COURSE CURRICULUM

The Middle School Education Mathematics program requires students to complete a well-structured combination of professional education and mathematics content courses to prepare for teaching grades 5 through 9. A total of 49 credit hours in professional education courses is required, with a minimum grade of C in all courses, except for Introduction to Education as a Profession, which requires at least a B. These courses provide a strong foundation in educational theory, adolescent development, and teaching practices, including techniques specifically for teaching mathematics. Students also study the psychology of exceptional learners and methods for addressing diverse classroom needs. The program includes multiple field experiences and a comprehensive student teaching component, allowing students to gain hands-on classroom experience and apply their knowledge in real teaching environments. Additional coursework focuses on pedagogy, instructional strategies, and content literacy methods for middle and high school students, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for modern classrooms.In addition to professional education courses, students must complete between 29 and 31 credit hours in mathematics content courses, with a minimum grade of C required in each.These courses focus on building a strong understanding of mathematical concepts and how they develop, including numbers and operations, geometry, measurement, and the nature of mathematical thinking. Students also study probability and statistics by choosing an appropriate course, and they select additional courses such as calculus, foundations of mathematics, or precalculus sequences to deepen their knowledge. This combination of theoretical understanding and practical teaching experience ensures that graduates are equipped to teach mathematics effectively, foster problem-solving skills, and support student learning in middle school classrooms.