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Bachelor of Science

Mathematics Education Degree
(Secondary)

Leads to Teacher Licensure

OVERVIEW

The Online Math Degree You Need to Make a Difference for Students


 

High school math teachers play a critical role in helping students learn key concepts and develop a love for mathematics. WGU's Bachelor of Science in Secondary Mathematics Education will make sure you're prepared to enter the classroom as a credentialed expert in math. WGU is proud to support the growth and purpose of STEM by helping over 8,700 students graduate with STEM teaching degrees.* But this online math degree program is about more than just credentials—it's focused on training you so you will be ready to work with unique students, utilizing different learning techniques and strategies. 

Raise your hand if you're ready to have a positive impact on students, as you teach them both positive numbers and share a positive attitude! This online math degree will prepare you in the best possible ways for a future you can count on! Looking to specialize in middle school math? Check out WGU's B.S. Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) degree program.

*WGU Internal Data

63% of graduates finish within

40 Months*

WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance as soon as you're ready. The result: You may finish this teaching bachelor's degree faster.

*WGU Internal Data

Tuition per six-month term is

$3,825

Do the math and you'll see that you're in control of the cost of your teaching degree. We charge tuition per-term instead of per-credit. Finish faster, pay less!
 

On average, students transfer

32 credits

Your associate’s degree or previous college may waive some courses through transfer. We review your transcripts for transfer credits, helping you accelerate this bachelor's degree in education.

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COURSES

Secondary Mathematics Education Courses

A nationally recognized curriculum designed to help you become a highly qualified math teacher.

Program consists of 42 courses

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.

WGU's B.S. Mathematics Education program is an affordable, online degree program that prepares you for secondary licensure to teach middle school or high school math anywhere in the United States. WGU is the nation’s largest provider of math and science teaching degrees.*

To ensure WGU graduates acquire the knowledge and teaching skills sought by today’s schools, our B.S. Mathematics Education program was developed with significant input from experts and educational leaders who serve on our Education Program Council. Our bachelor’s in math education is nationally recognized by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).

Students will take eight professional core courses that will prepare them to handle unique educational situations and become better teachers. These education courses focus on a variety of important topics including social and emotional learning, and technology and diversity inclusion in the classroom.

*Source: NCES data

Plus, students will get to use augmented reality experiences to give them the opportunity to practice their work before entering the classroom. These eight professional core courses are also coupled with preclinical experience to help ensure teachers are ready for their classroom.

Some of the courses in this program may be waived through transfer from your previous college experience. The rest you will complete one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. You’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and learn the material. This means that you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost.

Washington students, please note that you will be required to complete one additional course that is not listed below: Survey of Pacific Northwest History for Educators. View the Washington program guide.

General Education
Professional Core
Mathematics Education
General Science Content
Mathematics Content
Pedagogy
Pre-Clinical Experiences
Demonstration Teaching

42 Courses

Program consists of 42 courses

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.

Professional Portfolio

Special requirements for this program

You will complete a professional portfolio, which will include your resume and Philosophy of Teaching Statement and serve as a way to showcase the skills you have acquired throughout your degree program and Student Teaching. 

Skills For Your Résumé

As part of this program, you will develop a range of valuable skills that employers are looking for. 

  • Educational Assessment: Developed well-crafted assessments tailored to address specific learning goals, enabling accurate evaluation of student progress.
  • Teaching: Formulated comprehensive lesson plans rooted in a deep understanding of the subject matter, ensuring a well-structured and informative learning experience.
  • Classroom Management: Devised organizational techniques to maintain student focus, productivity, and task completion during class sessions, enhancing overall classroom efficiency.
  • Quantitative Analysis: Applied mathematical techniques or applications to successfully solve problems, demonstrating proficiency in analytical thinking.
  • Mathematics: Developed math lesson plans in adherence to state standards, aligning educational content with established benchmarks for a well-rounded curriculum.
  • Mentorship: Engaged in learning and mentorship activities to continuously enhance teaching skills, staying abreast of innovative educational practices and methodologies.

“Quality education, flexible schedule, and amazing student support and culture.”

—Victor
B.S. Mathematics Education (Secondary)

WGU vs. Traditional Universities
Compare the Difference

Traditional Universities

 

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

Flat rate per 6-month term

SUPPORT

Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors

Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one

EXAMS

Scheduled time

Whenever you feel ready

SCHEDULE

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

TIME TO FINISH

Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options

As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years

TRANSFER CREDITS

Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses

A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation

Traditional Universities

 

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

TUITION STRUCTURE

Flat rate per 6-month term

SUPPORT

Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors

SUPPORT

Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one

EXAMS

Scheduled time

EXAMS

Whenever you feel ready

SCHEDULE

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

SCHEDULE

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

TIME TO FINISH

Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options

TIME TO FINISH

As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years

TRANSFER CREDITS

Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses

TRANSFER CREDITS

A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation

Why WGU?

You Aren't On Your Own

WGU has Program Mentors who work with you from the day you start, all the way through graduation. They help you set up your Student Teaching, learn about teaching certification in your state, and more. You're not alone when you choose an online education degree at WGU.

On Your Schedule

Students choose WGU for their online teaching degree program because of its flexibility. Whether you already have a full-time job, have responsibilities as a parent, or just have a busy schedule, WGU can work for you.

Licensure In Any State

WGU's online secondary math education degree prepares you for a teaching license in any state in the United States. It's valuable to learn the other requirements in your state to know the full process for gaining licensure.

Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™

One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.

COST & TIME

An Affordable Secondary Math Education Degree Program

By charging per six-month term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.

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Pay less by completing your program faster
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A College Degree Is Within Reach

There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:

The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.

Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits. 

Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.

*WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE

A Different Way to Learn: Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Life—and All the Demands on Your Time

Professional responsibilities. Family obligations. Personal commitments. At WGU, we understand schedules are tight and often unpredictable for adult students. That’s why we offer a flexible, personalized approach to how education should be. No rigid class schedules. Just a solid, career-focused math teaching program that meshes with your current lifestyle. You'll be challenged. You'll work hard. But if you commit yourself and put in the hours needed, WGU makes it possible for you to earn a highly respected degree as a busy working adult.

“Because of WGU, I’m going to be a math teacher. It’s opened so many doors!”

—Mike J.
B.A. Math Education

CAREER OUTLOOK

Make a Smart Career Move with an Online Secondary Math Education Degree

A serious shortage of math teachers nationwide means math teachers are in very high demand. To be a math teacher, you need specialized knowledge and training to make a difference in the classroom. WGU's B.S. Mathematics Education can prepare you to fill a critically important role in K–12 education. And WGU's Teachers College is AAQEP and CAEP accredited. Earn your WGU degree to become a math teacher and help students develop skills they will use for the rest of their lives!

This math degree prepares you to do more than teach math—it ensures you're ready to work with students as they learn to solve complex problems, sharpen their critical thinking, and get ready for the challenges of college. This highly reputable online math degree is CAEP and AAQEP accredited, ensuring you will garner respect from administrators and peers. Pursue your passion with this online math degree that prepares you to teach middle school or high school students. Note: The specific grade level you will be licensed to teach depends on your state.

Return on Your Investment

On average, WGU graduates see an increase in income post-graduation

Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source: 2022 Harris Poll Survey of 1,542 WGU graduates.

Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.

5%

Employment of all high school teachers is projected to grow 5% from 2021 to 2031 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

WGU Has Alumni Teaching in Schools Across the Country

Graduates of WGU's online Teachers College have found meaningful, rewarding teaching careers in classrooms at:

  • Inclusionary K–12 classrooms
  • Middle/junior high schools
  • High schools
  • Private and charter schools

Impressive Class of Graduates

Graduates of the WGU Teachers College include recipients of many professional honors, including:

  • Gates Millennium Scholars
  • Intel Grant for Mathematics and Technology
  • Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Award
  • Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award
  • Association of Public Charter Schools Educator of the Year Award

ADMISSIONS

Secondary Mathematics Education Bachelor's Admission Requirements

Students who are seeking initial teacher licensure in a bachelor’s, post-baccalaureate, or master’s program must also pass a state-specific basic skills test for the state in which they live as a prerequisite to Student Teaching. (Registering and paying for the test is the student’s responsibility.) This requirement can be met either prior to admission or before beginning the Foundations of Teaching subject area once you are in your WGU program.

WGU’s teacher licensure programs also include Student Teaching. You must be at least 18 years of age before you may begin the application process or participate in Preclinical Experiences and Student Teaching. You must also submit to a criminal background check prior to entering the classroom for this component of your program.

An Enrollment Counselor can help you best determine whether you have the sufficient background for entry into your program of choice.

Get Your Enrollment Checklist

Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.

Get Your Questions Answered

Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.

Transfer Credits

Get Added Support and Flexibility as You Start Your Degree 
Take a course or two at your pace before committing to a full degree program. Strengthen your study habits, gain essential learning skills and, best of all, each completed course counts toward your degree requirements. 

Learn More about Pathways to Starting

MORE DETAILS

Becoming a Licensed Teacher


 

State-specific licensure requirements: Each state in the U.S. has specific testing requirements that must be met or completed in addition to completing your teaching degree program at WGU. Teacher licensure requirements vary depending on state laws and may include a number of factors, such as:

  • Completion of a bachelor’s degree program
  • Submission of transcripts
  • Completion and clearance of a background check
  • Passing of required entrance exams and basic skills tests

Preclinical Experiences    

As part of this program, you'll participate in a wide range of in-classroom teaching experiences through at least 75 hours of in-classroom observation.

Student Teaching

To help you prepare to work in classrooms, this program includes a student teaching component. Student Teaching is a full-time, supervised, in-classroom experience of a minimum of 12–20 weeks during which you will be hosted by an experienced teacher and observed by a Clinical Supervisor. Your host teacher will evaluate your performance based on accepted professional standards. Learn more about teacher licensure.

More About the B.S. in Secondary Mathematics Education

It depends on your state and which Teachers College program you complete, so it is best to ask your Enrollment Counselor. Typically, teachers with an elementary education license can teach anywhere from kindergarten through 8th grade, and secondary teachers in math, English, or science can teach anywhere from 5th to 12th grades. K–12 special education licenses typically enable teachers to work with students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

It depends on your state and your program, but for most Teachers College programs, Student Teaching is typically about the length of one full traditional school semester. Student teaching is a minimum of 12–16 weeks, but it can be longer in other programs.

WGU has a team that works with you to connect you with schools in your area, and with host teachers that will support you through your Student Teaching.

Your Enrollment Counselor can provide more details about your specific situation. While you can provide recommendations of a school you want to be placed in, generally, our Field Placement Office will be selecting and setting up the placement in the end.

Your Enrollment Counselor has access to an up-to-date database that tracks requirements and eligibility for all WGU programs and all US states and territories, so a conversation with your Enrollment Counselor can quickly verify this for you based on where you live and your desired program.

Yes. Transcripts are used by your program mentor to help develop your personalized degree plan. WGU requires that official transcripts of previous academic work completed at other colleges or graduate schools be submitted for evaluation. It is your obligation to request official transcripts from the institutions you have attended when applying for admission. At the present time, we don't require a minimum grade point average (GPA) or SAT/ACT scores for admission.

Yes. Students applying to a graduate degree program must send bachelor's degree official transcripts verifying their receipt of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally or DETC-accredited institution. The Records and Admissions Departments should receive the official transcripts by the 1st of the month prior to the start of your program. WGU accepts limited college transfer credits at the graduate (master’s) level in only a few programs: M.S. Nursing and Master of Health Leadership. Transfer credit is not accepted in all other master's programs. For all other graduate-level programs, requirements are not cleared through transfer because of prior graduate school study. However, competencies obtained through prior study will help students to accelerate toward degree completion.

Your official transcripts will be evaluated by a member of the Transcripts Department. The time it takes to review your transcripts and report which subject areas (domains) are cleared will vary. We will inform you via email when your transcripts arrive, and we endeavor to report transfer decisions through your Enrollment Counselor within two weeks of that date.

Because your mentor will use your transcripts to help develop your personalized Degree Plan, it is important we receive official transcripts directly from all the colleges and universities you have previously attended no later than the 1st of the month prior to your intended start date. WGU will not award transfer credit based upon the work identified by transcripts received after your start date.

If you have questions about your transcripts prior to submission of your official transcripts, you may contact your Enrollment Counselor to discuss the Transfer Evaluation Guidelines for your intended degree program.

Yes. If you’re applying for a bachelor’s degree program and have completed college coursework at another institution, you may have your transcripts evaluated and may be able to have some or all of the requirements for lower-division courses cleared through transfer credits. In some programs, professional certifications may clear additional requirements.

Many students transfer into a WGU degree program already having accumulated many credit hours or having earned an associate’s degree. Transcripts are evaluated on a course-by-course basis according to the following general guidelines:

  • If you hold an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree from an institution that is recognized as nationally or regionally accredited by the U.S. Department of Education, you should clear all or many of the lower-division requirements for a bachelor’s degree in Business or Information Technology. For Health Professions and Teachers College programs, a course-by-course evaluation is typically required. Only an official transcript evaluation can determine how many requirements you may be able to waive.
  • If you earned an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) or other applied associate’s degree, you may be able to clear a significant portion of WGU's lower-division degree requirements.
  • If you have completed college courses but have not earned a degree of any type, you may also be able to have some degree requirements cleared through a course-by-course transcript evaluation.
  • WGU accepts limited college transfer credits at the graduate (master’s) level in only a few programs: M.S. Nursing and Master of Health Leadership. Transfer credit into the M.S. Nursing and Master of Health Leadership programs will only be considered for new students beginning their program on February 1, 2021, and beyond. Transfer credit is not accepted in all other master's programs. For all other graduate-level programs, requirements are not cleared through transfer because of prior graduate school study. However, competencies obtained through prior study will help students to accelerate toward degree completion.

It depends on how well the courses you’ve already taken match the competencies in the WGU degree program you’re applying for.

Each WGU degree program specifies the competencies you must possess and demonstrate mastery of in order to receive your degree; having accumulated credits isn’t sufficient proof that you have mastered the competencies.

Prior courses must be relevant. If your prior coursework directly matches the requirements for your WGU bachelor’s degree, you may be able to clear one or more required lower-division courses. However, if your coursework was in subject areas that don’t match WGU's degree requirements, the amount of transfer credit you receive may be limited.

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