Mathematics: Secondary Education Certification, B.A. or B.S.

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Mathematics Major Requirements

Students planning to major in mathematics may earn either a B.A. or B.S. degree. Ideally, mathematics majors should be prepared to enroll in MA 140 or a higher course during the first semester at Millikin. MA 098 , MA 109 , MA 110 , MA 112 , MA 113 , MA 115 , and MA 130 do not count toward a major or minor.

All majors are required to complete the common foundation courses. This foundation is comprised of the following five mathematics courses.

MA 140 - Calculus I Credit(s): 4
MA 208 - Discrete Mathematics Credit(s): 3
MA 240 - Calculus II Credit(s): 4
MA 303 - Linear Algebra Credit(s): 3
MA 304 - Probability Credit(s): 3

Foundation Course Requirements

The school may waive one or more of the foundation course requirements for students with advanced high school mathematics preparation. There are four options for students interested in a mathematics major.

Mathematics
Mathematics with emphasis in Actuarial Science. The actuarial science track is identified by the Society of Actuaries’ website as an advanced curriculum undergraduate actuarial science program (UCAP-AC). Additionally, some courses in this track have been approved by the Society of Actuaries to earn Validation by Educational Experience (VEE).
Mathematics with emphasis in Data Science
Mathematics with Secondary Education Certification. The secondary mathematics education program is an Illinois State Board of Education Approved Program for the Preparation of Educational Personnel in Illinois Institutions of Higher Education.

Below are the additional requirements for each of the four options.

Major in Mathematics with Secondary Education Certification

The secondary mathematics education program is an Illinois State Board of Education Approved Program for the Preparation of Educational Personnel in Illinois Institutions of Higher Education. Students interested in teacher certification should elect this option. In addition to the foundation requirements, students must take:

MA 301 - College Geometry Credit(s): 3
MA 320 - History of Mathematics Credit(s): 3
MA 403 - Abstract Algebra Credit(s): 3
MA 425 - Methods of Teaching Secondary and Middle School Mathematics, Grades 5-12 Credit(s): 3
MA 471 - Internship in Methods of Teaching Mathematics Credit(s): 3

Two courses selected from:

MA 305 - Differential Equations Credit(s): 3
MA 313 - Numerical Analysis Credit(s): 3
MA 314 - Mathematical Statistics Credit(s): 3
MA 340 - Calculus III Credit(s): 4
MA 420 - Mathematical Logic Credit(s): 3
MA 440 - Advanced Calculus Credit(s): 3
MA 491 - Independent Study Credit(s): 2 or 3 per Semester
MA 492 - Independent Study Credit(s): 2 or 3 per Semester
MA 493 - Independent Study Credit(s): 2 or 3 per Semester
MA 494 - Independent Study Credit(s): 2 or 3 per Semester

Note

Teacher certification in the State of Illinois mandates students earn a C- or better in all required mathematics and education courses. Teacher certification also requires specific coursework in education and other areas. See the School of Education section for details. Students should consider preparation in a second teaching field to increase the breadth of their knowledge and the probability of finding a teaching position upon graduation. Students may select to add a concentration in Special Education, English as a Second Language, or Bilingual Education to their education major. Completion of this concentration will meet the requirements of adding this area as an added endorsement of to the teaching license.

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