If you want to share your passion for mathematics and teach this critical subject to middle school and high school students, our major in mathematics teaching is an excellent pathway to this career. You’ll take advanced mathematics and teaching courses to prepare for a teaching career and acquire the skills and credentials to qualify as a licensed middle school or secondary school (includes middle school) teacher in the state of Indiana.
What You Will Learn
In this program, you’ll choose a concentration in either middle school (grades 5-9) or secondary school (grades 5-12) mathematics education. Whichever option you choose, you’ll focus on how students learn mathematics and how teachers help foster students’ understanding in the classroom.
You will study courses such as:
- Calculus
- Linear Algebra
- Probability and Statistics
- Foundations of Education
- Methods of Teaching Mathematics
What It’s Like to Major in Mathematics Teaching at Ball State
The mathematics teacher education program includes several field experiences that take place across multiple semesters. Prior to student teaching, you will be tutoring or leading small group instruction. You’ll get the chance to apply the mathematical skills and educational principles you’re learning in a real-world environment with actual students.
Through your student teaching internship, you’ll gain immersive, hands-on teaching experience in the classroom. Also, all teaching majors will have at least one placement with students from diverse populations.
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 junior high/middle school and high school. You'll choose one of two concentrations to complete along with our University Core Curriculum.
Decision Points
You will need to meet set criteria at three major decision points in order to complete your teaching degree. Learn more.
Middle School — If you’re ready to work with students during a time when they need their critical thinking skills sharpened, our middle school option is for you. Teaching math at the middle school level is especially important, given the importance that good math skills have in the future educational and career options of these young learners.
Secondary School — Our secondary education concentration gives you the skills to teach mathematics at the middle school and high school levels. You will take a variety of mathematics and mathematics education courses, as well as general education courses in the Teachers College. With this option you gain additional experience by observing and teaching in middle school and high school classrooms.
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.
Apply Now
Questions?
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.