Every graduate student in the Department of Applied Mathematics takes a yearlong sequence of courses in some area of application of mathematics.  One option is to take this sequence in the School of Education, and ultimately, to both obtain a master’s degree in Applied Mathematics and pursue a license to teach mathematics in a secondary school (i.e., middle through high school).  This option is not simple, and pursuing it will delay graduation from the department.

Nevertheless, for graduate students in Applied Mathematics who also seek a teaching license, here are some guidelines.

The Teacher Education Program (TEP) in the School of Education for Secondary Mathematics Teacher Licensure consists of seven courses: (EDUC 3013, EDUC 4023, EDUC 4050, EDUC 4060, EDUC 4232, EDUC 5317, and EDUC 5375), plus one semester of student teaching (which includes EDUC 4513 and EDUC 4712, and is a full-time, full-semester, in-school commitment), and a passing score on the PRAXIS II or PLACE licensure exam in mathematics.  Students not yet admitted to TEP are eligible to enroll in EDUC 3013 and EDUC 4050 but must be admitted to take any of the other courses listed above.

Before being admitted to TEP, a student must have met requirements that include a minimum of 56 hours of college work, grade point average minimums (2.75 in several areas, including mathematics courses), 25 hours of youth experience, and a passing score on the PRAXIS II or PLACE licensure exam in mathematics.  Prior to student teaching, the student must have completed all but the student teaching semester courses, a series of mathematics requirements, and the PRAXIS II or PLACE Basic Skill Assessment.  How much preliminary work will be required depends on details of the student's college background.  Interested students should consult with an advisor in the School of Education to learn precise details.

A student interested in pursuing this dual-objective program should plan to complete all of the necessary courses within Applied Mathematics in the first two years.  Some of the courses required by the School of Education also may be taken during this time.

With very careful planning from the beginning of the Applied Mathematics program, it is possible to complete this dual program within three to three and one-half years.  A student following this plan will not necessarily receive financial assistance (a teaching assistantship) from Applied Mathematics after the second year.

Interested students should consult with an advisor in the School of Education for more information.

The Applied Mathematics requirement of a yearlong sequence outside the department may be satisfied by taking EDUC 5317 and EDUC 5375.  The other requirements for a Master of Science in Applied Mathematics are found in previous sections of this supplement.