Mathematics Education Major
**Available to students entering on or after fall 2022.**
The mathematics education major at Virginia Tech unites faculty and students from the Mathematics Department and School of Education. Students develop an understanding of how individuals learn mathematics, which informs curriculum design, teaching practice, and assessment instruments.
Secondary Mathematics is one of the top ten critical shortage areas in Virginia (2020-2021)
Most graduates are hired with their first choice school division and teaching level before the conclusion of the program.
Graduates teach middle and high school in Virginia and other states across the U.S.
Total Credit Hours: 120
Major Courses (72 hours)
Elective Courses (1 hours)
General Education (47 hours)
Is it possible to double major?
Yes, our current students often double major in education and math successfully. Academic advisors are available to help you plan your course of study.
What You'll Study
- 120 credit hours for a Bachelor of Science in Education in Secondary Education, including Virginia Tech’s Pathways
- 40 credit hours of education courses, which includes field work and practicum courses, Educational Psychology for PK-12 Teachers, Educating Exceptional Learners, and Middle and High School Mathematics Teaching methods
- 62 credit hours of mathematics, statistics, and computer science courses, including calculus, proofs, history of mathematics, geometry, statistical methods, and programming languages
- All required coursework and practical experience prepares students for licensure in Secondary Mathematics Education (Grades 6 through 12) in the Commonwealth of Virginia
Curious how the degree requirements will fit into your experience at Virginia Tech? See the roadmaps below for a sample schedule of courses each year. Your academic advisor will help you create a personalized version based on your goals and other areas of interest. The individualized plan will also include your AP, IB, dual enrollment, or transfer credit.
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What is a Major in Mathematics Education?
The Mathematics Education program at Virginia Tech prepares for initial licensure in Virginia and prepares middle and secondary mathematics teachers to be successful in the context of education reforms. Our mathematics education faculty focus on preparing highly-qualified teachers while engaging in innovative research on teaching and learning. Multiple field experiences provide in-school work with students at the middle and high school levels.
Why Study Mathematics Education Here?
The major builds upon traditional approaches to teaching mathematics to incorporate newly emerging practices and research in discipline literacy, multimodal technologies, and teaching and learning in 21st century schools. Inclusive and culturally sustaining pedagogy are important aspects of our approach to teacher preparation. Faculty model practices in their courses that we expect our graduates to practice in their own classrooms. We embrace these values in educator preparation: equity and access, reflective practice, and learner-centeredness.
Beyond the Classroom
Get Experience
Our program offers multiple in-classroom opportunities that prepare candidates for employment immediately after graduation. Students complete student teaching in local classrooms, additional optional field study, and volunteer in the community.
Collaborate
Our faculty work with you to advise you on pedagogy, research, and the breadth of opportunities that a career in education opens for you. You can design your own research project, working closely with a faculty advisor to plan a course of action, or you can participate in a collaborative project where you help a faculty member with their research.
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What Our Students Are Saying
“Through rigorous coursework and compelling lectures, Virginia Tech's School of Education sets forth to educate the next generation of teachers. The high expectations held for the teacher cohort push them to become the best versions of their professional selves.”
- Sophie Frey
“Field experience is crucial to young teachers. It provides you the opportunity to practice your craft while receiving feedback from Virginia Tech professors and your cooperating teacher.”
- Sam Inge
Careers and Further Study
What do I do with a Mathematics Education major?
Our students will be prepared for licensure in Virginia, which offers licensure reciprocity with states across the U.S. Our teacher candidates have practical experiences that help them land a job after graduation. They also develop expertise that is relevant for their professional and personal future growth. Some graduates choose to teach for several years, and then go on to graduate school to expand their career opportunities.
Here are some common jobs our graduates take after graduation:
- High School Mathematics Teacher
- Middle School Mathematics Teacher
- Education Consultant
- Private Tutor
- Online Educator
- Academic Advisor
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