Mathematics, Secondary Education

Are you passionate about the study of mathematics and want to motivate young people to be well prepared for a wide array of rewarding careers? Have you ever found that helping others to solve a problem or understand a mathematics concept or develop a mathematics skill is rewarding?

The bachelor of science in mathematics education prepares students to teach high-school mathematics, but graduates of the program are also qualified to teach middle-grades mathematics. Since high-school mathematics teaching positions have been the hardest to fill in North Carolina for the past several years, graduates of the program are in high demand. In addition, graduates perform an incredibly valuable service to students, in particular, and society, in general, by preparing them mathematically, opening opportunities for some of the best jobs available today.

Mathematics education majors get multiple opportunities to work with master mathematics teachers in the high school setting and profit from ECU's Clinical Schools Network. A large group of talented faculty members teach courses in laboratory settings with cutting-edge technology and provide both instructional and mentoring support for students. Classes in the major are small (both in mathematics and mathematics education), with students receiving considerable individual attention.

Many students complete a double major, adding mathematics to mathematics education, but students take advantage of other double major options as well as a wide variety of minor choices. Some students study abroad and others use their elective hours by selecting a range of interesting courses.

ECU Advantage

ECU's mathematics teacher preparation program is distinguished from most by its addition of pedagogical content courses that are coupled with the traditional mathematics and mathematics methods preparation. These applied mathematics courses treat high school mathematics curriculum in an advanced and connected manner, focusing on alternate solution strategies, multiple representations, and student misconceptions in the domain.

The mathematics education program has received several awards, as has its faculty, students, and alumni. While in the program, students are encouraged and supported to join local, state, and national mathematics teaching organizations and to attend professional development, including conferences. Through the direction of the local student-lead mathematics education organization and through the program courses, students engage in a number of mathematics activities outside the classroom.