COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts in Education (BAED) in Mathematics/Science (Middle Level Education) at Wichita State University requires a minimum of 132 credit hours and prepares students to become certified middle school teachers for grades 5–8 with dual specialization in mathematics and science. Students must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.50 and a 2.50 GPA in major content coursework while completing the requirements of the WSU General Education Program and the College of Education. The program integrates strong academic preparation in both mathematics and science with structured teacher education training designed to develop effective instructional practices for middle school learners. General education requirements include foundational coursework along with Introduction to Diversity: Human Growth and Development and College Algebra, which help build communication skills and an understanding of adolescent learning. The mathematics component includes Statistics, Geometry for College Students, College Trigonometry, Business Calculus, Evolution of Mathematics, Elementary Mathematics, and Mathematics for Middle School Teachers, providing both theoretical knowledge and pedagogical training in mathematics instruction. The science component includes Introductory Physics, Solar System Astronomy, Introductory General Chemistry, Earth Science and the Environment with lab, General Biology I and II, and Science Technology and Society, giving students a broad foundation across physical and life sciences. The teacher education sequence is structured into four progressive cores. Core I focuses on diversity, classroom foundations, and early field experiences. Core II includes instructional methods in science or mathematics, educational assessment, philosophy of education, and practicum experiences. Core III provides teaching internships in both mathematics and science along with literacy strategies and advanced instructional methods. Core IV culminates in full teaching internships in both subject areas, offering extensive supervised classroom experience in real school environments. Students must complete all education courses with a minimum grade of B-. Licensure requirements include the Praxis II Science and Mathematics Content Knowledge Test and the Teacher Licensure Capstone. Through the support of the College of Education and Wichita State University, graduates gain strong interdisciplinary subject expertise, pedagogical skills, and extensive classroom experience needed for successful careers as middle school STEM educators.