Program Overview
College of Natural and Health Sciences
Location: Ross Hall 1210
Telephone: 970-351-3082
Email: nhsadvising@unco.edu
Website: www.unco.edu/nhs/mathematical-sciences/
Advising Information
Students must consult with their assigned major advisor each semester prior to registering.
To find your advisor, log into ursa.unco.edu; go to 'Student' tab and click 'View Student Information' link. If no advisor is listed, contact the major program for advisor information.
The program consists of four parts:
- Liberal Arts Curriculum (LAC) Credits
- Required Major Credits
- Professional Teacher Education Program (PTEP) Credits
- University-Wide Credits
*For Educator licensure majors, PTEP coursework counts towards the minimum of nine upper-division UNC credits (300-400).
Program Description:
If you are passionate about math and want to make a difference in the lives of middle school students, this program is for you. You will learn how to teach core topics like arithmetic, algebra, and geometry in ways that are engaging, relevant, meaningfully integrate technology, and are inclusive for all learners in grades 6–8.
Along the way, you will build a strong foundation in mathematics and education. You will gain hands-on experience through classroom placements, collaborative projects, as well as opportunities to work with local schools and communities. You will also develop the confidence and skills necessary to lead a classroom, integrate mathematics and language, support diverse learners, and spark curiosity in every student.
By the time you graduate, you will be prepared and qualified for licensure to teach mathematics in grades 6-8 in Colorado. Additionally, you will be prepared to pursue graduate study in mathematics education, if you choose.
Program Admission Requirements:
- Academic Good Standing
- Teacher education and educator preparation licensure programs do not accept Professional Teacher Education Program (PTEP) or field-based courses that are more than ten years old. PLEASE NOTE: Teacher Candidates have the right to petition this policy at the discretion of the program coordinator.
Program Requirements:
For admission to PTEP, the student must have:
- Completed MATH 185 and MATH 131 with a grade of "C" or better (C- is not acceptable);
- Completed at UNC at least two content courses that may count toward the Math major;
- A GPA of at least 2.5 in all content courses taken at UNC that may count toward the major.
For admission to Student Teaching, the student must have:
- Satisfactorily completed at least 44 semester hours of content courses that may count toward the math major;
- Satisfactorily completed all PTEP Requirements other than STEP 464;
- A GPA of at least 2.5 in content courses taken at UNC that may count toward the major.
The GPA in the content courses will be computed by Mathematical Sciences according to procedures approved by the faculty that are in place at the time the student's application for admission to PTEP, or to student teaching, or for graduation.
Content courses that may count toward the major are those mathematics, statistics and/or computer courses specified in the Catalog as required courses for the major, or as program electives in the major.
It is recommended that students entering the program take MATH 102 in their first semester.
PTEP Program Requirements:
Teacher candidates who complete an approved content degree and the UNC professional teacher education program, as well as pass the appropriate Colorado Department of Education designated PRAXIS exam (if applicable), will be eligible for recommendation from UNC for a Colorado Department of Education teaching license.
Teacher Candidates seeking licensure in this licensure program must complete the following program requirements:
- Maintain program GPA requirement
- Completion of Application for Initial Admission to PTEP - referred to as Checkpoint #1 (This checkpoint requires an out-of-pocket payment - to the chosen approved vendor - to obtain a fingerprint background check, which is required by the Colorado Department of Education.)
- Enrollment in this teacher licensure program results in a one-time program fee (Teacher Preparation Program Fee) assessed the semester of the first field experience course.
- Completion of Full Admission to PTEP - referred to as Checkpoint #2
- Completion of Application for Student Teaching - referred to as Checkpoint #3
- Completion of content specific PRAXIS test the semester prior to Student Teaching (if applicable)
- Candidates may not take extra courses with Student Teaching without prior approval from the Program Coordinator and the Associate Dean in charge of Educator Preparation.
- All PTEP courses, practicum field experiences, and methods courses need to be successfully completed prior to Student Teaching.
- A teacher candidate may be removed from the UNC teacher licensure pathway if they fail to meet professional, academic, or dispositional standards set by the program. In such cases, the student may continue in a different degree program and graduate; however, they will not receive a recommendation for licensure.
- Supervision of Student Teaching outside of UNC Faculty will be considered for approval.
- Teacher Candidates will not be placed in a school where they have a close relative attending and/or working. If teacher candidates need an exception to this, they will need approval from the Associate Dean in charge of Educator Preparation.
- Teacher Candidates placed in a middle or high school they once attended must notify their program coordinator and the Field Placement Officer immediately for a possible change in placement.
- Teacher education and educator preparation licensure programs do not accept Professional Teacher Education Program (PTEP) or field based courses that are more than ten years old. PLEASE NOTE: Teacher Candidates have the right to petition this policy at the discretion of the program coordinator.
Teacher Candidates work with the content advisor and/or Program Coordinator to determine when these requirements will be completed throughout the licensure program.
Degree Requirements — 120 Credits
1. Liberal Arts Curriculum — 31 credits
To complete the degree in 120 credits as outlined, the program recommends the below LAC courses, some of which also count toward the required major and PTEP credits.
Any additional coursework completed outside of the recommended list below may extend the length of the program of study.
Written Communication — 6 credits
Select any courses to fulfill this requirement from the currently approved LAC course list.
See Written Communication courses
Mathematics — 3 credits
MATH 131, MATH 132, or MATH 185 is recommended to fulfill Mathematics requirement and will fulfill both LAC and major requirements.
See Mathematics courses
Arts & Humanities, History, Social & Behavioral Sciences, U.S. Multicultural Studies [MS], and International Studies [IS] — 15 Credits
To complete the LAC in the minimum number of credits, be sure to choose at least one course with an IS designation and one course with an MS designation.
ECLD 260 is recommended to fulfill Social & Behavioral Sciences and U.S. Multicultural Studies requirements and will fulfill both LAC and PTEP requirements.
PSY 247 is recommended to fulfill Social & Behavioral Sciences and will fulfill both LAC and PTEP major requirements.
See Arts & Humanities, History, and Social & Behavioral Sciences courses
Natural & Physical Sciences — 7 credits
Select any courses to fulfill this requirement from the currently approved LAC course list.
See Natural & Physical Sciences courses
See Liberal Arts Curriculum
2. Required Major — 47 credits
Take all of the following courses:
| CS 120 | Introduction to Programming | 3 |
| MATH 131 | Calculus ILAX1GT-MA1 | 4 |
| MATH 132 | Calculus IILAX1GT-MA1 | 4 |
| MATH 185 | Number Sense and AlgebraLAX1GT-MA1 | 3 |
| MATH 283 | Fundamental Mathematics III: Geometry and Measurement | 3 |
| MATH 286 | Elements of Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| MATH 317 | Mathematical Foundations for Teachers | 3 |
| MATH 341 | Introduction to Modern Geometry I | 3 |
| MATH 386 | Problem Solving | 3 |
| MATH 391 | Introduction to Number Theory | 3 |
| MATH 464 | Introduction to History of Mathematics | 3 |
| MED 341 | Principles of Teaching Secondary Mathematics | 3 |
| MED 441 | Methods of Teaching Mathematics | 3 |
| MED 449 | Teaching Mathematics with Technology | 3 |
| STAT 355 | Introduction to Applied Statistics and Probability | 3 |
3. PTEP Requirements — 38 credits
Take all of the following courses:
| ECLD 260 | Language Acquisition in Multilingual SocietiesLAB3LAMSGT-SS3 | 3 |
| ECLD 341 | Content-Based Literacies for Equitable Access to PK-12 Instruction | 3 |
| EDF 290 | Foundations of Education | 3 |
| EDSE 201 | Culture of Special Education | 3 |
| | |
| PSY 247 | Adolescent Learning and MotivationLAB3GT-SS3 | 3 |
| or | |
| PSY 349 | How Students Learn | 3 |
| | |
| ET 275 | Integration of Technologies in PK12 Teaching and Learning | 3 |
| STEP 161 | Observation and Analysis of Secondary Teaching I | 2 |
| STEP 262 | Observation and Analysis of Secondary Teaching II | 2 |
| STEP 363 | Clinical Experience: Secondary | 2 |
| STEP 464 | Secondary Student Teaching | 1-14 |
4. University Wide Credits — 4–10 credits*
Complete additional credits to achieve the minimum credits needed for any degree at UNC; for this program, that will typically be 4-10 credits.
*Note: Students who apply the recommended courses to both the liberal arts curriculum and the major requirements will have an increased number of university wide electives to apply to this degree. See your advisor for details.
Four Year Plan
Year 1 - 32 credits
Fall Semester
| MATH 185 | Number Sense and AlgebraLAX1GT-MA1 | 3 |
| CS 120 | Introduction to Programming | 3 |
| MATH 102 | Success in the Mathematical Sciences | 1 |
| ENG 122 | College CompositionLAW1GT-CO1 | 3 |
| | LAC Arts and HumanitiesLAA1LAA2LAA3LAA4 | 3 |
| | LAC HistoryLAH1 | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Spring Semester
| MATH 131 | Calculus ILAX1GT-MA1 | 4 |
| MATH 283 | Fundamental Mathematics III: Geometry and Measurement | 3 |
| | University-Wide Elective | 3 |
| | LAC Arts and HumanitiesLAA1LAA2LAA3LAA4 | 3 |
| | LAC Intermediate WritingLAW2 | 3 |
| Application for Initial Admission to PTEP | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Year 2 - 30 credits
Fall Semester
| MATH 132 | Calculus IILAX1GT-MA1 | 4 |
| MATH 286 | Elements of Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| STEP 161 | Observation and Analysis of Secondary Teaching I | 2 |
| EDF 290 | Foundations of Education | 3 |
| ECLD 260 | Language Acquisition in Multilingual SocietiesLAB3LAMSGT-SS3 | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Spring Semester
| MATH 391 | Introduction to Number Theory | 3 |
| | |
| STAT 355 | Introduction to Applied Statistics and Probability | 3 |
| or | |
| MATH 317 | Mathematical Foundations for Teachers | 3 |
| | |
| ECLD 341 | Content-Based Literacies for Equitable Access to PK-12 Instruction | 3 |
| | LAC Natural and Physical Sciences without LabLAS1 | 3 |
| | University-Wide Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Year 3 - 30 credits
Fall Semester
| MATH 386 | Problem Solving | 3 |
| | |
| MED 449 | Teaching Mathematics with Technology | 3 |
| or | |
| MATH 464 | Introduction to History of Mathematics | 3 |
| | |
| PSY 247 | Adolescent Learning and MotivationLAB3GT-SS3 | 3 |
| | LAC Natural and Physical Sciences with LabLAS1LASL | 4 |
| | University-Wide Elective | 3 |
| | Request for PTEP Phase II Placement | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Spring Semester
| MATH 317 | Mathematical Foundations for Teachers | 3 |
| or | |
| STAT 355 | Introduction to Applied Statistics and Probability | 3 |
| | |
| MATH 341 | Introduction to Modern Geometry I | 3 |
| MED 341 | Principles of Teaching Secondary Mathematics | 3 |
| STEP 262 | Observation and Analysis of Secondary Teaching II | 2 |
| EDSE 201 | Culture of Special Education | 3 |
| Application for Full Admission to PTEP | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14 |
Year 4 - 28 credits
Fall Semester
| MATH 464 | Introduction to History of Mathematics | 3 |
| or | |
| MED 449 | Teaching Mathematics with Technology | 3 |
| | |
| MED 441 | Methods of Teaching Mathematics | 3 |
| STEP 363 | Clinical Experience: Secondary | 2 |
| ET 275 | Integration of Technologies in PK12 Teaching and Learning | 3 |
| | University-Wide Elective | 3 |
| Application for Student Teaching | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14 |
Spring Semester
| STEP 464 | Secondary Student Teaching | 1-14 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14 |
Advising Notes
- The coursework in the Liberal Arts Curriculum (LAC) should be evenly distributed over the plan of study rather than concentrated in the first 2 years. You need to complete a minimum of 31 LAC credits in Written Communication (6 credits), Mathematics (3 credits), Arts & Humanities, History, Social & Behavioral Sciences, U.S. Multicultural Studies, and International Studies (15 credits), and Natural & Physical Sciences (7 credits) according to your catalog description. One writing course (ENG 122) has been pre‐designated (3 credits); you must choose another writing course from LAC GT-CO2 (3 credits). You are required to take a Natural & Physical Science course with a required lab (4 credits) and without a lab (3 credits). PSY 247 counts as a Social & Behavioral Sciences course (3 credits). ECLD 260 counts as Social & Behavioral Sciences and Multicultural Studies (3 credits). The remaining LAC electives include: Arts & Humanities (6 credits), History (3 credits). To complete the LAC with minimum credits, three more credits must be double counted as International Studies (3 credits). Example courses that count as IS courses are a foreign language (200 level and above), ANT 110, and PHIL 126.
- The following courses are offered in fall only: STEP 161, MATH 464 (odd years), MED 441, MED 449 (even years), STEP 363 and PSY 247.
- The following courses are offered in spring only: STAT 355 (even years), MATH 317 (odd years), MATH 341, MATH 391, MED 341, and STEP 262
- PTEP Applications are due early in the semester; contact the Math Content Coordinator for specific dates.
- PSY 349 may be substituted for PSY 247, but it does not count as an LAC course
- You need to complete 13 credits of University-wide Electives. MATH 102 and EDSE 325 are recommended options.
Accelerated MAT in CLD
If you are passionate about mathematics, cultural and linguistic diversity, and want to make a difference in the lives of middle school students, this program is for you. Motivated students passionate about mathematics, education, and supporting multilingual learners may seek to complete the requirements for the B.S. in MED: Licensure: Middle School Mathematics and MAT in CLD Education with graduate level endorsement in five years.
You will learn how to teach core topics like arithmetic, algebra, and geometry in ways that are engaging, relevant, meaningfully integrate technology, and are inclusive for all learners in grades 6–8. Additionally, you will learn how to meaningfully support culturally and linguistically diverse learners in grades K-12.
Along the way, you will build a strong foundation in mathematics, education, and supporting multilingual learners. You will gain hands-on experience through classroom placements, collaborative projects, as well as opportunities to work with local schools and communities. You will also develop the confidence and skills necessary to lead a classroom, integrate mathematics and language, support diverse learners, and spark curiosity in every student.
By the time you graduate, you will be prepared and qualified for licensure to teach mathematics in grades 6-8 in Colorado. You will have a Master’s of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in CLD Education, qualifying you for the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Education Endorsement in Colorado. Additionally, you will be prepared to pursue graduate study in mathematics education, if you choose.
The online delivery format in the fifth year allows graduates to work while completing the MAT degree.
To obtain both degrees, students must complete all the requirements for the B.S. in Mathematics Education: Licensure: Middle School Education (120 credit hours) and all remaining requirements for the MAT in CLD Education Concentration described in the Graduate Catalog (30 credit hours). However, the accelerated BS/MAT program involves credit hours shared between the bachelor's and master's programs, so the total number of credit hours to complete the accelerated master’s program is 141 for students with a Mathematics Education: Licensure: Middle School Education.
Completing the requirements for both degrees is made possible by taking double-counted BS/MAT credits during the Junior and Senior years (ECLD 592, ECLD 594 and ECLD 523 paid for at the undergraduate tuition rate) and graduate-level credits (online – graduate-level tuition rate) starting the summer following the Senior year and completion of the undergraduate program. While this is the most efficient route, students may also elect to complete the program at a slower pace. Students remain eligible for financial aid as an undergraduate; any Graduate School aid is not available until students are admitted to the Graduate Program.
To be fully admitted to the MAT program, students must graduate with a cumulative GPA at 3.00 or above for the BS. Students then take the remaining seven graduate courses: ECLD 504, ECLD 593, ECLD 600, ECLD 602, ECLD 611, ECLD 612, ECLD 605, and MED 600 in one-year to earn the master's degree.
Accelerated M.A.T. CLD Admission
Due to its necessarily streamlined path of progression, admission to the accelerated BS/MAT in CLD occurs in a structured way. Students interested in transferring into the accelerated program must:
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 to take graduate-level courses as a Junior.
- Meet with the CEBS CLD Education Advisor prior to the start of Junior year for application (following the same procedure and meeting the same requirements as other M.A.T. applicants). Full admission is dependent on completing the B.S. requirements in the Senior year while maintaining a minimum cumulative 3.00 GPA. The program application will be signed and forwarded to the Graduate School with signatures of the program advisor indicating the approval of graduate course transfer.
- Complete ECLD 592, ECLD 594, ECLD 523 starting in the summer at the end of the sophomore year. These are the 9 credits which count towards both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
- Students must apply for completion of their B.S. degree the semester before completing the degree. To apply, students must be registered for all remaining courses in their final undergraduate semester.
Accelerated M.A.T. CLD Timeline
Outline for degree completion of the MED: Licensure: Middle School Mathematics with MAT in CLD Total 30 Credits
Sophomore year
Meet with CEBS CLD advisor and apply for the program
In Junior and Senior years, schedule the following courses based on advisement from the CLD advisor:
ECLD 523 for ECLD 341 in non-Accelerated (3 credits, counts for both degrees)
ECLD 592 for ECLD 260 in non-Accelerated (3 credits, counts for both degrees)
ECLD 594 for ECLD 380 in non-Accelerated (3 credits, counts for both degrees)
Summer after completion of Senior year to graduate with the BS.:
Complete all the following taking two courses each semester including summer:
MED 600
ECLD 593
ECLD 602
ECLD 611
ECLD 612
ECLD 504
ECLD 605