Mathematics/Secondary Education Major, B.S.

General Information:

Bachelor of Science

The major in mathematics will provide graduates with the academic background necessary to enjoy a successful career in mathematics or a related field requiring organizational, analytical, and problem solving abilities.  Just as College of the Ozarks strives to produce citizens of Christ-like character who are well-educated, hard-working, and patriotic, so all mathematics graduates should share the following traits, which flow from the goals of the College:

• the ability to do mathematics, using modern technology when appropriate (Academic);
• a background in mathematics sufficient for graduate work, teaching in the secondary schools, or employment in industry (Vocational);
• a strong work ethic, persistence, and moral behavior consistent with a Christian worldview (Christian);
• the ability to recognize as well as construct logical arguments to facilitate informed and thoughtful citizenship (Patriotic);
• an appreciation for the beauty, elegance, and utility of mathematics as a model of God’s creation (Cultural).

All prerequisite courses require a grade of C- or better.

Mathematics/Secondary Education (9-12) Major Requirements: 87 credit hours

General Education Courses Specified by Major:

• CSC 113 - Fundamentals of Computer Systems
• PSY 273 - Educational Psychology

Required Content Courses: 36 credit hours

• CSC 133 - Programming Fundamentals I
• MAT 175 - Calculus I
• MAT 205 - Calculus II
• MAT 305 - Calculus III
• MAT 323 - Geometry
• MAT 333 - Linear Algebra
• MAT 343 - Probability and Statistics
• MAT 403 - Introduction to Real Analysis
• MAT 433 - Introduction to Abstract Algebra

Required Professional Courses: 43 credit hours

• EDU 200 - Introduction to Clinical Practice
• EDU 201 - Classroom Observation
• EDU 203 - Psychological Development of the Child and Adolescent
• EDU 211 - Classroom Participation
• EDU 213 - The Call to Teach, An Introduction to Teaching
• EDU 303 - Education of the Exceptional Learner
• EDU 333 - Analysis in Curriculum & Methods of Teaching
• EDU 353 - Instructional Interventions
• EDU 393 - Methods of Teaching Literacy in the Secondary School
• EDU 423 - Educational Assessment & Data Based Decision Making
• EDU 453 - Trauma Sensitive Classroom Management
• EDU 4202 - Implementation of Secondary School Best Practices
• EDU 4243 - Best Practices in Teaching Mathematics
• EDU 441 - Classroom Leadership
• EDU 45V - Student Teaching (11 credit hours)

Required Collateral Courses: 8 credit hours

• MAT 135 - Discrete Mathematics and Trigonometry
• MAT 453 - Great Ideas in Mathematics

NOTE:

All Elementary and Secondary Majors should apply for admission to the Teacher Education program by the end of their fourth semester. Standards for admission include: 1) Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75; 2) Minimum of 18 ACT Composite score or SAT equivalent OR state passing score on the ETS Parapro Exam; 3) 30 semester hours course work completed and at least one (1) consecutive semester at College of the Ozarks.

Students must apply for permission to enroll in student teaching the semester preceding the student teaching semester. Standards for authorization to enroll include: 1) Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75; 2) Minimum 3.0 in content field courses AND professional education courses; 3) Successful completion of teaching certification course requirements in one or more teaching fields; 4) Minimum grade of C- in all professional education and content field courses required; 5) Successful completion of the content specific Praxis exam is required before student teaching.

NOTE: College of the Ozarks Teacher Education Program and Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Certification Standards that are in effect at the time of program completion must be met in order for teaching certification to be recommended.

College of the Ozarks students who completed the professional educational programs for teacher certification had a 100% pass rate on the prescribed state licensure tests for 2023-2024.