traditional undergraduate on campus

Mathematics Education

The Bachelor of Science in mathematics education prepares students with a love of mathematics for a teaching career in grades six through twelve. Students are encouraged to participate in the national and international math community; students also have opportunities to apply for internships, conferences and research projects around the world.

Trevecca’s Bachelor of Science in mathematics education prepares you to be an effective and engaging educator in grades six through twelve. This interdisciplinary program gives you a broad understanding of mathematics, accredited education training and valuable hands-on research experience. 

Program Benefits

  • Learn from faculty who possess high degrees in their fields, who have relevant and valuable real-world experience and who make an effort to know you personally.
  • Enjoy our small class sizes and supportive campus community.
  • Participate in our robust undergraduate research programs.
  • Take advantage of incredible internships and job opportunities in the diverse and exciting Nashville market.

What to Expect

If you love mathematics and want to teach and inspire students in sixth through twelfth grade, a degree in mathematics education is perfect for you. This program combines the best of our mathematics department and our NCATE-accredited School of Education, giving you a strong and well-balanced foundation for success. Graduates of this program have a 100% pass rate on the Math Praxis test, Tennessee’s teaching licensure exam. 

This program not only expands your knowledge of the field, it provides opportunities to gain undergraduate research experience. You’ll be able to take advantage of our small class sizes and strong mentoring relationships with your professors who will challenge you to apply what you’ve learned in hands-on research. 

You’ll also be encouraged to participate in the math community beyond Trevecca’s campus. Many students participate in math competitions at the national and international levels and have received awards for their undergraduate research. Our majors also apply for internships, conferences, and research projects around the world. Many of them attend the NSF Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) and the Joint Mathematics Meeting, the world’s largest annual mathematics conference.

Why Choose Trevecca?

Founded in 1901 and a leader in online education for more than two decades, Trevecca helps students discover and pursue an individual calling by providing innovative instruction; cultivating a supportive, Christ-centered community; and establishing relationships that open doors.

Recognized nationally and locally for academic quality, Trevecca has earned a reputation for providing the world with servant leaders, problem solvers and difference makers. Trevecca’s holistic approach to education encompasses intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual growth.

As a Christian university, we offer programs that explore the ways faith intersects with your field of study. This means you can gain your mathematics education degree in a supportive, Christian community with small classroom sizes and engaged faculty members who care about you and who will help you establish a strong, biblical worldview.



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Course Descriptions

Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.

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Financial Aid & Costs

Financial Aid & Costs

Nearly every student at Trevecca receives some form of assistance in paying for college. Learn all about the affordability of a TNU education and options for receiving aid.

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Career Opportunities

With your mathematics education degree from Trevecca, you’ll be well-prepared to start your teaching career. Your degree equips you to impact the lives of sixth through twelfth grade students in any school system or to enter any number of jobs in the growing STEM market. You can also use your strong educational foundation to continue on to a graduate program. Past graduates of Trevecca’s mathematics department have master’s and Ph.D. degrees in finance, business, mathematics, probability, actuarial studies, physics, law and education. 

Faculty

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Course Descriptions

Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.


Life, Calling, and Purpose
INT 1100
Students will begin a journey of self-awareness where they can identify their individual gifts and talents while considering how God can use their uniqueness within their field of interest. Goals of the course include building community, understanding leadership and service, and evaluating God's calling. Required of all first-time freshmen (those enrolling with less than 24 hours) who are younger than 24 years of age and have not taken a similar course at another accredited institution.
English Composition I
ENG 1020

Emphasizes the recursive writing process through appropriate determination of subject, audience, purpose, and style, with correct usage of grammar, punctuation, and logical organization. Students will use appropriate technologies for writing and learning.

English Composition II: Critical Reading, Writing, and Thinking
ENG 1080

Emphasizes intellectual and analytical reasoning through reading and writing assignments. Includes instruction in library and research technologies and the writing of a research project.

Speech Communication
COM 1010

A study of the principles and practices of effective human communication, with emphasis placed on public speaking. The course emphasizes the critical thinking and skill development necessary for effective speech. Listening skills are included in the study.

Financial Stewardship
BUS 2010

Provides the student with a basic understanding of his or her economic environment and the basic principles and tools of personal financial management. Emphasis will be placed on personal financial planning, including budgeting, managing personal debt, insurance, taxes, investments, and real estate. When possible, topics will be analyzed and discussed from a Christian perspective.

Introduction to Health and Wellness
HPE 1500

Designed to assist the student in their understanding and development of a healthy lifestyle. Emphasis is placed on the components and behaviors that promote lifelong, positive outcomes in the five dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual. Includes a fitness laboratory component. Fee charged.

General Psychology
PSY 2010

General introduction to major areas of psychology with emphasis on the psychological bases for understanding human behavior. A recommended prerequisite to other psychology courses except PSY 2175.

Issues in Science
SCI 2600

An introduction to themes in the natural sciences that have significantly impacted our world. Among the themes discussed are relativity, modern cosmology, evolutionary thought, biotechnology, advances in modern medicine, biodiversity, and the use of natural resources. Scientific discoveries will be approached with both a historical perspective and a consideration of current and future applications. Interactions of scientific thought and the Christian worldview are considered. Lecture.

World Literature
ENG 2000

Designed to engage students in dialogue with a variety of Western and Non-Western world literature, past and present. ENG 2000 is a recommended prerequisite for all upper-level literature courses.

Introduction to Biblical Faith
REL 2000

An introduction to Biblical faith and literature designed to help the student acquire a knowledge of the basic content of Scripture as well as be able to employ basic Bible study skills.

Christian Tradition
REL 3000

An introduction to theology as it has developed in the history of the church with a view to understanding the relation between faith and life. Special attention is given to understanding the doctrine of holiness.

Christian Life and Ministry
REL 4000

An integration of Christian spirituality, life, and ministry. Through a wide variety of readings and experiences, care is given to evaluate the spiritual structure of the student and to understand spiritual gifts, disciplines, and what it means for each individual to be a constructive influence in the Church and society.

Fine Arts
MUS 1500

Designed to give students a historical perspective of music, art, sculpture, and architecture from ancient times to modern times.

English Acquisition (FE-10)
ESL 3150

Current approaches, methodologies, techniques, and materials for teaching English language learners primarily in K-12 setting. Designed to provide theoretical and practical experience in language acquisition. Fee charged. Course includes 10 hours of field experience in ESL classrooms, which must include a 6-12 setting.

Calculus I
MAT 1510

A study of Cartesian and polar coordinates, parametric equations, vectors and vector-valued functions in 2 and 3 dimensions, limits, differentiation of functions with applications, integration of functions with applications, Taylor polynomials, and series. It is strongly recommended that students take PHY 2110 and PHY 2120 concurrently with MAT 1510 and MAT 1520, respectively.

Calculus II
MAT 1520

A study of Cartesian and polar coordinates, parametric equations, vectors and vector-valued functions in 2 and 3 dimensions, limits, differentiation of functions with applications, integration of functions with applications, Taylor polynomials, and series. It is strongly recommended that students take PHY 2110 and PHY 2120 concurrently with MAT 1510 and MAT 1520, respectively.

Calculus III
MAT 2510

A study of partial derivatives and multiple integrals and additional topics in vector-valued functions.

Introduction to Computer Technology for the Sciences
SCI 2150

A hands-on introduction to computer-based measurements, automation, and graphical programming for the sciences. The LabVIEW graphical programming environment will be introduced and used to write software applications that collect, display and analyze experimental data. Automated experiments in the areas of biology, chemistry and physics will be designed and implemented. Topics such as sensors, signals, data acquisition, error analysis, and noise will be explored. The use of standard office spreadsheet, word-processing, and presentation software for scientific data analysis and reporting will also be emphasized. Lecture and Lab. Fee charged.

Human Growth and Cognition
PSY 2500

Explores human growth and development over the life span to understand the nature and needs of individuals at all developmental levels: physically, emotionally, cognitively, and behaviorally. Designed to provide the developmental approach to cognition in children and adolescents within the context of major learning theories. Brain research, learning modalities, and metacognition are also examined.

Introduction to the Exceptional Learner
PSY 3411

An overview of the issues related to the characteristics of the exceptional learner. Concepts of learning and classroom management in the public school are considered.

Becoming a Teacher (FE-20)
EDU 1020

Provides observation and participation in a public school. Field study is completed in the following areas: classroom observation, classroom material preparation, and classroom interactions to enhance the knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions required of educators. The requirements for entering the Teacher Education Program are part of the course. Graded S-U.

Foundations of Education
EDU 1500

Surveys the historical, social, philosophical, and psychological foundations of the American school system with emphasis on an introduction to the teaching profession. Designed to be the first course taken in the teacher education program. Taken in conjunction with EDU 1020.

Secondary Curriculum and Instruction (FE-20)
EDU 2300

Focuses on effective instructional methods and curriculum models for 6-12 teachers. Common Core Standards and best practices in creating enthusiastic learning environments and writing learning plans are explored. Using data to inform instruction is addressed as part of the planning component. A 20 hour field experience is required.

Educational Tests and Measurements
EDU 3410

Examines test construction and application of evaluation principles related to K-12. Emphasis on reading, interpreting, and using data from a variety of assessments including standardized and teacher-made achievement tests. Common Core Standards will be studied in relationship to both formative and summative assessment as instructional tools.

Teaching Reading and Writing in the Content Areas (FE-20)
EDU 3510

Investigates teaching of reading and writing in the various subject matter fields at the secondary level. Stresses skills of vocabulary building, comprehension and writing as well as skills and methods of motivating adolescents to read and write. A 20 hour field experience in a secondary school is required.

Effective Classroom Environments
EDU 3556

Focuses on the major traditional and current behavior management theorists and strategies. Prepares the candidate to use effective strategies for developing a safe but invigorating classroom climate. The creation of a Classroom Management Plan and its implementation in a classroom is included within this course. Only juniors or seniors scheduled to student teach within two semesters of taking EDU 3556 are permitted to enroll in the course.

Methods and Materials for Secondary Education (FE-30)
EDU 4230

Examines strategies, resources, and experience in middle and secondary schools. It will familiarize candidates with methods of instruction, assessment, and classroom management appropriate in these schools, as well as organizational characteristics of each. A 20-hour field experience required.

Education in an Urban Culture (FE-10)
SOC 3270

Provides an overview of the diverse educational needs, challenges, opportunities, and rewards that teachers encounter as they seek to effectively meet the needs of learners in urban schools. Students explore the history of public schools in urban areas, the characteristics of the urban child, as well as effective teaching strategies for working with students who are identified as "at risk" as well as English Second Language (ESL) students. This course addresses the competencies, tools. and instructional strategies to effectively create positive classroom environments and assist in student achievement. The course includes a 10-hour field experience for Education majors in a low socioeconomic, ethnically/racially diverse, preferably ESL school setting. Any non-Education major may complete the field experience requirement through volunteering in a number of alternative settings such as private agencies, and businesses whose primary focus is working in urban communities with children and their families identified as "at-risk." The alternative settings listed would be an acceptable environment to address the course learning outcomes. This course is an option for any student exploring choices in meeting the Intercultural Literacy requirement.

Student Teaching Seminar
EDU 4600

Focuses on the application and analysis of knowledge and teaching skills in the classroom, lesson and unit planning, classroom management, discipline models, and current professional issues. Taken in conjunction with enhanced student teaching. Permission required.

Enhanced Student Teaching Secondary School
EDU 4670

Provides the culminating fifteen-week, semester-long experience for all who are seeking a secondary license. Consists of full-day classroom observation and practice teaching in the major curricular area in two different school settings: one 7 1/2-week placement in a middle school in grades 6-8 and one 7 1/2-week placement in a secondary school in grades 9-12. Physical Education majors seeking a K-12 license will have placements in early elementary grades K-4 and middle/secondary grades 5-12. Music majors seeking a K-12 license will have placements in elementary grades K-5 and secondary grades 6-12. Graded S-U. Permission required.

edTPA Seminar
EDU 4730

A prerequisite for Enhanced Student Teaching. This course provides the candidate with experiences in preparation, procedures, implementation, and submittal of required edTPA documentation for initial licensure. Permission required. Graded S/U.

Perspectives in Mathematics
MAT 1400

An introduction to mathematical thought for students, especially freshmen, who are interested in a mathematics major or minor, or for any student interested in learning about some important ideas and uses of mathematics. Several contemporary mathematical topics will be studied, such as recently solved problems, orders of infinity, Fermat's last theorem, Tangles and knot theory, cryptography, the fourth dimension, the four-color theorem, topology, or fractals and chaos. Graded S, U.

Introduction to Abstract Mathematics
MAT 2600

Study of basic ideas and methods of mathematics including sets, logic, proof techniques, relations, functions, mathematical induction, and modular arithmetic. Prerequisite or corequisite: MAT 1520.

Linear and Matrix Algebra
MAT 3090

Linear equations, vector operations, matrices, determinants, linear transformations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, singular values and singular vectors, canonical forms, polynomial functions of matrices, vector spaces, and related topics.

Introduction to Real Analysis
MAT 4030
Real number system, functions, sequences, limits, continuity, uniform continuity, infinite series and sequences. Prerequisite or corequisite: MAT 2510 and MAT 2600.
Modern Algebra
MAT 4060

Sets, groups, rings, and fields. Logical rigorous proofs and analysis are emphasized.

Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Geometries
MAT 4080

A study of plane geometry based on Euclid's axioms, both with and without the parallel postulate. The course includes formal study of the consequences of these axioms, transformational geometry, and algebraic models of both Euclidean and non-Euclidean systems.

Seminar in Mathematics
MAT 4335

Projects and paper presented to the mathematics faculty and other mathematics majors. To be taken by seniors.

Theory of Probability and Mathematical Statistics
MAT 3000

Probability of sample spaces, random variables, discrete and continuous probability distributions. Analysis of the principles of descriptive and inferential statistics.

Discrete Methods
MAT 3010

Discrete mathematical ideas including graph theory, counting techniques, recurrence relations, and methods of solving applied problems.

SCIENCE (CHOOSE ONE)
General Chemistry I
CHE 1040

The first course in a one-year sequence for students planning further work in chemistry. Topics discussed include atomic structure, periodic relationships, bonding, molecular structure, chemical reactions, thermochemistry, solids, liquids, and gases. Lecture and lab. Fee charged.

General Physics I
PHY 2110
For students with an interest in science, engineering, and medicine. Includes mechanics, heat, sound, electricity and magnetism, light, and modern physics. Lecture and lab. Fee charged.

 

HISTORY (CHOOSE ONE)
World Civilizations: Ancient and Medieval World
HIS 1400

A course of study from ancient times to the 1500s dealing with persistent and recurring political, social, and economic issues in history that thinking people have examined and that have shaped our contemporary world. This course covers Western and non-Western cultures. Offered every semester.

World Civilizations: Early Modern and Modern World
HIS 1450

A course of study from the 1500s to the present dealing with persistent and recurring political, social, and economic issues in history that thinking people have examined and that have shaped our contemporary world. This course covers Western and non-Western cultures. Offered every semester.

 

PHILOSOPHY (CHOOSE ONE)
Introduction to Philosophy
PHL 2010

A general introduction to the study of philosophy, both Western and non-Western. The course is organized around three domains of philosophical reflection: metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. Representative philosophers from Socrates to Confucius will be used to illuminate the philosophical task. The course also includes discussion of world religions as representatives of non-Western philosophy.

Ethics
PHL 3070

A philosophical analysis of the narratives and principles that have contributed to moral and ethical norms for human action.

 

SOCIOLOGY (CHOOSE ONE)
The Family in Society
SOC 2500

A study of the functions of the institution of family and the inter-relationship of family and other major institutions in society including the ways in which current social conditions and cultural, ethnic, and economic diversity influence this relationship. Current sociological research on family behavior will be examined and a Christian perspective on family emphasized.

Social Problems
SOC 3200

A sociological description and analysis of some of the contemporary social problems in American Society with an emphasis on programs designed to help remedy these problems.

Urban Sociology
SOC 3300

An examination of urban lifestyles, problems, development, and change from a historical perspective, providing both theoretical and practical background for analysis of various urban conditions, and seeking to identify and apply practical solutions to these problems. A major experiential learning component is field work and ethnographic research in core urban Nashville neighborhoods. A section on urban planning and urban ministry is included.

*For a complete list of courses, tracks and other relevant information, view the program's course catalog.