DCCCD Faculty: Why the Study of Mathematics Is Important
“Mathematics is incredibly useful in allowing us to explain, model and predict phenomena of our world. Besides all the practical applications, studying mathematics makes us better thinkers. There is no better way to develop logical skills than through an understanding of mathematics.” — Andrea Xeriland, Math faculty, Cedar Valley College
“Mathematics is the basic skill required in all the sciences and in business and technological fields. Students sometimes ask, ‘What will I need this for?’ I respond that I can almost certainly tell them what their job will be like if they do not learn mathematics, but I cannot tell them what it will be if they do — because the job world is without limits if they have learned the concepts and skills of mathematics. Almost everyone can be successful in mathematics classes. It takes focus, time and hard work, but it pays great dividends!” — Dr. Barbara Branum, Developmental Math faculty, Richland College
“Mathematics is important for understanding all that is about us whether it be nature, science or something as practical as our finances. We do use mathematics when we know mathematics, and it is important that we educate students to the point where they recognize this.” — Dr. Shelba Jean Morman, Math faculty, North Lake College
“I feel that education at the college level should be focused on improving the reasoning and critical thinking skills of students. Part of a teacher’s responsibility is to provide students with the background knowledge needed to solve problems, but educators should also help students build confidence in their ability to use the things that they have learned to tackle difficult ‘real-world’ problems.” — Saeid Darabadey, Developmental Math faculty, Richland College
Math and Developmental Math Courses
Check DCCCD’s catalog for a full listing of our Mathematics courses and Developmental Mathematics courses, and find out how to get started with assessment testing to help determine which math classes you are qualified to take at any of our seven colleges.
Math: Part of Our Core Curriculum
Every college graduate should be able to apply basic mathematical tools to solve real-world problems. DCCCD’s Core Curriculum of 42-47 credit hours requires three to five credit hours from the Quantitative Reasoning learning category, which consists of Math classes.
Find out how you can “Get More With the Core” to build a solid academic base for your college education. Our catalog notes which Math courses can be used to fulfill the Quantitative Reasoning requirement of the Core.
Emphasis Degree in Mathematics
If you already know you want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, you might want to consider obtaining an Associate in Sciences degree with an Emphasis in Mathematics, available at all seven DCCCD colleges. An Emphasis degree includes the Core Curriculum required in all academic degree plans, plus courses within a specific major. An academic advisor can help you determine if this degree plan is right for you. You should also contact the four-year college or university you plan to attend for information about their requirements.
Other Degree and Certificate Options
DCCCD offers nearly 350 career and technical degrees and certificates, plus 36 academic degrees. For more information, see a chart of our degree plans by location.