Mathematics - Mathematics Education

Overview

The Mathematics - Mathematics Education major at Colorado State University  provides the subject matter, education classes, and classroom experience required for secondary education licensure in Colorado.

The undergraduate program is structured to provide a broad liberal arts education in mathematics, a strong set of core courses, and flexibility to choose from a broad range of courses. 

The liberal arts component requires students to acquire a broad background in communication skills, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. 

The major core focuses on developing students’ understanding and appreciation of the mathematical sciences, problem solving skills, and their ability to combine knowledge and skills in productive ways. Core mathematics subjects include calculus and advanced calculus, linear algebra, methods of proof, abstract algebra, computer programming, and statistics.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will:

• Obtain a solid background in theoretical mathematics and will be able to participate in mathematical work in a variety of fields or continue on to graduate school.

• Be able to apply a range of mathematical and statistical tools to a diverse set of problems as presented to them in either employment or the pursuit of further education.

• Be capable of describing their mathematical assumptions and results to colleagues.

Potential Occupations

The Mathematics major prepares students for a wide variety of occupations in business, industry, government, and education.  Actuarial science graduates who have passed the first two professional actuary exams can expect to find positions  with excellent entry-level salaries. Applied mathematics graduates continue to find employment opportunities in government and private industry. 

Many pursue advanced degrees in mathematics, computational science, or engineering. About one-third of general mathematics graduates continue on to graduate school in mathematics or other disciplines, with the rest finding employment in a large variety of capacities. 

Education students spend a semester teaching a classroom and have excellent job placement.  Participation in internships, volunteer activities, or cooperative education opportunities is highly recommended to enhance practical training and development. Graduates who continue to pursue advanced degrees can attain more responsible positions with the possibility of rising to top professional levels.