Mathematics B.A. - Mathematics Education
Individuals interested in teaching in K-12 schools must complete a degree in the content area they want to teach plus the Teacher Education Program through the Department of Teaching and Learning. Individuals must complete the teaching track within that degree program, which may contain different course requirements than the non-teaching track since the sequence of courses is designed to meet state standards. Upon completion of the degree program with the teaching track and the secondary licensure program, one will be eligible for a standard Montana teaching license in this content area.
General Degree Requirements
To earn a baccalaureate degree, all students must complete successfully, in addition to any other requirements, the University of Montana General Education Requirements. Please refer to the General Education Requirements page for more information.
Additional requirements for graduation can be found on the Degree/Certificate Requirements for Graduation page.
Unless otherwise noted in individual program requirements, a minimum grade point average of 2.00 in all work attempted at the University of Montana-Missoula is required for graduation. Please see the Academic Policies and Procedures page for information on how your GPA is calculated.
Courses taken to satisfy the requirements of a major, minor, or certificate program must be completed with a grade of C- or better unless a higher grade is noted in the program requirements.
Bachelor of Arts - Mathematics; Mathematics Education Concentration
- The number of degree specific credits required is significantly higher if one also counts the additional course work required by the Teacher Education Program.
- Note that the Teacher Education Program requires in addition an overall cumulative GPA of at least 2.75
- Residency Requirement: At least four of the upper-division mathematics courses must be taken at UM-Missoula.
Course Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| Complete all of the following courses: | ||
| M 171 | Calculus I | 4 |
| or M 181 | ||
| M 172 | Calculus II | 4 |
| or M 182 | ||
| M 221 | Introduction to Linear Algebra | 4 |
| M 301 | Teaching Mathematics with Technology | 3 |
| M 307 | Introduction to Abstract Mathematics | 3 |
| M 326 | Number Theory | 3 |
| M 429 | History of Mathematics 1 | 3 |
| M 431 | Abstract Algebra I | 4 |
| M 439 | Euclidean and NonEuclidean Geometry | 3 |
| STAT 342 | Probability and Simulation 2 | 3 |
| or STAT 451 | Statistical Methods I | |
| Elective | ||
| Complete one of the following courses: | 3-4 | |
| Multivariable Calculus | ||
| Introduction to Differential Equations | ||
M 325 | ||
| Discrete Optimization | ||
| Linear Optimization | ||
| Advanced Calculus | ||
| Partial Differential Equations | ||
| Deterministic Models | ||
| Abstract Algebra II | ||
| Numerical Analysis | ||
M 445 | ||
| Data Science Analytics | ||
| Theoretical Basics of Big Data Analytics and Real Time Computation Algorithms | ||
| Introduction to Complex Analysis | ||
| Introduction to Real Analysis | ||
| Graph Theory | ||
| Probability Theory | ||
| Mathematical Statistics | ||
| Statistical Methods I 2 | ||
| Statistical Methods II | ||
| Mathematics Teaching Methods Course | ||
| Complete the following course: | ||
| EDU 497 | Teaching and Assessing (Methods: 5 - 12 Mathematics) | 4 |
| Student Teaching Requirement for the Mathematics Education Concentration | ||
| Complete the following course: | ||
| EDU 495 | Student Teaching | 14 |
| Science Requirement for the Mathematics Education Concentration 3 | ||
| Complete 12 credits in at most two areas selected from astronomy (ASTR), biology (BIO*), chemistry (CHMY), computer science (CSCI, except CSCI TR*), economics (ECNS), forestry (FORS, WILD), geosciences (GEO), management information systems (BMIS), and physics (PHSX). | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 67-68 | |
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M 429 satisfies the Advanced Writing Requirement for this major.
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STAT 451 may not count as both a Core and Elective course.
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Students completing a minor in another subject or a second major are exempt from this requirement. Transfer courses listed on the transcript as “CSCI TR*” may include course work in other areas such as Computer Applications (CAPP) and therefore do not count towards this requirement unless a student successfully petitions the Department of Mathematical Sciences.
Secondary Teaching Licensure
For endorsement to teach this subject, a student also must gain admission to the Teacher Education Program and meet all the requirements for secondary teaching licensure. For more information, see the Teaching and Learning Department webpage.
Four Year Plan
| Freshman | ||
|---|---|---|
| Autumn | Hours | |
| M 171 | Calculus I | 4 |
| COMX 111A or WRIT 101 |
Introduction to Public Speaking (WRIT 101 required, COMX 111A recommended) 1 or College Writing I |
3-4 |
| NASX 105H | Introduction to Native American Studies | 3 |
| HUSC 194 | Seminar/Workshop | 1 |
| Science Elective 2 | 3 | |
| Elective | 1 | |
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Spring | ||
| M 172 | Calculus II | 4 |
| WRIT 101 or COMX 111A |
College Writing I (WRIT 101 required, COMX 111A recommended) 1 or Introduction to Public Speaking |
3-4 |
| EDU 222 | Educational Psychology and Child Development | 3 |
| Science Elective 2 | 3 | |
| Elective | 2 | |
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Autumn | ||
| M 221 | Introduction to Linear Algebra | 4 |
| M 301 | Teaching Mathematics with Technology (or Math Elective) 2 | 3 |
| Science Elective 2 | 3 | |
| LIT 110L | Introduction to Literature 1 | 3 |
| Elective | 1 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| M 307 | Introduction to Abstract Mathematics | 3 |
| Science Elective 2 | 3 | |
| HSTA 102H | American History II 1 | 4 |
| Elective | 6 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Junior | ||
| Autumn | ||
| M 301 | Teaching Mathematics with Technology (or Math Elective) 2 | 3 |
| STAT 342 or STAT 451 |
Probability and Simulation or Statistical Methods I |
3 |
| EDU 382 | Assessment, Curriculum, & Instruction | 3 |
| EDU 346 | Addressing the Needs of Diverse Learners | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| M 326 | Number Theory | 3 |
| M 429 | History of Mathematics | 3 |
| EDU 481 | Content Area Literacy | 3 |
| EDU 444 | Classroom Management in Secondary Schools | 3 |
| EDU 395 | Clinical Experience | 1 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Senior | ||
| Autumn | ||
| M 431 | Abstract Algebra I | 4 |
| M 439 | Euclidean and NonEuclidean Geometry | 3 |
| EDU 407E | Ethics & Policy Issues | 3 |
| EDU 395 | Clinical Experience (K-12 II) | 1 |
| EDU 497 | Teaching and Assessing (Methods: 5 - 12 Mathematics) | 3 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| EDU 494 | Seminar | 1 |
| EDU 495 | Student Teaching | 14 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 120-122 | |
Last updated Autumn 2025
It is recommended that you apply to the Teacher Education Program at the start of Year 2 (since admission to the TEP is required before you can take EDU courses). Discuss this with your Math Faculty Mentor in the Spring of Year 1
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Recommended but not required. To ensure that you meet all relevant requirements, replace them only after consultation with your math advisor.
- 2
Details regarding the Math and Science Electives are in the Catalog and on Degree Works. Choose these courses in consultation with your math advisor.