Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics Education (Secondary Certification)

If you want to help students get a head-start on the science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) careers of the future, a career as a math teacher might be for you. By pursuing your major in mathematics for secondary education, you’ll develop a broad understanding of mathematics and its usefulness in the world. It’s the mathematics degree you need to better prepare the next generation of mathematicians and learners. Thanks to our small class sizes, you’ll receive one-on-one attention from professors who are committed to helping you succeed. Coursework throughout your mathematics education program offers learning strategies and approaches to help facilitate meaningful learning experiences. 

And with access to state-of-the-art technology in our Mathematics and Physics Resource Center, along with instruction designed to help you reach your specific career goals, you’ll be well on your way to making a difference in your very own classroom.

• What is a Mathematics Education Degree?
• What Can You Do with an Education Degree in Mathematics?
• How to Become a Math Teacher
• Curriculum and Degree Requirements
• Tuition
• Admission Requirements
• Accreditation EPSB and CAEP
• Faculty

What is a Mathematics Education Degree?

A degree in mathematics education gives educators the training they need to earn certifications that qualify them for teaching careers in school settings. Coursework for an accredited bachelor’s degree program in the STEM field of mathematics helps students gain a fundamental understanding of the math and science that govern our modern lives. Throughout their academic careers, math majors will take relevant physics and mathematics coursework—from calculus to differential equations to discrete mathematics and more. Education students should also gain a comprehensive understanding of how to develop lessons, assess progress, personalize instruction, and more.

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What Can You Do with an Education Degree in Mathematics?

At University of the Cumberlands, our Bachelor of Science in Education (BSED) program with a major in mathematics will prepare you to enter the high school classroom where teachers, including qualified math teachers, earned a 2030 average annual salary of $61,820. It also opens up a realm of additional job opportunities. Although few job titles actually say “mathematician,” employers everywhere appreciate the value of professionals with a strong background and education in math due to their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. You could also pursue a post-graduate degree in statistics, engineering, mathematics, physics, and more. Career options with this degree can include:

• Mathematics teacher (9-12)
• Natural sciences manager
• Mathematician
• Statistician
• Mathematical science occupations
• Business professional
• Analyst

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How to Become a Math Teacher

Aspiring math teachers should begin with a visit to their relevant state certifying board’s website. They’ll want to check on licensing requirements, as they can change from state to state. Some certification requirements, however, are almost universal. 

As with any STEM educator, a student wishing to teach math in public school systems starts with a relevant bachelor’s degree from an accredited university program. This degree must explore the intricacies of mathematic to develop the logic and critical thinking skills required to solve complex math problems. The program should also offer coursework designed to help students understand how to teach math to young people. This program should also provide an opportunity or practicum for student teaching. Not only will this help future teachers put into practice what they have learned, but student teaching is also often required for state-mandated certification.

From there, new educators will likely need to pass a state test, apply for a teaching license or certification, and then start applying for open math teacher positions. 

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Curriculum and Degree Requirements

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science with a Major in Mathematics Education (Secondary Certification) - 41 Semester Hours plus professional education courses required for certification

33 semester hours in mathematics courses:  

• MATH 140     Calculus I 
• MATH 240     Calculus II 
• MATH 241     Calculus III  
• MATH 331     College Geometry 
• MATH 335     Introduction to Probability and Statistics 
• MATH 430     Differential Equations 
• MATH 431     Abstract Algebra 
• MATH 432     Linear Algebra 
• MATH 433     Discrete Mathematics 
• MATH 436     Real Analysis I   

8 semester hours in physics courses:      

• PHYS 241     Physics I 
• PHYS 242     Physics II 

42 semester hours in professional education - see the catalog listing for the School of Education for professional education requirements. 

Students pursuing the mathematics education major are also encouraged to take additional mathematics courses selected from the following (12 credits):

• Math 401    Mathematics History
• Math 435    Mathematics Statistics
• Math 437    Real Analysis II
• Math 490    Topics in Mathematics 

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Tuition

Costs for programs of study at University of the Cumberlands are competitive and affordable. Click here to view tuition rates and fees.

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Admission Requirements

In order to be considered for admission to this program, click here to view the undergraduate, on-campus admissions information. 

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Accreditation

Click here to view University of the Cumberlands' accreditation information. 

In addition to the overall institutional accreditation statement above, the specialized accrediting bodies related to this degree are listed below. 

KDE/EPSB – State Accreditation
University of the Cumberlands' School of Education is further accredited through Kentucky's Educational Professional Standards Board (EPSB), 100 Airport Road, 3rd Floor, Frankfort, KY 40601. (502) 564-4606. Fax: (502) 564-7080.

CAEP – National Accreditation
The School of Education at University of the Cumberlands (UC) is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) at the initial-licensure level and advanced-level.  CAEP promotes excellence in educator preparation through quality assurance and continuous improvement.  UC’s School of Education has earned national accreditation by demonstrating excellence in the areas of content and pedagogy, clinical experiences, selectivity, program impact, and capacity for continuous improvement.
 
CAEP Address: 1140 19th St NW #400, Washington, DC 20036
CAEP Phone Number: (202) 223-0077

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Faculty

Click here to view a list of the math faculty. 

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