulfilled.

Courses marked with an * fulfill or partially fulfill a General Education category. Courses marked with a w may fulfill a WAC requirement, depending on the year taken.