About
The Mathematics (BS) - Secondary Education degree prepares students for licensure to teach mathematics in North Carolina, which has a shortage of math teachers. You’ll receive excellent preparation to be a math teacher through the university’s Department of Mathematical Sciences and renowned Reich College of Education.
Because practical experience and professional activity is important in this field, prospective teachers are required to work as instructional assistants in a variety of courses. They also have extensive field experiences in secondary schools, beginning during the junior year and culminating in the senior year with a semester-long student teaching experience. The Department of Mathematical Sciences operates a tutoring lab and receives requests from elementary, middle and high schools for tutorial assistance allowing majors to pick up more experience in these areas.
This degree requires calculus, algebra, geometry, analysis, computing, probability and statistics. Individual programs are designed to meet the needs of the student in consultation with one of the mathematics education advisors. If you think this is the major for you, it is important to begin the program of study during your freshman year or you may fall behind in course requirements.
After Graduation
Employment: Graduates work primarily in the state of North Carolina. In fact, Appalachian’s Mathematics (BS) - Secondary Education program produces the most high school math teachers in the state.
Graduate School: Increasing numbers of high-performing students with a 3.4 GPA or higher are choosing to take graduate courses during their senior year through Appalachian’s accelerated master’s program, allowing them to complete a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in five years.
Professional Licensure
This is a program that leads to licensure or certification. Appalachian State University cannot confirm whether this program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in other states or territories.
If this applies to you, check the U.S. Department of Education for information on licensure requirements and licensing agencies in other states. Or, you may address questions to State Authorization at Appalachian at stateauthorization@appstate.edu or 828-262-7559.
People
Courses
Students take 27 hours in teacher preparation courses, plus these core courses:
- Calculus with Analytic Geometry I
- Calculus with Analytic Geometry II
- Introduction to Linear Algebra
- Survey in the History of Mathematics
- Junior Seminar for Mathematics Majors in Education
- Intro to Modern Algebra
- Intro to Real Analysis
- Discrete and Continuous Mathematical Models
- Instructional Assistance
- Introduction to Geometry
- Senior Seminar for Mathematics Majors in Education
- Statistical Concepts and Applications I
- Statistical Concepts and Applications II with Probability Modeling
- Techniques of Proof or Sophomore Honors Seminar
Related Programs
Minors
A minor is optional.
Engagement Outside the Classroom
- Prospective Teachers of Mathematics Association - an organization to promote awareness of the mathematics teaching profession; to spark a sense of professionalism and comradeship among its members; to engage in mathematical activities; and to promote the excellence of mathematics teaching.
- Math Club - an organization to encourage students to take part in competitions, classroom events and research opportunities.
- Pi Mu Epsilon - an Honor Society dedicated to the promotion of student scholarly activity in mathematics and the recognition of students who successfully pursue mathematical understanding.
- Appalachian State Student Chapter of the Association for Women in Mathematics
Global Learning
Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society. Opportunities for education majors include international student teaching.
Admission Requirements
Admission to Appalachian’s Teacher Education Program is required.
Why Appalachian?
- Appalachian has one of the largest groups of faculty with degrees in Mathematics Education in any mathematics department in the United States, and the program produces the most high school math teachers in North Carolina.
- Prospective teachers gain experience by working as instructional assistants and engaging in student teaching.
- Classes are small and taught by tenure track faculty, so students receive individualized attention.
- Undergraduate students can be involved in research projects with faculty in their first two years. Many students travel to present their research at local, national and international conferences.
- The Department of Mathematical Sciences maintains a strong network of Appalachian alumni in business and education in regards to securing math-related jobs.
- High-performing students can take graduate courses during their senior year through the accelerated master’s program, allowing them to complete a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in five years.
- Appalachian has been training quality educators for more than 100 years and is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
Number of Students
200+ in the Department of Mathematical Sciences
Method of Delivery
On campus only
Careers
Some of these jobs may require education beyond a bachelor’s degree.
- Adult Education Teacher
- Curriculum Specialist
- Education and Training Administrator
- Educational Administrator
- Educational Researcher
- Educational Resource Coordinator
- Grant Writer
- Guidance Counselor
- Instructor, College/University
- Job Development Specialist
- National Laboratory Research Administrator
- Public Health Statistician
- Research & Development Scientist
- Research Assistant
- Resource Teacher
- Science Writer
- Secondary School Teacher, Mathematics
- Technical Consultant
- Technical Writer
- Tutor
- Vocational Instructor
View more career possibilities
Contacts
Department of Mathematical Sciences
Dr. Eric Marland
Department Chair
828-262-3050
marlandes@appstate.edu