If you want to share your passion for education and mathematics with middle and high school students, our teaching major in mathematics is an excellent pathway. Students choose from two concentrations—Middle School (grades 5-9) and Secondary School (grades 5-12)—and have the opportunity to take a range of content and pedagogy courses. Notably, prospective teachers in our program benefit from numerous mathematics education courses designed especially for future mathematics teachers. In particular, students in our Middle School concentration take 11 math education courses, and students in our Secondary School concentration take six math education courses. In these courses, prospective teachers experience in-depth explorations of middle and high school math content, investigations of students’ mathematical thinking and instructional implications, and other issues related to the professional practice of mathematics teaching.
Additionally, our majors have significant opportunities to work in middle and high school classrooms, gaining real-world experience designing lessons, expanding their teaching skills, facilitating mathematical interactions with middle and high school students, and learning side-by-side with and from middle and secondary educators. Mathematics Teaching majors also enjoy a vibrant learning community, where students regularly engage with faculty, peers, and practicing teachers, and participate in student organizations, including the Ball State Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
What It’s Like to Major in Mathematics Teaching at Ball State
The mathematics teacher education program includes numerous and extensive field experiences that take place across multiple semesters. Prior to student teaching, you will have 1-on-1, small group, and whole-class instruction experiences. These opportunities provide the chance to apply the mathematical skills and educational principles you’re learning in authentic environments with actual students.
In the mathematical sciences department, our class sizes are small, giving you the opportunity to get to know your peers and receive the kind of valuable, one-on-one feedback you need from your instructors.
When you graduate from the program, you’ll be equipped with everything you need to teach mathematics at the middle school and/or secondary school level in Indiana, depending on the concentration you choose.
As a student in our secondary education program, you’ll benefit from experiences and expertise of your home department, taking courses in content and content pedagogy—the methods and practices for teaching specific content—and learning from experts in the field of your chosen teaching major. In Teachers College, you’ll explore other important aspects of teaching and interact with teaching majors in other disciplines. Learn more about the Teachers College.
Major Requirements
The mathematics teaching major satisfies state licensure requirements for students preparing to teach mathematics in middle school and high school. You'll choose one of two concentrations (Middle School or Secondary School) to complete along with your teacher education and University Core Curriculum courses.
Decision Points
You will need to meet set criteria at three major decision points in order to complete your teaching degree. Learn more.
For a complete list of all courses and their descriptions, please see our Course Catalog.
View Catalog
Paying for Your Education
In addition to the dozens of scholarship options and financial aid offered through Ball State’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, the Department of Mathematical Sciences awards scholarships to our own students. Find a scholarship.
Apply to Ball State
Admission to Ball State is selective, and we carefully evaluate all applications on an individual basis. Applying is easy. Use our convenient, comprehensive, and secure online application.
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Take the Next Step
Are you interested in pursuing this major? The first step is to apply as an undergraduate student to Ball State University. One of the best ways to understand why Ball State stands out is to come see it for yourself. You can schedule a visit through our Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Make sure to tell them you’re interested in our program. Or if you’d like to speak with someone in our department directly by phone or email, please contact us.