Mathematics: Secondary Education, BA

This major may be taken as a stand-alone program (without a Teacher Certification Program). However, this major, when combined with the STEM Teaching or Secondary Education programs, is the most efficient pathway for students seeking teaching endorsement in secondary mathematics.

Admission Requirements for BS Mathematics Majors, Mathematics Minor and and BA Mathematics: Secondary Education
Admission to any of the above majors in the mathematics department will be considered after the first two quarters of calculus are taken (MATH 172 and MATH 173). Students with credit for MATH 173 should contact the mathematics department to meet with a faculty advisor. Application forms are available from the mathematics department office. Students must meet with a mathematics faculty advisor before being considered for the mathematics majors or minor. Students must earn a minimum grade of C in any course that fulfills a major or minor requirement.

Additional Requirements for Mathematics: Secondary Education
The mathematics: secondary education BA, mathematics (small plan) BS, or applied mathematics BS majors partially satisfy the criteria for teaching endorsement in mathematics (5-12), qualifying students to teach mathematics at the high school, middle, or junior high levels. Students who successfully complete one of these three majors with the listed elective restrictions and the STEM Teaching Program (an alternative to the Professional Education Program) are eligible to apply for Washington State teacher certification. Teacher certification candidates must receive a C grade or higher in all major and STEM Teaching Program courses, have a GPA of at least 3.0 for either the last 45 graded quarter credits or overall CWU/transfer cumulative, and meet all Washington State teacher certification requirements.  See the secondary mathematics teaching advisor as soon as possible to develop a course of study.

Graduation Requirements
Students must earn an C or higher in each course in the major.

Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• explain the concepts and applications of elementary functions;
• explain the concepts of calculus to model dynamic change;
• explain the concepts, methods, and applications of logic and discrete models;
• apply and explain the concepts, methods, and applications of algebra systems;
• apply and explain the concepts, methods, and applications of Euclidean and Non-Euclidean geometry using inductive and deductive approaches;
• plan, teach, and assess lessons concerning topics presented in student learning outcomes 1-5 using their understanding of mathematics, learning theory, and pedagogy;
• use appropriate technology to investigate and represent concepts, methods, and applications of mathematical problems; Graduates can use appropriate technology to teach and assess student understanding of mathematical concepts;
• use the principles of mathematical thinking to solve and prove mathematical problems;
• plan, teach, and assess lessons involving mathematical thinking using their understanding of mathematics, learning theory, and pedagogy; and
• apply and explain the historical and cultural development of each branch of mathematics to the discovery of important mathematical ideas.