What Is a Bachelor’s in Mathematics for Secondary Education?
Grand Canyon University offers the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics for Secondary Education degree program to prepare aspiring math teachers to pursue a career inspiring and educating adolescent learners. Education is a field that is subject to continual change over time. With a modern curriculum and diverse learning experiences, GCU seeks to graduate teacher candidates who are fully prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s classroom.
This math teacher degree is a joint initiative of GCU’s College of Education and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Why Earn a BS in Math from GCU?
This bachelor’s degree can be completed through online or on-campus classes. Online classes offer the flexibility necessary for GCU’s diverse student body. All online classes are taught by fully qualified faculty members and adjunct instructors.
GCU students benefit from a carefully designed curriculum intended to cultivate clear communication and critical analysis skills. As you pursue your BS in math, you will explore ways of integrating your Christian values and ethical convictions into your intended career path.
This math teacher degree prepares teacher candidates to competently tackle problems in theoretical and applied mathematics. Teacher candidates also develop a keen methodological expertise and in-depth pedagogical knowledge that allows them to help their future students thrive in the classroom. 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.
How Do I Become a Secondary Education Math Teacher?
This BS in math requires the successful completion of 120 credits. Graduates will demonstrate mastery of these key areas:
- Geometry, algebra, trigonometry and calculus
- Classroom management
- Pedagogical theories and practical teaching applications
- Data-driven instructional methods
- Mathematical modeling
- Discrete mathematics
This math teacher degree program requires the satisfactory completion of a student teaching experience. Student teachers have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a real classroom setting.
What Can I Do with a Bachelor's in Teaching Secondary Education Math?
A Bachelor of Science in Mathematics for Secondary Education can prepare you to pursue a rewarding 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 math teacher in a public or private educational setting. Other possibilities may include:
- Standardized test developer
- Curriculum consultant
- School administration
- Private tutor
Beyond serving as a math teacher, a BS in math can open many doors in a range of industries. Professionals with a math background are sought after for jobs that may include:
- Risk analyst
- Actuary
- Cryptologist
- Economist
- Financial analyst
- Statistician
- Quantitative analyst
Some career paths may require additional educational credentials.
The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics for Secondary Education degree program at GCU leads to initial teacher licensure. Graduates will have the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue the secondary education certificate in math and fulfill all state licensure requirements. Graduates will also qualify for the middle grades endorsement.
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.
Requirements
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.
Course Options
- UNV-112, Success in Science, Engineering and Technology & Lab: 4
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
- UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
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.
Course Options
- MAT-154, Applications of College Algebra: 4
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
- PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4
- BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4
Requirements
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, crosscultural 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.
Course Options
- HIS-144, U.S. History Themes: 4
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Required General Education Courses
Course Description
This course presents the fundamentals of algebra and trigonometry with an applied emphasis; 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; vectors and complex numbers. 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 application to the principles and real-world problems encountered in science and engineering. Software is utilized to facilitate problem analysis and graphing. Prerequisite: MAT-134 or MAT-154.
Course Description
This course provides an overview of the principal political, economic, and cultural themes and constitutional developments that shaped the United States from the Colonial period into the 20th Century.
Program Core Courses
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. This course enables teacher candidates to 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: 5. Fingerprint clearance not required.
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.
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to the study of basic probability, descriptive and inferential statistics, and decision making. Emphasis is placed on measures of central tendency and dispersion, correlation, regression, discrete and continuous probability distributions, quality control population parameter estimation, and hypothesis testing. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in MAT-134, MAT-144 or MAT-154.
Course Description
In this writing intensive course, teacher candidates study how to teach a diverse population of students by examining the foundations and dimensions of social justice in education, social constructs, privilege, prejudice, and oppression with the goal of becoming culturally competent educators. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
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 cognitive, linguistic, social and emotional patterns of learning and development for students with mild to moderate disabilities. Teacher candidates also survey the special education process involving the application of various laws and regulations. Practicum/field experience hours: 5. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
This course is a survey of the Arizona constitution and government. It meets the teacher certification requirement for Arizona government.
Course Description
In this course, teacher candidates evaluate and utilize methods and materials for reading and writing in order to teach literacy skills in the middle and secondary grades. Emphasis is placed on making meaning from a variety of text sources including young adult literature, technical, informational, environmental, and media. Candidates design content-based reading and writing experiences using diverse works for adolescents, focused text selection, and electronic database media resources for middle- and secondary-grade classrooms. A focus on language and cultural diversity is included. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint Clearance required.
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.
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.
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
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 instructional objectives and lessons, sequencing, and assessing objectives, utilizing formal and informal assessment strategies that address individual students' needs. Practicum/field experience hours: 5. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: SEC-201.
Course Description
This course prepares teacher candidates to create and manage positive, productive middle- and secondary-grade 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. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: SEC-201.
Course Description
This course provides an axiomatic approach to geometry, including analysis of the parallel postulate and an introduction to non-Euclidean models. Other topics include planar transformations and isometry groups, analytic geometry, and the history of geometry. Prerequisites: MAT-252 and MAT-345.
Course Description
This course examines how discrete mathematics can be applied to problem solving as well as mathematical reasoning and communication. Additionally, this course introduces how mathematics uses established methods to determine and validate new conclusions through the use of discrete mathematics. Prerequisites: MAT-252 and MAT-253.
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 for English language 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. Through Universal Design for Learning they plan, deliver, and evaluate standards based instruction for English language learners. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required.
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.
Course Description
This writing intensive course is an introduction to the construction and analysis of mathematical and statistical models in diverse areas of human endeavor. Students use tools and approaches to solve challenging problems. Prerequisites: MAT-252, MAT-253, MAT-345 and MAT-274.
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.
Course Description
In this course, teacher candidates study methods and materials related to teaching middle- and secondary-grade students. Emphasis is placed on using data to evaluate and modify instruction. Teaching methodologies encourage problem solving, active participation, meeting diverse students’ needs, and professional collaboration. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint Clearance required. Prerequisite: SEC-355.
Course Description
Teacher candidates are engaged in the student teaching experience that includes practical classroom experiences, research, analysis, and teaching to support the creation of a Student Teaching Evaluation of Performance (STEP). Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all courses in POS and content area; a 2.8 GPA; successful completion of NES or your state’s mandated content area exams; and approval and placement by the College of Education Office of Clinical Practice. All paperwork for student teaching must be submitted by the due date the semester prior to student teaching.
Campus
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview. New modern classrooms, suite-style residence halls, popular dining options, resort-style swimming pools and a focus on creating a dynamic student life make GCU a top choice for high school graduates and transfer students. Exciting events, well-known guest speakers and Division I athletics round out the traditional student experience. Our welcoming campus community is the perfect place to find your purpose.
Online
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere. GCU offers the most experienced leadership in delivering online degree programs. Full-time faculty members and fully trained adjunct instructors, equipped with strong academic backgrounds and practical experience in their fields, support you every step of the way. Designed with the career-oriented professional in mind, our online classes provide an intimate environment that stimulates engaging and challenging discussions. Choose from programs across our distinct colleges, in high-demand employment areas. Classes begin frequently.
* Please note that this list may contain programs that are not presently offered as program availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability of the program.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.