Program Overview

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Mathematics, Mathematics Education Concentration, B.S.

The Mathematics Education Concentration of the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics provides students with a comprehensive foundation in advanced mathematics at the undergraduate level. This concentration is designed for those who wish to become mathematics teachers in high schools and middle schools.

Program Description

The need to help students develop mathematical literacy is increasing exponentially. Mathematics provides an effective way of building mental discipline and encourages logical reasoning, which plays a role in understanding other school subjects, including science, social studies, music, and other subjects. The foundations of our high-tech society rest on mathematics and problem-solving. MTSU's Bachelor of Science in Mathematics gets students involved in both the understanding and creation of advanced mathematics through quality instruction, opportunities for research, and close faculty-student interaction.

Careers

A degree in Mathematics from MTSU is a sure way to transform being a problem solver into a fulfilling, always-in-demand career. Examples of potential positions include:

• Actuary
• Astrophysicist
• College professor
• Computer programmer
• Controller
• Database manager
• Demographer
• Information scientist
• Inventory control specialist
• Investment researcher
• Mathematical modeler
• Mathematical technician
• Mathematician
• Mathematics Teacher
• Psychometrist
• Statistician
• Systems analyst
• Technical writer

Employers of MTSU Alumni

Employers of MTSU alumni include:

• Bedford County Schools
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee
• Bryan, Pendleton, Swats & McAllister, LLC
• Caterpillar Finance
• Cigna
• Columbia State Community College
• David Lipscomb University
• Direct General Group of Companies
• Grundy County Schools
• Humana Inc.
• Motlow State Community College
• Nashville State Community College
• Rutherford County Schools
• Select Actuarial Services
• Tennessee Tech University
• U.S. Army
• Volunteer State Community College
• Walters State Community College
• Wilson County Schools
• Willis North America Inc.

Requirements

Major Requirements

The Mathematics Education concentration offers preparation for students to teach math in middle and high school. Emphasizing mathematical and educational content knowledge, theory, and practice, the program prepares students for careers as teachers while providing a solid foundation for graduate study in mathematics or education.

• All courses in the Mathematics major or minor (including supporting coursework) must be completed with a grade of C (2.00) or better.
• All courses transferred from other institutions for credit in the Mathematics major or minor must carry a grade of C (2.00) or better and be approved by the department chair.

Specialized Courses

The following specialized courses do not count toward a Mathematics major or minor:

• MATH 1010
• MATH 1410
• MATH 1420
• MATH 1530
• MATH 1630
• MATH 1710
• MATH 1720
• MATH 1730
• MATH 1810
• MATH 3300
• MATH 3310
• MATH 4010

However, MATH 1630, MATH 1730, and MATH 1810 may count toward a minor in Mathematics for Managerial, Social, and Life Sciences.

Academic Map

Following is a printable, suggested four-year schedule of courses:

• True Blue Core (TBC): 41 hours
• Major Requirements: 36 hours
  • Mathematics Core: 21 hours
    • MATH 1910 - Calculus I
    • MATH 1920 - Calculus II
    • MATH 2010 - Elements of Linear Algebra
    • MATH 3110 - Calculus III
    • MATH 3460 - Foundation of Higher Mathematics
    • MATH 2050 - Probability and Statistics OR STAT 3150 - Mathematical Statistics I
  • Remaining Major Courses: 15 hours
    • MATH 3070 - College Geometry
    • MATH 4510 - Abstract Algebra I
    • MATH 4620 - History and Philosophy of Mathematics
    • MATH 4990 - Seminar in Mathematics
    • Math elective: 3 credit hours
• Supporting Courses: 19 hours
  • MATH 3320 - Teaching Mathematics in the Middle Grades
  • MATH 3330 - Teaching Mathematics in the Secondary Grades
  • MATH 4540 - Topics in Secondary School Mathematics
  • MATH 4740 - Research Methods
  • CSCI 1170 - Computer Science I
  • COMM 2200 - Audience-Centered Communication
• Secondary Education Minor-MTeach: 30 hours

Curriculum

Freshman

• Written Communication: 3 credit hours
• Information Literacy: 3 credit hours
• Creativity and Cultural Expression: 3 credit hours
• Scientific Literacy: 8 credit hours
• Human Society and Social Relationships: 3 credit hours
• MATH 1910 - Calculus I (Quant Lit)
• MATH 1920 - Calculus II
• MSE 1010 - Step 1: Inquiry Approaches to Teaching
• MSE 2010 - Step 2: Inquiry Lesson Design

Sophomore

• MATH 2010 - Elements of Linear Algebra
• MATH 2050 - Probability and Statistics
• MATH 3110 - Calculus III
• MATH 3460 - Foundation of Higher Mathematics
• CSCI 1170 - Computer Science I
• COMM 2200 - Audience-Centered Communication (NWC)
• Creativity and Cultural Expression Literature: 3 credit hours
• YOED 3520 - Knowing and Learning in Science and Mathematics
• YOED 3550 - Classroom Interactions in Mathematics and Science

Junior

• MATH 3070 - College Geometry
• MATH 3320 - Teaching Mathematics in the Middle Grades
• MATH 4510 - Abstract Algebra I
• MATH 4620 - History and Philosophy of Mathematics
• MATH 4540 - Topics in Secondary School Mathematics
• MATH elective: 3 credit hours (approved by advisor)
• Human Society and Social Relationships: 3 credit hours
• History and Civic Learning: 6 credit hours
• MATH 4740 - Research Methods
• MSE 3330 - Teaching Science in Secondary Grades

Senior

• MATH 3330 - Teaching Mathematics in the Secondary Grades
• MATH 4990 - Seminar in Mathematics
• YOED 4040 - Residency I: MTeach
• YOED 4050 - Project-Based Instruction in Mathematics and Science
• YOED 4400 - Residency II

Faculty

• Dr. Sarah K. Bleiler-Baxter, Professor
• Dr. Rongjin Huang, Professor
• Dr. Dovie Kimmins, Professor
• Dr. Alyson E. Lischka, Professor
• Dr. Jennifer N. Lovett, Associate Professor
• Dr. Jeremy Strayer, Professor

Information

Professional Licensure Disclosure

MTSU discloses that the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mathematics, Math Education is a teacher licensure preparation program accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the Tennessee Department of Education. Admission to an undergraduate teacher licensure preparation program does not guarantee that students will obtain a teacher license. Successful completion of the program meets the educational requirements to apply for a practitioner teacher licensure in Tennessee.