Mathematics 7-12, B.S., Secondary Education Concentration

Go to information for Mathematics, Engineering & Computer Science/Cybersecurity .

Department Contact:

Chair (Mathematics): Dr. Rachel Wagner, rwagner@francis.edu, 814-471-1215

Coordinator (Mathematics): Dr. Brendon LaBuz, blabuz@francis.edu
Chair (Education): Dr. Stephanie Ivory, sivory@francis.edu, 814-472-2844

Program Description:

The program in mathematics embodies both views of mathematics: one, as the study of abstract structures and hence independent of the physical world; the other, as the cornerstone of all scientific inquiry. This program leads to a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a concentration in Applied Mathematics.

Applied mathematics is a broad field that has grown to include a wide variety of subjects - statistics, biomathematics, cryptography, scientific computation, mathematical modeling, economics, financial mathematics, operations research and engineering. It provides a foundation in the mathematical techniques used in these subjects and trains the student to use these skills in real world problems.

Applied mathematicians and computational scientists work for federal and state governments, the military, financial services, scientific research and development services, and consulting services specializing in management, science, and technology. Software publishers, insurance companies, aerospace, pharmaceutical, and other manufacturing companies also employ applied mathematicians and computational scientists. Many also work in academia, teaching the next generation and developing innovations through their own research.

 

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Have the ability to make vague ideas precise by representing them in mathematical notation, when appropriate;
• Have an ability to apply techniques for solving problems expressed in mathematical notation;
• Have the ability to model physical and other phenomena with some to all of the following methods: approximation and optimization techniques, linear programming, numerical/computational methods;
• Have an ability to problem-solve and exercise modeling skills.

Estimated Completion Time:

Typically 4 years of full-time study

Progression and/or Retention Criteria:

A student must complete an application for admission and be accepted into the Professional Teacher Preparation Program prior to registering for 300/400 level Education courses.

To be accepted into the Professional Teacher Preparation Program, the candidate must have:

1. completed no less than 48 credits as required by the PDE
2. achieved at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA                                                  
3. achieved no grade lower than C in major and collateral courses
4. demonstrated proficiency in Basic Skills: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics (SAT exemption, ACT exemption, PAPA, and/or CORE, EDUC 421)
5. completed at least 6 semester hour credits in college level English
6. completed at least 6 semester hour credits in college level mathematics
7. completed EDUC 150  
8. met with advisor in the Education Department
9. composed a brief essay (“Why I Want to Pursue Teaching as a Career”)
10. obtained a letter of endorsement from a faculty member outside the education department.

Teacher candidates seeking certification through the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS) must meet the requirements set by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).

Capstone Requirement:

Students are required to pass the ETS Mathematics major field exam and complete a senior research project. The requirements can be met by successfully completing MATH 492 Mathematics Seminar   (1 credit).

Students are required to take EDUC 407 Education Seminar: Teacher as Reflective Practitioner  , which ties to the requirement of Student Teaching (EDUC 450 Student Teaching ).

 

Total Credits Required:

128 credits minimum

See requirements for Education .