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Mathematics Education Major

Become a high school math teacher

Do you enjoy math and working with numbers? Do you have a desire to work with youth? Share your love of mathematics by becoming a certified high school math teacher. Since mathematics is a core subject, math teachers are always in demand. SBU's math education degree will prepare you with the mathematics and teaching skills you need to become a math teacher.

School districts look to hire our math education graduates, as proven by the 100% job placement rate mathematics education graduates seeking teaching positions have consistently maintained.

The Mathematics Education degree is offered through SBU's College of Professional Programs

Resources

Major Map (PDF)

Degree plan

100%
Job
placement
rate

(For SBU mathematics education graduates seeking
teaching positions over the past ten years.)

SBU students doing homework outside

The SBU Advantage

  • Put your learning into action by leading math labs, serving as a math tutor or helping with math contests SBU hosts for elementary and middle school students.
  • Classroom field experiences begin as early as your freshman year and culminate in a semester-long student teaching experience your senior year, providing valuable real-world experience and networking opportunities.
  • Utilize mathematics technology such as cutting-edge GeoGebra, software which is used to illustrate various mathematics topics.

Faith Integration

SBU is home to the Darrell R. Strait Center for the Integration of Science and Christian Faith, which is intentionally focused on equipping students to study the history and philosophy of science, Biblical hermeneutics, and the integration of science and faith. Faculty encourage discussion of ethical issues that arise in the world of science and challenge students to use their Christian faith as the basis for approaching all issues. SBU believes strongly that science and Christian faith can be integrated and support each other.

To become a math teacher, you will take a course from the Strait Center, Mathematics Through the Eyes of Faith. You also have the option to add a second major in Integration of Science and Christian Faith by taking the other Strait Center courses, including Methods of Biblical Interpretation, Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview, and History and Philosophy of Science and Technology.

Lizzie Robrahn
"I would not be a middle school math teacher if it wasn't for the confidence and encouragement of SBU faculty. They taught me how to teach math in ways that I would have never considered that are now helping my students understand and even love math!"
Lizzie Robrahn '18
8th Grade Math Teacher at Gloria Willis Middle School in Kansas City

Student Missouri State Teachers Association (SMSTA)

While pursuing a math education degree, you are encouraged to join SBU's chapter of Student Missouri State Teachers Association (SMSTA) to benefit from professional development and networking opportunities as you prepare for your future teaching career.

Scholarships

As a mathematics education student at SBU, you will have the opportunity to apply for several privately funded scholarships including:

  • Dr. Bev Harris Mathematics Education Scholarship - established in honor of former professor Dr. Bev Harris, this scholarship provides financial assistance for mathematics education majors; priority is given to junior or senior level students.
  • Friends of the School of Arts and Sciences Scholarship - an endowed scholarship fund established by the curators and friends of the School of Arts and Sciences for students who are enrolled at SBU with a major in the College of Science and Mathematics and have demonstrated high academic honors and good balance between the academic, spiritual, and social aspects of campus life.
  • Jerry and Martha Harns Scholarship - an annual scholarship established by Colonel and Mrs. Harns to students majoring in mathematics or science.

Mathematics Education Four-Year Plan

Freshman

Fall Semester

MAT 1195 Calculus I 5
CIS 1033 Foundations of Computer Science 3
ENG 1113 English Composition I 3
EDU 2113 Educational Psychology 3
UNI 1111 University Seminar 1
Total hours 15

Spring Semester

MAT 2255 Calculus II 5
ENG 2213 English Composition II 3
EDU 2313 Foundations of Education 3
POL 1113 American Government and Politics 3
MAT 3332 Symbolic Logic and Set Theory 2
UNI 1121 Critical Thinking 1
Total hours 17
 

Sophomore

Fall Semester

MAT 2263 Calculus III 3
MAT 3323 Linear Algebra 3
 KIN 1162 Foundations of Physical Fitness/Wellness 2
COM 1103 Fundamentals of Speech Communication 3
FAR 10_3 Intro. to Art, Fine Arts, Music or Theatre 3
BIB 1013 Old Testament History 3
EDU 2141 Field Experience Level I 1
Total hours 18

Spring Semester

MAT 3313 Abstract Algebra (spring, even) or  
ECO 2003 LIFE Economics 3
MAT 3353 Integrated Mathematics (spring, even, or winterfest, odd) or  
MAT 4483 Contemporary Geometry (spring, odd) 3
BIO 1004 Principles of Biology 4
BIB 1023 New Testament History 3
EDU 2823 Technology for Educators 3
Total hours 16
 

Junior

Fall Semester

MAT 3343 Mathematical Statistics 3
MAT 3372 Math Technologies (fall or Winterfest, even) or
 
SPF 2012 Introduction to Spiritual Formation 2
MAT 3382 History of Mathematics (fall, odd) or
 
SCF 3422 Mathematics Through the Eyes of Faith (support course-Fall or Winterfest, even) 2
CHE/PHS Physical science elective 4
EDU 3333 Principles and Methods of Secondary Instruction 3
EDU 3341 Field Experience Level 2 1
EDU 3613 Content Area Literacy 3
Total hours 18

Spring Semester

 MAT 3313 Abstract Algebra (required; spring, even) or
 
 ECO 2003 LIFE Economics 3
MAT 3391 Preparing For Secondary Mathematics Certification Exam (if exam not yet passed) 1
MAT 3353 or 4483 (Both required) 3
  Cultural Studies 2-3
HIS 2213/2223 U.S. History I or II 3
EDU 4513 Methods of Teaching Math in the Middle and Secondary Schools 3
Total hours 18-19
 

Senior

Fall Semester

 MAT 3372 Math Technologies (fall or Winterfest, even) or  
SPF 2012 Introduction to Spiritual Formation 2
MAT 3382 History of Mathematics (fall, odd) or  
SCF 3422 Mathematics Through the Eyes of Faith (support course-Fall or Winterfest, even) 2
MAT 4663 Advanced Calculus (required) 3
EDU 3043 Learner Development and the Classroom 3
EDU 3013 Analyzing & Amending Reading Problems 3
EDU 3833 Behavior and Classroom Management — Secondary 3
Total hours 16

Spring Semester

EDU 4832 Assessment and Evaluation of Learners 2
EDU 4623 Teaching Diverse Learners 3
EDU 4949 Student Teaching Secondary 10
EDU 4691 Student Teaching Seminar 1
Total hours 16

This is a proposed guideline. Please check the catalog and see your advisor for your final degree requirements.
Southwest Baptist University reserves the right to make changes to degree plans without advanced notice or obligation.
The student is responsible for understanding and completing all general education, degree, departmental and graduation requirements.

Download in PDF format:
Mathematics Education Plan (PDF)