Education: Secondary Education, Mathematics (BS)

The major in mathematics with a concentration in secondary education will prepare students to teach in both middle schools and in high schools. While completing this degree, students develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills and are introduced to the logical and historical development of mathematical ideas. Students also learn the professional skills in teaching methods and content necessary for secondary mathematics teachers. Nationally recommended curriculum guidelines are followed in order to ensure that graduates have the mathematical content and conceptual understanding necessary for all high school mathematics courses.

About This Major

• The program requires a 2.80 cumulative GPA or higher in all CMU coursework.
• A 2.80 cumulative GPA or higher is required in coursework toward the major content area.
• All EDUC prefix courses must be completed with a grade of "B" or better.
• Students must pass the PRAXIS II exam in the content area prior to beginning the internship.
• All other coursework toward the degree must be successfully completed prior to the internship.
• A grade of "C" or better must be earned in all required courses, unless otherwise stated.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

1. Construct multi-step problem-solving strategies and communicate solutions effectively in written form.
2. Use mathematical software to aid in problem-solving and investigation, and recognize its limitations.
3. Prove propositions deductively from definitions and theorems in clear and precise prose.
4. Investigate, discuss, and respond to ethical and social challenges in a mathematical context.
5. Demonstrate familiarity with the logical and historical development of mathematics and the implications of this development.
6. Research a topic in mathematics education and deliver written and oral presentations.
7. Demonstrate mastery of major area's content knowledge and pedagogical strategies through fieldwork with learners in professional settings.
8. Design and establish a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment for a diverse population of students.
9. Plan and deliver effective instruction to students, based on research-based pedagogical practices.
10. Collect and analyze student assessment data and use results to inform planning and instruction.
11. Demonstrate professionalism through ethical conduct, reflection, and leadership.

Institutional Degree Requirements

• 120 semester hours minimum.
• Students must complete a minimum of 30 of the last 60 hours of credit at CMU, with at least 15 semester hours in major discipline courses numbered 300 or higher.
• 40 upper-division credits.
• 2.00 cumulative GPA or higher in all CMU coursework.
• A course may only be used to fulfill one requirement for each degree/certificate.
• No more than six semester hours of independent study courses can be used toward the degree.
• Non-traditional credit cannot exceed 30 semester credit hours for a baccalaureate degree.

Essential Learning Requirements

• English Composition I and II
• Precalculus Mathematics
• History
• Humanities
• Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Fine Arts
• Natural Sciences

Other Lower Division Requirements

• Wellness Requirement
• Essential Learning Capstone

Foundation Courses

• Calculus I
• Probability and Statistics

Program Specific Degree Requirements

• Core Courses: Topics and Careers in Mathematics, Calculus II, Computational Linear Algebra, Calculus III, Senior Capstone
• Concentration Courses: Introduction to Advanced Mathematics, Number Theory, Advanced Calculus, Discrete Structures I, History of Mathematics, Geometries
• Concentration Electives: Numerical Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Complex Variables, Abstract Algebra I, Computational Statistics

Secondary Education Requirements

• What It Means To Be An Educator
• Teaching as a Profession
• Pedagogy and Assessment: Secondary and K-12
• Teaching to Diversity
• Integrating Literacy Across the Curriculum: Secondary and K-12 Art
• Classroom Management for K-12 Educators
• Content Methodology Practicum
• Methods of Teaching Secondary Mathematics
• Teaching Internship and Colloquia: Secondary

General Electives

• All college-level courses not listed above that will bring the total semester hours to 120 hours.

Plan of Study

A suggested course sequencing is provided to help students complete degree requirements in a timely manner. However, it is ultimately the student's responsibility to understand and fulfill the requirements for their intended degree.

Advising Process and DegreeWorks

Students are responsible for reviewing their DegreeWorks audit on a regular basis and discussing questions or concerns with their advisor or academic department head.

Graduation Process

Students must complete the following in the first two months of the semester prior to completing their degree requirements:

• Review their DegreeWorks audit and create a plan that outlines how unmet requirements will be met in the final semester.
• Meet with their advisor and modify their plan as needed.
• Submit the "Intent to Graduate" form to the Registrar's Office to officially declare the intended graduation date and commencement ceremony plans.
• Register for all needed courses and complete all requirements for each degree sought.

Colorado Mesa University

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Overview:

Colorado Mesa University (CMU) is a public university located in Grand Junction, Colorado. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as online courses and programs. CMU is known for its affordable tuition, small class sizes, and strong emphasis on hands-on learning.

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Services Offered:

CMU provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Admissions & Costs:

Admissions counseling, application process, financial aid, scholarships, tuition and fee information, and resources for admitted students.

Academics:

Program search, course catalog, degree requirements, graduate studies, online courses, non-credit courses, semester calendars, and academic advising.

Study and Performance Resources:

Library access, study room reservations, textbook purchasing, tutoring services, and transcript requests.

Getting Help:

IRIS (student assistance), accessibility services, career services, IT help desk, university center information, student services, student wellness center, tutoring, faculty contact information, campus office contacts, directory search, and campus maps.

Campus Life:

Dining services, housing and residence life, student life activities, campus safety, parking services, MAVcard campus ID, and resources for current students.

Events:

Calendar of events, performing arts, commencement ceremony, welcome week, homecoming, parents' weekend, student showcase, and event space reservations.

Campus Activities:

Outdoor program, recreation center, NCAA athletics, clubs and organizations, club sports, and intramural sports.

Working Here:

Faculty and staff employment opportunities, student employment, human resources, and payroll.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

CMU offers a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:

Outdoor Adventures:

The Outdoor Program provides opportunities for outdoor trips and equipment rentals.

Social Engagement:

Student life offers numerous on-campus activities, clubs, and yearly concerts.

Downtown Exploration:

Grand Junction's historic downtown provides dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordable Education:

CMU offers a quality education at a competitive price, with one of the lowest tuition rates in Colorado.

Small Class Sizes:

Students benefit from personalized attention and close relationships with professors.

Hands-on Learning:

CMU emphasizes practical experience and prepares students for successful careers.

Vibrant Campus Life:

Students can enjoy a diverse range of activities, clubs, and events.

Beautiful Location:

Grand Junction offers a sunny climate and access to outdoor recreation.

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Academic Programs:

CMU offers over 120 academic programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

Art, Communication, English, History, Music, Theatre, and more.

Business and Technology:

Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering, Hospitality Management, and more.

Education:

Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education, and more.

Health Sciences:

Nursing, Health Sciences, and more.

Social Sciences:

Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, and more.

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Other:

CMU has additional locations, including:

CMU Tech:

A technical college offering associate degrees and certificates.

Montrose Campus:

A branch campus offering select undergraduate programs.

CMU also offers online programs through its Distance Education program.