Mathematics and Special Education Certification, B.S.

Students completing this dual certification program are eligible to teach in both a mathematics classroom and a special education classroom thereby broadening their job prospects and distinguishing them from the general student population. In addition, as a traditional classroom math teacher, graduates would have the training necessary for effectively dealing with classes in which high numbers of students have Individual Education Plans (IEPs).

A serious national shortage of mathematics (grades 7-12) and special education (Pre-K-12) teachers exists; by 2020 this shortage is expected to reach a critical level, especially in mathematics and science. (U.S. Department of Education, March 2015, Teacher Shortage Areas Nationwide Listing). Dual certification will cultivate a new creative student audience filling the state-wide deficit of students situated to excel in special education mathematics classrooms further fulfilling the growing workforce needs.

Concentrations

Currently there are four pre-approved concentrations: applied math, statistics, secondary education certification in mathematics, or a dual certification in mathematics and special education. A course of study without concentration is also available. The concentrations allow for a student to complete either a minor or second major in a related discipline or a series of allied electives to explore how mathematics can be applied to other disciplines.

Allied Electives

In general, allied electives are courses numbered 300 or above from ACC, BIO, CHM, CSC, CMPE, ECO, ESS, FIN, MAT, MIS, PHY, SCM, or SWE. Other courses will be considered by the department chair on a case-by-case basis. Students not in the Secondary Certification concentration must complete three allied electives, at least one of which must be from disciplines other than MAT. This requirement is waived for students completing a minor or second major.

Core Courses (25-26 crs.)

MAT 185 - First Year Mathematics Seminar Credits: 1
MAT 212 - Calculus II Credits: 4
MAT 213 - Calculus III Credits: 4
MAT 217 - Statistics I Credits: 4
MAT 318 - Elementary Linear Algebra Credits: 3
MAT 320 - Introduction to Abstract Algebra Credits: 3
MAT 430 - Complex Analysis Credits: 3
OR
MAT 441 - Real Analysis I Credits: 3
CSC 104 - Programming in Python Credits: 3
OR
CSC 110 - Computer Science I Credits: 4
OR
CSC 180 - Microcomputer Basic Credits: 3
Note: If selected, CSC 104 or CSC 180 will fulfill a General Education requirement.

Secondary Education Certification (42 crs.)

MAT 326 - Mathematical Modeling Credits: 3
MAT 333 - Geometry Credits: 3
MAT 400 - History of Mathematics Credits: 3
MAT 4XX Elective
EEC 483 - Assessing Children with Exceptionalities for Curricular Decision-Making Credits: 3
TCH 207 - Organizational and Psychological Foundations in Secondary Education Credits: 3
RDG 413 - Teaching Reading to English Language Learners Credits: 3
EDU 371 - Technology in the Mathematics Classroom Credits: 3
EDU 434 - Teaching of Mathematics in the Secondary Schools I Credits: 3
EDU 435 - Teaching of Mathematics in the Secondary Schools II Credits: 3
EDU 495 - Student Teaching Credits: 6-15
(Mathematics Secondary Certification Students will take 12 crs. of EDU 495)

Two seperate placements - one Math, one Special Education

Note:

Students seeking certification in secondary education must also complete 1 writing course (ENG 114 or ENG 115 ) and 1 literature course (ENG 190 , ENG 243 , ENG 248 , or ENG 250 ).

Special Education Courses (21 crs.)

General Education

General Education Requirements

General Education Program

General Education Requirements Specific for this major:

Quantitative (Q): MAT 211
Diversity (D): EEC 273
Critical Reasoning (R): MAT 225
Technology (T): CSC 104 OR CSC 180 OR Students can take CSC 110 , which will count for the major.