Math Education Degree – Wayne State College Nebraska

Explore the Math Education Program

Math is not only a fundamental study for students of all ages, but it is also important for mental development. Become a math teacher, and you will find a rewarding career as you guide students through education and connect math concepts to other subjects. Chemistry, biology, physics, computer classes, and even music are better understood with a solid math education. Get a Math Education degree from Wayne State, and you’ll be ready to take on an important role in a school or other educational setting.

View program courses Download program fact sheet (PDF)

Endorsement information
The grade levels and subjects you want to teach are called endorsements, and depending on the type of endorsement, you are required to choose one or more in order to obtain your teaching certificate/license. The Mathematics Education program at Wayne State is a field endorsement, meaning you are not required to choose additional endorsements. However, you may add on additional endorsements if you want to do so. Learn more about endorsements.

Fast facts

Degree options: B.A. or B.S. in Mathematics Education

Endorsement type: Field endorsement
Learn more about endorsements.

Delivery format: On campus (Wayne)

Program credit hours: 75

Math core (29 credit hours)
Math endorsement (13 credit hours)
Education core courses (33 credit hours)

Note: Students must also take 30 credit hours of General Studies courses. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to graduate from WSC. Additional majors or minors can be added to help meet graduation requirements.

Schools: Science, Health, and Criminal Justice; Education and Behavioral Sciences

Departments: Physical Sciences and Mathematics; Educational Foundations and Leadership

Prepare for your future

Becoming a teacher

Field experience and clinical practice

As a student pursuing a teaching career in math, you’ll complete field experiences and clinical practice. Some field experiences are embedded within the coursework of WSC’s educator preparation programs. Once you’ve completed the initial field experience requirements, you’ll then complete a semester of clinical practice (student teaching) in a school district chosen with the help of your adviser. During this semester, you’ll work closely with an experienced teacher to gain classroom experience.

Learn more about clinical practice

Northeast Nebraska Teacher Academy (NENTA)

Student teaching is a requirement for teacher certification in all 50 states and provides you with critical real-life experience before gaining a classroom of your own. Only Wayne State College adds to this experience through the Northeast Nebraska Teacher Academy (NENTA), a program that allows you to substitute teach as a junior and get paid, all while still earning your degree.

Learn more about NENTA

Student learning outcomes

Math programs

Demonstrate professional communication skills in Family and Consumer Sciences settings.
Apply knowledge from their program of study to current and future issues in Family and Consumer Sciences.
Utilize critical thinking for problem solving in Family and Consumer Sciences settings.

Education programs
Teacher candidates who successfully complete an education preparation program at Wayne State will be able to:

Create environments that support individual and collaborative learning using knowledge of how students grow and develop, along with individual differences and diverse cultures. (InTASC Standards 1-3)
Plan for instruction by applying content knowledge, a variety of instructional strategies, and multiple methods of assessment to connect concepts for learners in real-world applications. (InTASC Standards 4-8)
Engage in ongoing professional learning and use evidence to reflect on and adapt practice to meet the needs of each learner. (InTASC Standard 9)
Seek leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with stakeholders, and to advance the profession. (InTASC Standard 10)

View InTASC Standards for Educator Preparation

Topics covered

Mathematics topics covered

Analytical and numerical methods of solution in math and science
Developing proofs for abstract mathematics
Discrete mathematics
Parametric, polar, cylindrical, and spherical equations
Matrix algebra
Calculus-based probability and statistics
History and technology of math
Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometry
Abstract group theory, polynomial ring theory
Connecting math knowledge to teaching math in middle and secondary levels

Education topics covered

Math teaching and curriculum development for grades 6-12
Teaching as a profession
Human learning processes and behavior
Instructional design methodologies, implementation, and evaluation
Educational collaboration and equitable learning opportunities
Classroom management

Admission to Wayne State College does not guarantee entry into its educator preparation programs. Students planning to pursue professional education must undergo a background check along with meeting other requirements (benchmarks) and advance through three levels of preparation required to become a teacher.

Level One - Preparing for Teacher Candidacy
In this level, students apply for educator preparation and complete some of the preliminary coursework of the program. Students will need to pass an initial background check as well. View all Level One benchmarks.

Level Two - Preparing for Clinical Practice
In Level Two, students will prepare for student teaching by passing the required courses, meeting evidence to show their readiness, and pass a complete background check. View all Level Two benchmarks.

Level Three - Clinical Practice
Level Three is the final level and includes the successful completion of clinical practice and meeting the degree requirements for graduation from Wayne State. Students will also register to take the Praxis Exam. Passing the Praxis Exam is not a graduation requirement; however, it is required to earn a teaching license for the state in which you want to teach. View all Level Three benchmarks.

Benchmarks and Levels of Educator Preparation

Teacher certification

After successfully completing a teacher education program at Wayne State, you’ll submit your application to become a licensed teacher in Nebraska.

Initial Teacher Certification

State licensure disclosure

Wayne State's Mathematics Education program is designed to prepare students for teacher licensure or certification in Nebraska. It has not been determined if these programs meet requirements for all other states.

If you are planning to pursue professional licensure or certification in a state other than Nebraska, it is strongly recommended that you contact the appropriate licensing entity in that state to seek information and guidance regarding licensure or certification requirements before beginning an academic program.

Math Education Licensure Disclosure for all States About State Authorization and Licensure

Graduates with a degree in Mathematics Education teach in schools using the skills they learned while at Wayne State College.

Jobs of recent graduates:

7-8 Grade Teacher – Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Middle School (Hartley, Iowa)
7-8 Grade Teacher – Winnebago Public Schools (Winnebago, Neb.)
7-9 Grade Math Teacher – Plainview Public Schools (Plainview, Neb.)
7-12 Grade Math Teacher – Grand Island Public Schools (Grand Island, Neb.)
8-10 Grade Math Teacher – Battle Creek Public Schools (Battle Creek, Neb.)
9-12 Grade Math Teacher – Stanton Public Schools (Stanton, Neb.)
Math Teacher – Columbus High School (Columbus, Neb.)
Math Teacher – Elkhorn Public Schools (Elkhorn, Neb.)
Math Teacher – Lincoln Public Schools (Lincoln, Neb.)
Math Teacher – Madison Public Schools (Madison, Neb.)
Math Teacher – Millard Public Schools (Millard, Neb.)
Math Teacher – Norfolk Public Schools (Norfolk, Neb.)
Math Teacher – William Henry Harrison High School (West Lafayette, Ind.)
High School Math Mentor – Quest Forward Academy Omaha (Omaha, Neb.)
Secondary Math Teacher – Wisner-Pilger Public Schools (Wisner, Neb.)

job or grad school placement rate
within six months of graduation
Data based on most recent
employment outcomes survey

After graduating from Wayne State College, recent grads pursued advanced degrees at the following schools:

Mathematics (Ph.D.) – University of Kansas (Lawrence, Kan.)

Cost of attendance

Most Affordable College in Nebraska

- College Affordability Guide, 2024

Wayne State is considered the most affordable four-year college or university in Nebraska. With same rates for in- and out-of-state students, our tuition guarantee, and our generous scholarship packages, it is clear to see how WSC earned the title. In fact, the average remaining annual cost of attendance for 2024-25 is $2,268 for undergraduate students after financial aid and scholarships.

Math core courses (29 credit hours)

Credits: 5
Description: Integration techniques, parametric equations, polar equations, conic sections, infinite sequences and series.
Prerequisite: “C-” or better in MAT 140 Calculus I
Credits: 3
Description: A bridge course into abstract mathematics. Proof construction and craft, quantifiers, logical connectives, and structure of valid arguments.
Prerequisite: “C-” or better in MAT 140 Calculus I
Credits: 3
Description: Sets, relations, functions, graphs, trees, combinatorics, logic, recurrence relations, algorithms, and proofs.
Prerequisite: “C-” or better in MAT 140 Calculus I, or at least Sophomore standing with an ACT math score of at least 27, or at least Sophomore Standing with a “C-” or better in CSC 310 Data Structures.
Credits: 5
Description: Vectors and vector calculus, cylindrical and spherical equations, the theory and application of partial derivatives and multiple integrals, including Green’s and Stokes’ Theorems.
Prerequisite: “C-” grade or better in MAT 240 Calculus II
Credits: 4
Description: Topics in matrix algebra including determinants, abstract vector spaces, transformations, orthogonality, and eigensystems. Students perform calculations and construct proofs in each of these topics.
Prerequisite: “C-” or better in either MAT 270 Transitions to Advanced Mathematics or MAT 340 Calculus III
Credits: 4
Description: Supremums and infimums, Cauchy sequences, limits, continuity, differentiation, integration, and point-set topology. Student proof construction is emphasized.
Prerequisite: “C-” or better in MAT 340 Calculus III.
Credits: 4
Description: Calculus based probability and statistics with theory and applications. Topics include discrete, continuous, multivariate and sampling distributions; moment generating functions; confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation, regression, and analysis of variance. Traditional and resampling/bootstrapping methods are employed.
Prerequisite: "C-" or better in MAT 340 Calculus III
Credits: 2
Description: A capstone experience where students study mathematics, history and technology and do mathematical problems that require knowledge from several previous courses in the major.
Prerequisite: At least 27 hours of MAT courses numbered 140 or above
Credits: 0
Description: A review of students in their final semester of MAT courses. Students will take the Major Field Test in Mathematics and take an exit survey. Additional $25 course fee required. Carries no credit. (Graded S/NC)
Prerequisite: Senior standing

Math endorsement area courses (13 credit hours)

Credits: 3
Description: Formal axiomatic development of neutral and Euclidean geometry with an emphasis on valid arguments. Non-Euclidean geometry will also be investigated.
Prerequisite: C- or better in MAT 140 Calculus I
Credits: 4
Description: Abstract group theory including fundamental group homomorphism theorems. The course concludes with polynomial ring theory. Student proof construction is emphasized.
Prerequisite: C- or better in MAT 350 Linear Algebra
Credits: 2
Description: This is a capstone experience where middle level or secondary mathematics education students connect mathematical knowledge from previous courses in their major to the teaching of mathematics in middle and secondary level mathematics.
Prerequisite: C- or better in MAT 140 Calculus I and Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks)
Corequisite: Recommended to take concurrently with EDU 409 Content Area Methods and Assessment
Credits: 0
Description: An additional review of mathematics field endorsement students in their final semester. Students will take the Praxis II Mathematics Content Exam (5161). Carries no credit. Graded S/NC.
Prerequisite: Senior standing
You must take six (6) credit hours fromMAT courses numbered 180 or above. For a complete listing and description of courses, view the course catalog.

Educator preparation core (33 credit hours)

Credits: 3

Description: Students are introduced to teaching as a profession through the historical, cultural, and philosophical foundations of educational systems. Students will explore various aspects of education, as well as their beliefs and values about teaching and learning through the exploration of professional knowledge, practice, and values. This course may include a field experience.
Credits: 0
Description: This course is designed for students in Level 1 of WSC’s educator preparation programs who are progressing into Level 2. Students will receive valuable information including, but not limited to, admission, program progression, degree and certification requirements, the use of portfolio software, professional dispositions for success, etc.

Notes: Graded S/NC
Credits: 3
Description: Students construct a conceptual basis for understanding the growth and development of learners. Theories of physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development are explored in order to better understand the importance of the nurturing role of the teacher in human development and learning. Students begin to understand the human learning process and individual differences in how learners think and behave based on their unique characteristics. Students study theoretical models and the integration of models for planning and facilitating effective and differentiated experiences for diversified learners. This course will include field experience.
Prerequisite: EDU 150 Introduction to Professional Education
Corequisite: EDU 245 Preparing for Level 2: Teacher Candidacy
Credits: 3
Description: Students will practice instructional design methodologies or analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. To explore and learn to recognize their biases, including but not limited to sexism, racism, prejudice, and discrimination, students will develop an awareness of the impact such biases have on their interpersonal relations. Students will be challenged to reflect on how they can relate more effectively to other individuals and groups in a pluralistic society in order to promote equitable approaches to instructional design. This course fulfills the human relations component established by the Nebraska Department of Education. This course may include a field experience.
Prerequisites: EDU 150 Introduction to Professional Education and EDU 250 Human Development and Cognition must be taken concurrently or prior to this course.
Credits: 2
Description: This course outlines the essentials of the reading processes and skills necessary for secondary students to become proficient learners of content, the incorporation of reading instruction into content delivery, and examination of the Nebraska Language Arts standards. The course also provides candidates with a solid foundation in educational assessment.
Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks)
This course must be taken to meet the requirement for 3 semester hours of professional education coursework in pedagogical content knowledge.
Credits: 3
Description: This course examines the essential knowledge, skills, dispositions, and innovative applications of content needed for effective teaching in the 21st century. Specific content-area topics include instructional planning for differentiated instruction; effective strategies, techniques, materials, and assessment methods; reading and writing in the content area; classroom management; and the relationship of the content area to standards-based curriculum. To be taken concurrently with EDU 414 Content Area Practicum Experience.
Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks)
Credits: 1
Description: This 80-clock hour minimum content specific clinical experience (60 hours in classroom plus 20 hours in activities related to teaching) is designed to induct students into classroom teaching and develop an awareness of the many roles of a professional educator. Under the mentorship of a practicing K-12 educator, students will assist/co-teach/teach. Students will also actively participate in school-related activities commonly encountered by professional educators.
Prerequisites: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks), and successful completion or concurrent enrollment in EDU 409 Content Area Methods and Materials
Credits: 0
Description: This course is designed for graduate students in Level 2 of WSC’s educator preparation program who are progressing into Level 3 and those completing clinical practice to change endorsement levels. Two virtual sessions will be held at the beginning of each academic session for graduate teacher candidates planning to student teach in the following semester. Graduate teacher candidates will attend one of the two virtual sessions to receive valuable information including, but not limited to, how to apply for Clinical Practice, an overview of Clinical Practice requirements, rules regarding placement choices and department approval requirements.

Dual-listed: EDU 545
Notes: Graded S/NC
Credits: 12
Description: A semester course of full-day learning experiences in a secondary setting under the supervision of a cooperating 7-12 classroom teacher, a supervisor from the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, and a faculty member from the appropriate content area. On-campus seminars will be offered periodically throughout the semester. This is the culminating experience of the secondary pre-service educator preparation program. Students in the Career Scholars Program will enroll for 3 credit hours in their first semester and 12 credit hours in their second semester (this course may be repeated by residency students only). All other students will enroll in 6 or 12 credit hours in one semester. Graded S/NC.
Prerequisite: Acceptance to Clinical Practice (successful completion of Level 2 Benchmarks)
Notes: Graded S/NC. Students in the Growing Together residency program will enroll for 3 credit hours in their first semester and 12 credit hours in their second semester (this course may be repeated by residency students only). All other students will enroll in 6 or 12 credit hours in one semester
Credits: 3
Description: The course will explore applications of methods and strategies within elementary and secondary settings to provide equitable learning opportunities within least restrictive learning environments for all students. An emphasis is placed on communication and collaboration among professionals and families to ensure the needs of all students are met.
Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks)
- SPD 435 Classroom Management Through Social-Emotional Learning K-6 (3 credits) – Understanding social and emotional development of all learners while considering Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). Emphasis on implications for the inclusive learning environment; promotion of social competence; awareness of prosocial skills; and effective utilization of responsive relationships. Completing the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process and developing the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) product to meet the needs of elementary learners. Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation.
- SPD 436 Classroom Management Through Social-Emotional Learning 7-12 (3 credits) – Understanding social and emotional development of all learners while considering Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). Emphasis on implications for the inclusive learning environment, promotion of social competence, awareness of prosocial skills, and effective utilization of responsive relationships. Completing the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process and developing the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) product to meet the needs of secondary learners. Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation.

Popular pairings

Many students at Wayne State will add an extra endorsement to make themselves more marketable and expand their teaching abilities. Students who recently majored in Mathematics Education at Wayne State also paired this program with one or more of the following endorsements

Coaching (supplemental endorsement)
ESL Education (supplemental endorsement)
Special Education Generalist 7-12 (subject endorsement)

View all majors and minors

Related programs

Students interested in the Mathematics Education endorsement may also be interested in

Applied Mathematics
Elementary Education (K-6)
Middle Level Education (5-9)
Pure Mathematics

Coming to college, I knew I wanted to be challenged, so I decided that a major in mathematics would provide me with that challenge I wanted. With mathematics being so universal, it provides me with skills that are applicable to many different jobs as well as everyday life. My professors were very supportive in helping me pursue a career in mathematics. They want every student to be successful and will provide you with the materials and resources to be successful in whatever you want to pursue.

Mariah Dendinger

Crofton, Nebraska

Majors: Math Education, Pure Mathematics