Bachelor’s Degree in Math for Secondary Education

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Degree Level

Bachelor's

Class Setting

Online

Area of Study

Teaching

Program

BS in Mathematics for Secondary Education (Licensure)

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Citizenship Status

U.S. Citizen

Military Affiliation

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Country

United States

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Overview

Study To Become a Secondary Math Teacher

Grand Canyon University offers the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics for Secondary Education degree program that can prepare you for a career inspiring and educating adolescent learners. Graduates can be prepared with the critical thinking and general problem-solving skills to tackle difficult problems from any field and to teach their own students to do the same.

This math secondary education degree is a joint initiative of GCU’s College of Education and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. This Bachelor of Science in Mathematics for Secondary Education degree from GCU also leads to initial teacher licensure.

$Secondary math teacher standing in a classroom$

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics for Secondary Education

Initial Program – Leads to Initial Teacher Licensure

Offered By

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Class Settings

Campus

Online

Tuition Rate

Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]

Online: $460 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 120

Campus: 15 weeks

Online: 7 weeks

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Transfer Credits

Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)

16+ years old
High School Graduate
3.0+ Unweighted GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

ACT: 19
SAT: 1000*

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).

Why GCU

Benefits of a Bachelor’s Degree in Math for Secondary Education From GCU

GCU students can benefit from a curriculum intended to cultivate clear communication and critical analysis skills. As you pursue your BS in math for secondary education, you will have the opportunity to explore ways of integrating your Christian values and ethical convictions into your intended career path.

With a balanced program of applied and theoretical mathematics and education courses, you can complete a solid curriculum of mathematics content while developing the methodological expertise to become an effective and skilled secondary educator. The foundational framework for this curriculum is derived from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Content Standards, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Secondary Initial Prep and the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium Model Core Teaching Standards.

Pursue an Online Math Education Degree

This bachelor’s degree can be completed through online classes taught by knowledgeable faculty members and adjunct instructors.

Online Learning

Develop Your Skills for Teaching Secondary Mathematics

To be able to lead to licensure, this bachelor’s degree in math must have a curriculum that can provide you with the skills to be a secondary math teacher. Relevant skills you can develop and acquire in this program include:

Developing learning opportunities that support student development
Understanding of all math, including calculus, geometry, probability, statistics and algebra
Differentiated instruction
Classroom engagement
Applying teaching methodologies

Careers

Career Paths for Graduates With a BS in Mathematics

An online math education degree can help prepare you to pursue a career teaching adolescents how to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. You might decide to apply for work as a middle or high school teacher in a public or private educational setting.

Beyond serving as a math teacher, a BS in math secondary education degree online can be applied to a range of industries, such as:¹

Actuarial science
Computer information systems
Computer science
Statistics
Economics

Some career paths may require additional educational credentials.

FAQ

Bachelor’s in Mathematics for Secondary Education FAQs

If you’re considering pursuing a career teaching secondary mathematics, review some of the most frequently asked questions to gain more insight into a career in this field.

Secondary education mathematics refers to mathematics that is taught to grade levels that are above elementary school level, but below college level. This mathematics secondary education major focuses on teaching middle to high school grade levels.

Yes. Completing the bachelor’s degree in math for secondary education can lead to initial teaching licensure. Students will be taught the knowledge and skills to pursue a secondary education certificate in math and fulfill all state licensure requirements. Graduates will also qualify for the middle grades endorsement.

Future secondary math teachers need to complete 85 hours of practicum field experiences prior to student teaching, and these experiences are built into the curriculum. The final semester of the program requires a full-time, 16-week student teaching component. As a student in the secondary education mathematics degree program, you will need to pass both a content knowledge and professional knowledge exam in order to become licensed.

There is a consistent need for secondary math teachers, both in middle and high school. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates job growth for middle school teachers to increase by about 4%,² and high school teachers to increase by about 5% from 2021 to 2031,³ both as fast as the average for all occupations.

Courses

Course List

Credit Summary

General Education Requirements34-40 credits

Major80 credits

Open Elective Credits0-6 credits

Degree Requirements120 credits

General Education Requirements

General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.

Competency

4 Total Credits

Course Description

Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.

Competency

9-12 Total Credits

Competency

4 Total Credits

Competency

11-12 Total Credits

Course Description

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.

Competency

6-8 Total Credits

Course Description

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.

Required General Education Courses

MAT-261

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course presents the fundamentals of algebra and trigonometry with some applications; it provides the background and introduction for the study of calculus. Topics include review of linear equations and inequalities in one and multiple variables; functions and their graphs; polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions; systems of equations and matrices; and sequences and series. Slope and rate of change are introduced to set up the concepts of limits and derivatives. There is an emphasis on both an understanding of the mathematical concepts involved as well as their applications to the principles and real-world problems encountered in science and engineering. Technology is utilized to facilitate problem analysis and graphing. Prerequisite: MAT-134 or MAT-154.

HIS-144

4 Total Credits

Core Courses

SEC-202

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is designed to assist teacher candidates in understanding theories and principles of psychology that describe the growth and development of early adolescents and adolescents, including cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas. Candidates build foundational knowledge for constructing learning opportunities and environments that support individual students’ development, acquisition of knowledge and skills, and motivation. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required.

MAT-252

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides a rigorous treatment of the concepts and methods of elementary calculus and its application to real-world problems. Topics include a brief review of linear, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, and inverse functions; understanding and calculating limits, continuity, and derivatives as rates of change; differentiation rules including derivatives of polynomials, exponentials, trigonometric, and logarithmic functions; product and quotient rules, the chain rule, and implicit differentiation; related rates, curve sketching, maximum and minimum problems, mean value theorem, linear approximation, indeterminate forms, and L’Hospital’s rule; and applied optimization problems, antiderivatives, and approximating areas under the curve. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in MAT-250 or MAT-261.

EDU-330

4 Total Credits

Course Description

In this writing-intensive course, teacher candidates will explore multicultural education by engaging in research, communication, and ethical decision-making, focusing on developing educators' skills in creating equitable and inclusive learning environments. Through analysis of evidence and virtuous practice, the course will examine the critical role of educators as advocates for all students, empowering participants to address disparities and promote equitable opportunities for academic success. With a specific focus on the principles of multicultural education, teacher candidates will be encouraged to reflect on the influence of their own worldviews and perceptions. Emphasizing the concept of imago Dei, which sees every individual as made in the image of God, this course aims to foster culturally responsive classrooms that welcome diversity in all forms. Teacher candidates will explore strategies to effectively bridge the gaps between various diversities and academic achievement, to foster human flourishing within the educational sphere. The course blends content with practical application, highlighting the educator's role as an advocate for all students and promoting equitable academic opportunities.

SPD-208

4 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates are introduced to the educational needs of students with mild to moderate disabilities and their families, including the definitions, characteristics, prevalence, causes and educational approaches to these disabilities and disorders. Teacher candidates will identify preventative and responsive practices related to cognitive, linguistic, social, and emotional patterns of learning and development for students with mild to moderate disabilities. Emphasis is placed on identifying appropriate times to differentiate, modify, or accommodate to support student learning. Teacher candidates also survey the special education process involving the application of various laws and regulations. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.

GOV-260

1 Total Credits

MAT-380

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course examines the core concepts of algebra and geometry, with a focus on the individual and interrelated elements, for the purpose of understanding their meaning, expression, and interaction. Therefore, course activities require clearly demonstrating an understanding of the meaning of these concepts with regards to secondary education in both verbal and written form. Prerequisite: MAT-252.

SEC-356

4 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, teacher candidates differentiate instruction based on knowledge of students, learning theory, and curricular goals. Major emphasis is given to planning standards-based instructional objectives and lessons, sequencing, and assessing learning, utilizing formal and informal assessment strategies that address individual students' needs. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required. Prerequisite: SEC-202.

SEC-351

4 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates explore research-based instructional strategies for delivering differentiated instruction to promote reading and writing proficiency during content area instruction. Language and literacy development is examined to inform instruction, assessment, intervention, and remediation practices to support readers of varying ages and ability levels, including students with dyslexia and other reading disabilities. Using this foundational knowledge, candidates will select, adapt, and use research-based instructional strategies and interventions with attention focused on literacy in academic curricula to advance learning for adolescent students. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: SEC-202.

MAT-253

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides a rigorous treatment of the concepts, methods, and applications of integral calculus and is the second course in a three-course sequence. Topics include definite integrals, fundamental theorem of calculus, and integration rules; arc length, solids of revolution, and physical applications; techniques of integration including improper integrals and an introduction to differential equations; polar coordinates, parametric equations, infinite sequences, and series; power series and conic sections; and vector arithmetic, dot product, and projections. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in MAT-252.

MAT-225

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is an exploration of the history of humanity through the lens of mathematics and technology. Students study important thinkers and their tools and techniques with an emphasis on how their discoveries have impacted the modern world. Students are shown insights into how those thinkers solved problems and the critical analysis to apply those insights to modern issues in diverse areas of interest. The use of tools and techniques of mathematics and technology aids in applying those insights. Prerequisite: MAT-250 or MAT-261.

MAT-345

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is intended primarily for mathematics, science, and engineering students. The goal of the course is to impart the concepts and techniques of modern linear algebra (over the real scalar field) with a significant level of rigor. Students write clearly about the concepts of linear algebra (definitions, counterexamples, simple proofs), and apply theory to examples. The course emphasizes the practical nature of solutions to linear algebra problems. Students implement some of these solutions, where appropriate, as computer programs. Prerequisite: MAT-264 or MAT-253

ESL-445N

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, teacher candidates examine the fundamentals of the legal, historical, and educational foundations of Structured English Immersion (SEI) and other instructional programs and approaches for teaching English learners. Theoretical principles of language acquisition and the role of culture in learning are examined. Methods of assessment are identified and analyzed. Teacher candidates identify strategies to promote English language development and improve student achievement as they plan, deliver, and evaluate standards-based instruction for English learners. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required.

MAT-215

4 Total Credits

MAT-374

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course covers the role of statistics in engineering, probability, discrete random variables and probability distributions, continuous random variables and probability distributions, joint probability distributions, random sampling and data description, point estimation of parameters, statistical intervals for a single sample, and tests of hypotheses for a single sample. Prerequisite: MAT-253 or MAT-264.

SEC-451

4 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, teacher candidates study methods and materials related to teaching secondary-grade 6-12 students. Emphasis is placed on analyzing data to evaluate and modify instruction. Candidates look at methodologies that encourage problem-solving, active participation, meeting diverse students’ needs, and professional collaboration. Focus is also placed on the practical applications of using all available data, including behavioral data, to drive instructional decisions. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required. Prerequisite: SEC-356.

MAT-312

4 Total Credits

MAT-470

4 Total Credits

MAT-480

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is designed to develop an understanding and ability to apply the methods and principles of effective instruction using mathematics in the secondary classroom. This course examines different learning modalities, instructional strategies, and the use of technology to help plan and teach effective mathematical lessons that increase student achievement and are aligned to the mathematics standards. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required.

SEC-456

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course prepares teacher candidates to create and manage positive, productive secondary-grade 6-12 classroom environments with diverse students. Candidates develop a comprehensive understanding of the learning and behavior principles that underlie effective classroom management and student engagement in order to design and promote an effective classroom management program. Focus is placed on building a trusting relationship and creating a safe and equitable learning environment. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: SEC-356.

SEC-490

8 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates are engaged in the student teaching experience that includes practical classroom experiences, research, analysis, and teaching to develop a Student Teaching Evaluation of Performance (STEP). The teacher candidate will have a GCU course instructor, a GCU faculty supervisor, and be placed in an approved school with a certified cooperating teacher/mentor. Fingerprint clearance required.

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

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¹ Robinson, T. (2023, March 21). Careers for Math Majors. BestColleges. Retrieved June 21, 2023.

²COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2022, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Middle School Teachers, retrieved on June 22, 2023.

³ COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2022, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, High School Teachers, retrieved on June 22, 2023.

Bachelor’s Degree in Math for Secondary Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Math for Secondary Education

Study To Become a Secondary Math Teacher

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics for Secondary Education

Initial Program – Leads to Initial Teacher Licensure

Benefits of a Bachelor’s Degree in Math for Secondary Education From GCU

BS in Mathematics for Secondary Education Coursework

Develop Your Skills for Teaching Secondary Mathematics

Career Paths for Graduates With a BS in Mathematics

Bachelor’s in Mathematics for Secondary Education FAQs

Course List

Start Your Journey Today

Course List

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics for Secondary Education

Initial Program – Leads to Initial Teacher Licensure