Mathematics Department Information
Mathematics is among the most fascinating of all intellectual disciplines, the purest of all art forms, and the most challenging of games. The study of mathematics is not only exciting, but important: mathematicians have an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to society by helping to solve problems in such diverse fields as medicine, management, economics, government, computer science, physics, psychology, engineering, and social science.
A bachelor’s degree in mathematics will prepare you for fascinating jobs in statistics, actuarial sciences, mathematical modeling, and cryptography; for teaching; as well as for graduate school leading to a research career in mathematics or statistics. A strong background in mathematics is also necessary for research in many areas of computer science, social science, and engineering.
The Math Lab
Students can use our computer lab to view mathematics lessons, complete homework assignments, receive help from faculty and student workers, and take tests.
Multiple Disciplines of Math
Mathematics is a field with a surprising variety of specialties which have different “feels” to them. You probably won’t like all of them equally, any more than most musicians feel the same about rock and classical music, or most English majors like all authors and periods equally. If you come across a math course that isn’t your favorite, but there are others that you really like, it just means that you are getting to know math better and your taste is becoming more refined.
- Mathematics is often done in conjunction with another field: biology, physics, economics, or a host of others.
- Many topics in "pure math" have important applications in computer science.
- There is a national shortage of teachers in all the mathematical sciences (pure math, applied math, statistics, and computer science) at all levels, so any of these fields goes well with teaching and/or research.
- Mathematical modeling is used to solve real problems in a variety of fields.
- Statistics is a growing field, particularly in those fields dealing with human behavior.
FAQ
A: There is an endless list of careers using mathematics, including:
- Actuary
- Engineer
- Economist
- Physician
- Scientist
- Educator
- Statisticians
- Architects
A: A mathematics subtest score on the ACT of 16 or below will require that you take the developmental mathematics course MAT 1234, Intermediate Algebra.
A: Accuplacer scores can be used for placement in mathematics courses. Accuplacer scores cannot be used in the place of ACT scores for admission into PRCC Nursing and Allied Health Programs nor certain university programs. For more information, CLICK HERE.
A:
- College Algebra MAT 1313 is for students scoring a 19 or higher.
- College Algebra MAT 1314 is for students scoring a 17 or 18 on the mathematics subtest of the ACT.
- College Algebra MAT 1314 was designed for students that almost scored high enough for MAT 1313 but actually placed into the developmental mathematics course, Intermediate Algebra MAT 1234. It incorporates a one-hour lab that focuses on prerequisite skills from Intermediate MAT 1234 needed to successfully complete the College Algebra course topics. Scoring a 17 or 18 on the mathematics portion of the ACT and completing College Algebra 1314 earns a College Algebra credit without having to take Intermediate Algebra MAT 1234 and College Algebra MAT 1313.
A: Mathematics is a core requirement for graduation from Pearl River and any four-year school.
A: You should speak to your academic advisor or an instructor of mathematics.
A: You should refer to the general guidelines for graduation to ensure they meet the mathematics requirements and refer to the school policy on developmental courses. If you are planning to major in mathematics, science, or engineering, you should refer to the requirements for their major to determine which mathematics courses are required. Particular attention should be paid to all course prerequisites.
Placement & Development Courses
New students’ placement in mathematics is determined by their mathematics subtest score on the ACT and achievement in high school mathematics courses. This placement policy was developed to provide students with the mathematical skills necessary to succeed on the college level. This policy is not a suggestion but is the required policy of Pearl River Community College and will be enforced as such.
Intermediate Algebra (MAT 1234) is considered a developmental mathematics course that is determined by the mathematics subtest of the ACT. A score of 16 or below will place a student in Intermediate Algebra MAT 1234. Students enrolled in developmental courses must earn a grade of C or higher in order to enroll in the next higher-level course. Students not earning a grade of C or higher must repeat the course the following regular semester.
Students should refer to the Student Catalog for current placement scores for other mathematics courses.
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