Mathematics Education, Middle Grades Concentration (6-9), B.S.

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education

Coordinator: Melissa R. Edwards

Location: Department of Mathematics and Computer Science

Program Description

The program of study in Mathematics Education consists of four curricular components: freshman seminar and general education, the content courses, the professional studies core, and content pedagogy (methods and internship). Upon successful completion of the program and related requirements, graduates are eligible for a Standard Professional I license to teach in the State of North Carolina. The NC Department of Public Instruction issues the teaching license based on University recommendation.

The Mathematics Education program is one of 12 teacher education programs offered at UNCP. Mathematics Education majors are subject to Teacher Education Program regulations, admission requirements, continuation requirements, and graduation requirements.

The Mathematics Education program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the NC State Board of Education.

Program Standards

The Teacher Education Program standards for all education majors are described fully in the UNCP Teacher Education Program Teacher Candidate Handbook.

Program Goals and Objectives

The Mathematics Education program recognizes that teaching mathematics is a complex endeavor. Pre-service teachers of mathematics need to be involved in developing their knowledge, skills, understandings, and dispositions to teach mathematics to diverse learners. The goal of the Mathematics Education program is to prepare effective and professional mathematics teachers who are ready to make positive contributions to the mathematical development of middle and high school students in diverse settings. To accomplish this goal, the Mathematics Education program will

1. provide students with a solid foundation and understanding of mathematics.
2. enable students to appreciate both the aesthetic and practical aspects of mathematics.
3. provide experiences that will help students see that they will need to have a variety of teaching and learning strategies available at all times.
4. provide students with current theories regarding the psychological development of the learner and an understanding of human dynamics found in the home, the school, and the community.
5. demonstrate methods of evaluating student learning, textbooks, the curriculum, educational techniques, and the educational process as a whole.
6. prepare students to deal with a diverse population that has a broad spectrum of needs, aspirations, and expectations for themselves and others.
7. provide a consideration of societal needs that are satisfied by applications of and careers based on mathematics and technology.
8. stress the importance to a teaching professional of keeping abreast of current trends in mathematics education through the reading of professional journals and participation in mathematics workshops, institutes, conferences, professional meeting and in-service programs.

The specific objectives supporting each goal are described fully in the Teacher Education Student Handbook.

Freshman Seminar: 1 Sem. Hr.

General Education: 44 Sem. Hrs.

See General Education Program  for available options in each category.

• ENG 1050. Composition I (3 credits)
• ENG 1060. Composition II (3 credits)
• Fine Art (3 credits)
• Literature (3 credits)
• History (3 credits)
• Philosophy and Religion (3 credits)
• Social Sciences (9 credits)
• Natural Science (6 credits)
• Mathematics (3 credits)
• Physical Education (2 credits)
• General Education Electives (6 credits)

Major-Specific General Education Requirements

Content Courses: 30 Sem. Hrs.

• MAT 1070. College Algebra (3 credits) ^*
• MAT 1080. Plane Trigonometry (3 credits) ^*
• MAT 2100. Introduction to Statistics (3 credits) ^*
• MAT 2110. Survey of Geometry (3 credits)
• MAT 2150. Calculus with Applications (4 credits) ^*
• MAT 2300. Introduction to Advanced Mathematics (3 credits)
• MAT 2600. Connections in Mathematics I (1 credit)
• MAT 3150. Linear Algebra I (3 credits)
• MAT 3600. Connections in Mathematics II (1 credit)
• MAT 4020. A Historical Development of Mathematics (3 credits)

Second Academic Concentration: 18-30 Sem. Hrs.

(Several courses will also count towards General Education requirements.)

Professional Studies Core: 15 Sem. Hrs.

• EDN 2100. Introduction to Education (3 credits)
• EDN 3130. Content Area Reading (3 credits)
• EDN 3140. Aspects of Human Development and Educational Psychology (Grades 6-12) (3 credits)
• EDN 3400. Philosophy and Curriculum of Middle Grade (3 credits)
• SED 3310. Introduction to the Exceptional Child (3 credits)

Content Pedagogy: 25 Sem. Hrs.

• MAT 2500. Introduction to Teaching Mathematics in Middle Grades and Secondary Schools (2 credits)
• MAT 3500. Teaching Mathematics with Technology (2 credits)
• MAT 3750. Methods for Teaching Algebra (3 credits)
• MAT 4000. Methods of Teaching Mathematics in Middle Grades and Secondary Schools (3 credits)
• MAT 4490. Internship in Mathematics in the Secondary School (9 credits)
• MAT 4750. Professional Seminar in Secondary Mathematics (3 credits)
• CSC 4050. Current Topics in Computers in Education (3 credits)

General Electives: 0-4 Sem. Hrs.

(Depending on second concentration requirements)

Total: 128 Sem. Hrs.

^*Six hours of these specialty area courses will count towards General Education requirements.

NOTE: Students who desire teacher licensure in Mathematics Education should declare the major as soon as possible in their college career. Consultation with the Program Coordinator or program advisor prior to registering for General Education courses is strongly recommended.