Bachelor of Science in Mathematics - Secondary Mathematics Teaching Certificate

Mathematics is the language and tool of the sciences, a cultural phenomenon with a rich historical tradition, and a model of abstract reasoning. Historically, mathematical methods and thinking have been extraordinarily successful in physics and engineering. Today, they are used successfully in many new areas, from computer science to biology and finance. A Mathematics major provides a broad education in various areas of mathematics in a program flexible enough to accommodate a wide range of interests. The study of mathematics is an excellent preparation for many careers; the patterns of careful logical reasoning and analytical problem solving essential to mathematics are also applicable in contexts where quantity and measurement play only minor roles. Thus students of mathematics may go on to excel in medicine, law, politics, or business as well as any of a vast range of scientific careers. Special programs are offered for those interested in teaching mathematics, in actuarial mathematics, the mathematics of insurance, or financial mathematics. The other programs split between those which emphasize mathematics as an independent discipline and those which favor the application of mathematical tools to problems in other fields. There is considerable overlap here, and any of these programs may serve as preparation for either further study in a variety of academic disciplines, including mathematics itself, or intellectually challenging careers in a wide variety of corporate and governmental settings. The Secondary Mathematics Teaching Certificate program is designed to provide the broad training in mathematics necessary to be a successful teacher of mathematics at the secondary level, grades 7–12. The requirements for a Secondary Teaching Certificate with a major in Mathematics may be met while earning a degree from the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (A.B., B.S., or B.G.S.) or from the School of Education (A.B. Ed. or B.S. Ed.). Major requirements are identical for all of these degrees, although LSA and Education have somewhat differing language and distribution requirements. LSA degree candidates must earn at least 104 LSA credits and at least 30 Education credits. Please note that the LSA B.S. degree requires 60 credits in physical and natural science and mathematics; students with less than 60 credits are eligible for an A.B. degree. Appointments with a Mathematics Department teaching certificate advisor may be scheduled online. For information specific to the School of Education, students should contact the SoE Office of Student Services, 1228 SEB, 734.764.7563. It is essential that students planning to obtain a teaching certificate consult a teaching certificate advisor, either in Mathematics or Education, prior to beginning their concentration program.