The six-year schedule of 4000-level+ courses beginning 2019 will help you plan your education to graduate in a timely manner from the Department of Mathematics at Western Michigan University.
Applied mathematics
The Bachelor of Science in applied mathematics program option provides a broad range of computational and analytical skills, practice in mathematical modeling and some fundamental knowledge of a scientific discipline. Computational and applied mathematicians are employed in a variety of positions in industry, business and government.
Select one of the following minors (in the area in which you intend to apply your mathematical talents) and then select electives that are particularly suited to the problems in that area.
Elementary and middle school mathematics
The Bachelor of Science with an elementary or middle school mathematics major provides:
- A strong mathematical and pedagogical background for those planning to teach middle school mathematics.
- Seven courses in content, all specifically designed for those entering the mathematics teaching profession.
- Development of your mathematical knowledge for teaching in two mathematics methods courses (one in elementary and one in middle school).
- A middle school field experience supervised by a mathematics educator from WMU.
Students must earn a grade of B or better in MATH 1500, 1510, 2650 and 3520. A minimum grade point average of 2.5 must be attained in this major to satisfy the requirements of this program.
Core requirements
- MATH 1500 – Number Concepts for Elementary/Middle School Teachers (four credit hours)
- MATH 1510 – Geometry for Elementary/Middle School Teachers (four credit hours)
- MATH 2650 – Probability and Statistics for Elementary/Middle School Teachers (four credit hours)
- MATH 3520 – Teaching of Elementary/Middle School Mathematics (three credit hours)
- MATH 5531 – Number Systems and Proportional Reasoning for Middle Grades Teachers (four credit hours)
- MATH 5540 – Functions and Modeling for Middle Grades Teachers (four credit hours)
- MATH 5550 – Concepts of Calculus for Middle Grades Teachers (four credit hours)
- MATH 5501 – Teaching of Middle School Mathematics (three credit hours)
- MATH 5511 – Computing Technology in Middle School Mathematics (three credit hours)
General mathematics
In addition to a strong background in mathematics, the Bachelor of Science in mathematics program stresses vigorous logical thinking and communication of abstract concepts. The general mathematics major:
- Is the most flexible mathematics major offered at WMU.
- May be combined with interests in both the natural and social sciences, by careful selection of electives.
- May be used to prepare for law school.
- Provides excellent preparation for graduate study in mathematics.
Secondary teaching of mathematics
Catalog description
Computer usage, statistics and applications of mathematics backgrounds are included in this Bachelor of Science. The secondary teaching of mathematics major:
- Combines theoretical mathematics with teaching techniques.
- Is designed for students planning to teach in junior or senior high schools.
- Is an excellent major if you are interested in a career in education because of the current national focus on improving mathematics education.
- Been tailored to meet the modern secondary school curriculum.