What Are the Math Requirements at the University of South Carolina?
Find out about the math requirements at the University of South Carolina, including high school requirements for incoming freshmen, math majors, and more.
Are you a high school student looking to attend the University of South Carolina?
Maybe you're even looking to pursue an undergraduate or graduate major in mathematics.
Whatever the reason, you're wondering about the math requirements at the University of South Carolina.
Read on as we take a closer look at various math requirements that may affect you, including the requirements for specific mathematics degree programs.
What Are the High School Math Requirements for Enrollment at the University of South Carolina?
If you're still in high school and hoping to enroll in the University of South Carolina after graduation, you'll want to make sure you meet all of the high school class requirements for acceptance.
Specifically concerned about the math requirements? You need to have at least four credits of high school math to enroll at the University of South Carolina.
These math requirements include:
- Algebra I
- Algebra II
- Geometry
You will also need to choose one of the following advanced math classes:
- Algebra III
- Precalculus
- Calculus
- Discrete mathematics
- Probability and statistics
- Computer science
What Are the General Math Requirements for Undergraduate Students?
So, let's say you've completed all your high school math courses and have been accepted at the University of South Carolina.
What comes next? What college-level math courses will you have to take?
The answer to this question largely depends on your major. Some degree programs naturally require more math courses than others, and some programs don't require any math at all.
Each degree program has required core courses which must comprise at least 31 credit hours.
Among these core courses are six math courses:
- Calculus for Business Administration and Social Sciences
- Calculus I
- Calculus II
- Finite Mathematics
- Mathematical Modeling for the Life Sciences
- Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science
Note that not all of these courses are required for all degree programs.
There are many core courses available in many subjects and, for most degree programs, it is possible to fulfill all core credit requirements without taking a single math course.
What Are the Math Requirements for a Mathematics Major?
Perhaps you're specifically hoping to study mathematics in college.
If you pursue an undergraduate math degree, what are the math course requirements at the University of South Carolina?
The school offers a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics.
Here are the math courses you will be expected to take as part of this program:
- Calculus I
- Calculus II
- Analysis I
- Vector Calculus
- Transition to Advanced Mathematics
- Linear Algebra
- Algebraic Structures I
A variety of math electives are also available, some of which are tailored to students planning a career in teaching, actuarial science, and applied mathematics.
At least 15 hours of electives from among these courses are required.
Math elective courses include:
- Applied Complex Variables
- Algebraic Coding Theory
- Introduction to Cryptography
- Foundations of Geometry
- Introduction to Financial Accounting
Students can also pursue a BS with Distinction in mathematics degree, which requires 39 credit hours of math courses such as those outlined above and presenting a senior thesis.
What Are the Math Requirements for a Mathematics Minor?
Perhaps you're interested in math but don't want to pursue a degree in it. Choosing a minor in mathematics may be the path for you.
The following courses are required for a mathematics minor:
- Calculus I
- Calculus II
- Vector Calculus
Three of the following four courses must also be chosen:
- Elementary Differential Equations
- Transition to Advanced Mathematics
- Applied Linear Algebra
- Discrete Structures
What Are the Math Requirements for a Mathematics Graduate Student?
Maybe you're interested in studying math at an advanced level after graduating with your bachelor's degree.
There are three master's degrees and one doctoral degree in mathematics available at the University of South Carolina.
Mathematics, MA
The Master of Arts in mathematics is designed for students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in mathematics.
To obtain this degree, at least 30 credit hours of advanced math classes are required.
Students have a lot of freedom to choose the courses that interest them.
The only requirement is that all courses chosen must be at or above the 700 level.
Two qualifying exam sequences are also required, including one specifically for the mathematics Ph.D. program.
Mathematics, MM
The Master of Mathematics degree is a good choice for math teachers working or aspiring to work at the secondary level, as well as those hoping to teach at community colleges.
Again, students can choose which classes to take as long as they are at the 700 level above.
At least 30 credit hours are required to graduate, and half of these must be in mathematics courses.
Students must also complete at least two of their math courses with a grade of B or better, and these courses must be in different areas of mathematics.
Mathematics, MS
The Master of Science in mathematics program is a broad degree that prepares students to teach at the community college level or pursue a variety of careers in mathematics.
Students in this program complete at least 30 hours of study in 700-level courses or above.
A course titled 'Thesis Preparation' is also required, and students must present a thesis at the end of the program.
Additionally, students must complete and pass two courses in Ph.D. qualifying exam sequences.
Aside from these requirements, students are free to choose their other courses.
Mathematics, Ph.D.
A Doctor of Philosophy in mathematics is a terminal degree for students hoping to become college professors, work in research, or obtain top positions within their professional industry.
Students choose some of their courses.
At least 60 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree level are required to obtain this degree; at least 12 of these credits come from dissertation preparation courses.
Qualifying exam courses make up many of the courses you will take, but you must also take at least 12 additional credit hours beyond these courses.
Meet the Math Requirements for the University of South Carolina Today
Whether you're a high school student looking to get accepted into college or an aspiring doctoral student, understanding the math requirements at the University of South Carolina can put you well on your way to obtaining your degree.