2023-2024 Undergraduate Academic Catalog

Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Johnny L. Mattox, Ph.D., Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and Professor of Biology

Mitzi Dunagan, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology

Sharon B. Enzor, Ed.D., Professor of Science

Lydia C. Lytal, M.Ed., Instructor of Biology

Michael McCrory, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Mathematics and Education

Martha H. Pratt, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Mathematics

D. Jody Presley, M.Ed., Instructor of Mathematics

Floyd Wiseman, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Chemistry and Physics

R. Eddie Rucker, M.S., Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science

The Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences seeks to furnish a sound education from a Christian viewpoint so that students will be equipped both intellectually and spiritually for the modern workplace. Students are provided with strong preparation in mathematics and in the sciences for graduate studies or a career. The Department also strives to prepare secondary school teachers in biology, chemistry, mathematics, general science, physics, and physical science. Mathematics and Science are also taught to pre-service elementary school teachers. A pre-professional foundation in dentistry, medicine, medical technology, optometry, pharmacy, nursing, occupational therapy, and physical therapy is also offered.

Two degrees are available in the Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences—the Bachelor of Science in Education for those who plan to teach and the Bachelor of Science for those interested in research; entry level mathematical and statistical positions in government, business, and industry; graduate school; or the health professions.

Four majors are offered:

  1. Biology-- the Bachelor of Science with a major in Biology has three tracks: Track A - Biology with the choice of Medical Science, Pre-Pharmacy, or Wildlife Biology concentration; Track B - Biology-Medical Technology; and Track C – Pre-Physical Therapy or Biology or Biology. The department also offers the Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Biology.
  2. Mathematics--Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Mathematics. All mathematics majors need to have a strong background in both algebra and trigonometry. Students who lack this background will need to begin with the prerequisite courses MAT 110 and MAT 111, which will not count as credit toward the major in mathematics.
  3. Actuarial Science--offered in conjunction with Low Cost Model Consortium (LCMC).
  4. Computer Science--offered in conjunction with Low Cost Model Consortium (LCMC)

Minors are offered in Biology, Chemistry, Combined Sciences, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics.