BS in Mathematics Education

The programs in mathematics education offer a wide range of opportunities for students to develop their expertise in mathematics and in methods of teaching mathematics. Courses focus on research and practice in mathematics education, methods of teaching mathematics to students of varying ages and abilities, and the design and preparation of mathematics curriculum materials.

Undergraduate programs are available for those seeking initial licensure in mathematics at the middle and senior high school levels. These programs reflect current trends and new directions in curriculum and methodology. Professional preparation, including extensive fieldwork, is offered by the School of Education.

Students are required to complete a major portion of their coursework in mathematics and/or statistics. Courses in these areas are offered by the College of Arts & Sciences.

Specialty programs in the teaching of mathematics are available to undergraduates who are seeking initial licensure as elementary or special education teachers. After completion of the appropriate program, students are qualified to teach mathematics, to act as mathematics resource persons in team-teaching situations, and to organize and manage mathematics resource areas at the elementary level.

For complete information on these undergraduate programs and application procedures, please visit the School of Education website and BU Admissions.

Curriculum (Total Credits: 128)

Distribution Requirements (46–50 cr)

• CAS WR 100 Writing Seminar (4 cr)
• CAS WR 150 Writing and Research Seminar (4 cr)
• Three courses in humanities from CAS (12 cr)
• Three courses in social studies from CAS (12 cr)
• CAS lab science (4 cr)
• CAS natural or lab science (4 cr)
• Electives (6 cr if 8–12 track, 10 cr if 5–8 track)

Mathematics Subject Requirements, 5–8 Track (36 cr)

• CAS MA 123 Calculus I (4 cr)
• CAS MA 124 Calculus II (4 cr)
• CAS MA 115 or 213 Basic Statistics and Probability (4 cr)
• CAS MA 242 Linear Algebra (4 cr)
• CAS MA 293 Discrete Math (4 cr)
• CAS MA 341 Number Theory (4 cr)
• CAS MA 528 or SED ME 559 Intro to Modern Geometry or Geometry for Teachers (4 cr)
• 2 CAS MA electives (in consultation with advisor) or CAS CS 111 or ME 581 (8 cr)

Mathematics Subject Requirements, 8–12 Track (40 cr)

• CAS MA 123 Calculus I (4 cr)
• CAS MA 124 Calculus II (4 cr)
• CAS MA 225 Multivariate Calculus (4 cr)
• CAS MA 226 Differential Equations (4 cr)
• CAS MA 213 Basic Statistics and Probability (4 cr)
• CAS MA 242 Linear Algebra (4 cr)
• CAS MA 293 Discrete Math (4 cr)
• CAS MA 341 Number Theory (4 cr)
• CAS MA 528 Intro to Modern Geometry or SED ME 559 Geometry for Teachers (4 cr)
• CAS MA 294 Abstract Algebra, CAS MA 541 Modern Algebra I, or SED ME 581 Advanced Algebra for Teachers (4 cr)

Professional Studies (42 cr)

• SED ED 100/101 Introduction to Education (6 cr)
• SED SE 251 Special Education and Adolescents (2 cr)
• SED DS 502 Introduction to Adolescent Development (2 cr)
• SED CT 375 Pre-Practicum (2 cr)
• SED ED 410/412 Social and Civic Context of Education (4 cr)
• SED CT 575 General Methods of Instruction, 5–12 (4 cr)
• SED ME 363 Problem Solving (4 cr)
• SED ME 360 Algebra for Teachers (4 cr)
• SED ME 530 Advanced Methods of Teaching Math: Teaching Math in Urban Schools (2 cr)

5–8 Track

• SED ME 507 Practicum (8 cr)
• SED ME 546 Methods of Teaching Math: Middle School (4 cr)

8–12 Track

• SED ME 508 Practicum (8 cr)
• SED ME 547 Methods of Teaching Math: High School (4 cr)