What you will study
The courses you’ll take as part of the University of Central Missouri’s Mathematics
minor for BSE majors provide you with foundational knowledge about the building blocks
of mathematical branches such as algebra, geometry and calculus. Once you’ve mastered
this vital context, you’ll understand important mathematical areas at the level necessary
to teach them to middle school and junior high school students.
In addition to mathematical concepts, you’ll learn strategies and methods for how
best to teach math to others in classes such as:
- Concepts and Methods in Middle School Mathematics
- Probability and Statistics for Middle/High School Mathematics
- Strategies in Teaching Middle School Mathematics
- Teaching and Learning Numbers and Operations
Excellence in Mathematics
- Accredited by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).
- Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
- #1: Most Focused Colleges for Mathematics Education in Missouri (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 10%: Most Focused Colleges for Mathematics Education (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 15%: Most Focused Colleges for Education (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 3%: Most Popular Colleges for Mathematics Education (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 6%: Most Popular Colleges for Education (College Factual, 2022)
- A Most Popular College for Teacher Education (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 10%: Best Value in Education (College Factual, 2021)
Unique learning opportunities in mathematics education
The University of Central Missouri provides you with exciting opportunities to learn
and grow outside the classroom, which can help you understand how to engage your own
students in the future:
- Classroom fieldwork: Practice what you’re learning as a student-teacher in schools near Warrensburg. Starting
your sophomore year, you’ll be placed in real classrooms to observe how they’re managed
and refine your teaching skills.
- Student clubs: Join clubs and organizations on and off campus focused on mathematics and education. In the Central Missouri Mathematics
Educators club, hear from active mathematics teachers, administrators and alumni about
what it’s like to work and succeed in the field. You may also want to explore the
Student Missouri State Teachers Association, Collegiate Middle Level Association,
Kappa Delta Phi and Phi Kappa Phi.
What can you do with a minor in Mathematics for BSE from UCM?
As an educator who specializes in mathematics, you’ll be prepared to teach this content
area to middle school and junior high school students.
Teachers — especially mathematics teachers — are in short supply, both locally and
nationally. Given this high demand and your NCTM-accredited mathematics education
from the University of Central Missouri, you’ll be entering a field waiting for graduates
just like you — and ready to make a difference in the lives of students.
If you don’t intend to go right into teaching, you’ll also be prepared to enter an
education master’s program to prepare for a career in school administration.
Job options for mathematics educators
Use the interactive tool below to learn about careers related to mathematics education.
Explore job growth rates, salary potential and more.
Financial assistance options for your Mathematics for BSE minor
The University of Central Missouri is well-known and respected for providing students
like you with a high-value, affordable education. In addition to our competitive tuition,
we offer a number of ways to help you finance your education, including scholarships, grants, assistantships, loans and access to federal financial
aid options.
The UCM Alumni Association also offers scholarships, grants and awards to students
in certain programs. You may be eligible for further aid, including:
- Dr. Cynthia Ramey Scholarship in Mathematics
- Dr. Larry Dilley Scholarship in Mathematics Education
- Edward Davenport Memorial Scholarship
- Homer & Marilyn Hampton Scholarship in Mathematics Education
- Irvin and Mae Leach Mathematics Education Scholarship
- Leroy and Doris McLaughlin Scholarship
- Luroff H. Williams Mathematics Scholarship
- Yvonne Leach Skouby Scholarship in Mathematics
You can learn more about program-specific scholarships by using the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Meet Dr. William McGalliard
Program coordinator, Mathematics minor for BSE
Dr. McGalliard works with students both inside and outside the classroom to guide
and inform them about mathematics education. He sponsors the Central Missouri Mathematics
Educators club and teaches courses such as Probability and Statistics for Teachers
and Infinity Processes I.
Meet Our Faculty
Meet Dr. Natalia Bailey
Assistant professor, Mathematics Education
Dr. Bailey has experience teaching mathematics at the K–12 level. She is active in
mathematics education organizations, and she works with the Research Council on Mathematics
Learning as the social media director.
Meet Our Faculty
Meet Assistant Instructor Carla Beeman
30 years of mathematics teaching experience
Ms. Beeman has taught mathematics to students in grades 7–12, focusing primarily on
pre-algebra and algebra courses. She was nominated for the Excellence in Teaching
Award/Teacher of the Year and was the lead teacher of her school’s math department.
She now focuses on teaching mathematics education to future teachers.
Meet Our Faculty
Meet Dr. David Ewing
Professor, Mathematics Education
Dr. Ewing spent nearly 10 years teaching middle and high school mathematics, chemistry
and physics, among other subjects. He focuses his research on teaching geometry to
grades 6–12, cognitive learning and using technology in the teaching and learning
of mathematics.
Meet Our Faculty
Meet Assistant Instructor Beth Hancock
Assistant instructor, Mathematics Education
Ms. Hancock is herself a graduate of the University of Central Missouri, having earned
her BSE and MS in Mathematics from UCM. Before she became a UCM instructor, Ms. Hancock
taught math courses at a technical college and a local high school.
Meet Our Faculty
leftright