Mathematics (B.S.) - Teaching Specialization

Program Contact/Coordinator

Kurt Cogswell, Department Head
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Chicoine Architecture, Mathematics and Engineering Hall 209
605-688-6196

Program Information

Secondary school mathematics educators need to be mathematicians as well as skilled educators, so the Mathematics Education Specialists take the same challenging core upper level mathematics courses as those math majors pursuing other professional goals. In addition to this rigorous mathematics curriculum, Mathematics Education Specialists take the full block of education courses. This program allows graduates to find meaningful careers in secondary education, as well as preparing students for graduate study.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Mathematics major with teaching specialization, students will be able to:

• Apply concepts and methods from Calculus and Linear Algebra.
• Analyze, evaluate, and create mathematically rigorous arguments.
• Use contemporary mathematical, statistical, and educational software and technology to create models, analyze data, or explain concepts as appropriate for student’s focus.
• Work as part of a team to solve a complex mathematical or statistical problem.
• Demonstrate mathematical independence by critically reading, understanding and re-explaining mathematical, statistical, or mathematics pedagogy resources.
• Communicate complex mathematical, statistical, or mathematics pedagogical ideas clearly and succinctly both in writing and verbally as appropriate for student’s focus.
• Exhibit strength in at least one career-focused or graduate school preparatory area of mathematics or statistics.
• Understand and appreciate the contributions to the field of mathematics and statistics by a diverse group of individuals and how the student fits and works in this group.

Academic Requirements

• A grade of “C” or above is required in all Math courses.
• A grade of “C” or better is required in CMST 101 , ENGL 101 , PSYC 101 , and MATH 103  or higher (if these courses are in your plan of study), and all courses for the major (classes with department/program prefix).
• An overall GPA of 2.5 is required to enroll in any education courses.

Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure

Accreditation

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
South Dakota Department of Education

Certification and Licensure

• Completion of an approved bachelor’s Secondary preparation program.
• Completion of an approved Indian Studies course.
• Pass the state designated content knowledge test or 2.7 GPA in content major coursework.
• Pass the state designated pedagogy test.
• Completion of a Suicide Awareness and Prevention training, available free online through the South Dakota Department of Education.
• Apply online with the South Dakota Department of Education.
• Written recommendation from institution of higher education (SDSU) verifying program completion.

Course Delivery Format

Program courses are delivered on campus, in classroom and laboratory settings, and online.