Mathematics / Secondary Teacher Licensure Program

Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in Mathematics

(120 credits hours) Requirements are subject to change.

Students selecting this major seek licensure as a teacher of mathematics at the 5–8 and/or 8–12 grade levels. The mathematics major at Springfield College offers students a broad and solid background in the field, preparing them to immediately pursue a professional career in government, business, and various industries that require mathematical discipline. Students also have the option to proceed to graduate school for further study in mathematics, statistics, or applied mathematics.

Offerings in mathematical analysis, linear algebra, discrete mathematics, and probability theory are supplemented by courses in abstract algebra, geometry, and mathematics seminar. Mathematics majors have the opportunity to complete a minor, including computer science, computer programming, business management, and economics. All students are assigned an academic advisor who assists them in the development of their course of study.

Students who are interested in teaching at the elementary level should consider the mathematics and computer technology / elementary teacher licensure program.

For more information about the mathematics major, contact Dr. Peter Polito, chairperson of the Mathematics/Physics/Computer Science Department, at (413) 748-3313 or the Admissions Office at (800) 343-1257.

Download a Mathematics /Secondary Teacher Licensure Program Checksheet

CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS

I. General Education Program (40 - 46 credits)

The General Education program at Springfield College is informed by its century-old Humanics tradition of educating the whole person in spirit, mind, and body, for leadership in service to humanity. These requirements have the goal of developing literate, thoughtful, socially responsible students, and instilling in them a spirit of inquiry into the nature of humankind and the universe. Towards those ends, the requirements emphasize and encourage: the acquisition of knowledge, understanding, and competency essential for the improvement of the human condition in a diverse society; a search for personal and spiritual values; and the development of an understanding and appreciation of physical well-being. For specific requirements, see the General Education Program section or the Program Checksheet for this major.

II. Major Requirements

A. Core Requirements

CISC 105 - Introduction to Computer Concepts Credits: 3
CISC 165 - Programming in BASIC Credits: 3
or
CISC 175 - Introduction to Computer Science with C++ and Java Credits: 3
MATH 140 - Calculus I Credits: 3
(Note: Students who have a deficiency in their mathematics preparation may be required to take MATH 115 - College Algebra, and/or MATH 125 - Precalculus, before taking MATH 140 - Calculus I.)
MATH 142 - Calculus II Credits: 3
MATH 205 - Geometry Credits: 3
MATH 215 - Probability and Statistics Credits: 3
MATH 220 - Calculus III Credits: 3
MATH 235 - Discrete Mathematics I Credits: 3
MATH 305 - Elementary Differential Equations Credits: 3
MATH 310 - Linear Algebra Credits: 3
MATH 335 - Discrete Mathematics II Credits: 3
MATH 382 - Mathematics Seminar Credits: 3
MATH 405 - Mathematical Analysis Credits: 3
MATH 415 - Abstract Algebra Credits: 3

III. Electives (to complete a minimum of 120 credits)

Specialization: Secondary Teacher Licensure

Required courses:

EDUC 100 - Introduction to Education Credits: 2
EDUC 234 - Curriculum, Methods, and Organization for Secondary Teachers Credits: 3
EDUC 237 - Foundations of Multicultural Education Credits: 3
EDUC 318 - Tutorial Pre-Practicum Credits: 3
EDUC 364 - Pre-Practicum-Teaching and Special Issues in Secondary Education Credits: 3
EDUC 463 - Practicum Seminar Credits: 2
EDUC 471 - Learning, Teaching, and Technology Credits: 3
PSYC 250 - Childhood and Adolescent Development Credits: 3

In addition, select a total of 10 credits from the following:

EDUC 464 - Middle School Practicum Credits: 5-10
EDUC 465 - High School Practicum Credits: 5-10

Program Requirements

In order to continue in the mathematics major, students must qualify for advanced standing during the spring semester of their sophomore year, prior to registration for junior-level classes. (Students seeking secondary teacher licensure must also meet certain standards to be accepted into the teacher preparation program. More information about those requirements can be found on page 118). In order to qualify for advanced standing as a mathematics major, students must:

Achieve at least a 2.500 cumulative GPA.
Achieve at least a 2.500 GPA in their program requirements.
Complete all program requirements with a grade of C- or better. Courses in which unsatisfactory grades were received mustbe repeated.
Be making satisfactory progress toward the completion of their program of study, as determined by the academic advisor and the department.
Have completed or be in the process of completing any program requirements in which an incomplete was received.

(Incomplete grades in program requirements must be completed by the end of the semester following the receipt of the incomplete, unless an extended deadline has been negotiated.)

Students who do not meet these minimum standards are placed on departmental probationary status for a period of not more than one year. A student will be removed from departmental probationary status if and only if the minimum standards for advanced standing have been met. A student who is unable to meet the minimum standards during the probationary period will be subject to being dropped from the major. Once achieved, advanced standing must be maintained in order to continue in the major and complete the program.

Academic Catalog