In this program, students take mathematics and professional courses that prepare them to meet the educational requirements for the New Jersey certificate to teach mathematics K–12. Students participate in student-teaching experiences in their senior year. A 5-year Urban Secondary Education option and a 5-year Special Secondary Education option that leads to a Master’s degree in addition to the K-12 Mathematics certification are available.
The Undergraduate Bulletin contains the official list of major requirements. However, students will meet all their requirements by completing the major requirements listed below and in the checklist, meeting the department’s retention and GPA requirements, and completing TCNJ’s College Core requirements. To be certified upon program completion, one must also have a 3.0 overall GPA, pass the Mathematics Praxis II exam, and pass the New Jersey TPA performance-based assessment. Below are additional program documents and other information about the programs. For more information, please contact your advisor or the mathematics education coordinator.
Major Requirements
Mathematics Secondary Education Correlates (5 units)
Complete all four courses:
- MAT 127: Calculus A
- MAT 128: Calculus B
- CSC 220: CS I: Computer Problem Solving
- STA 216: Statistical Inference and Probability for Educators
Complete one course:
- BIO 201: Foundations of Biological Inquiry
- CHE 201: General Chemistry I
- PHY 201: General Physics I
Mathematics Core (9 units)
- MAT 099: Orientation to Mathematics and Statistics
- MAT 200: Proof Writing Through Discrete Mathematics
- MAT 205: Linear Algebra
- MAT 229: Multivariable Calculus
- MAT 255: Perspectives on the Development of Mathematics
- MAT 301: Number Theory
- MAT 305: Abstract Algebra
- MAT 310: Real Analysis
- MAT 351: Geometry
- MAT 497: Topics in Secondary Mathematics from an Advanced Viewpoint
Mathematics Secondary Education Options (2 units)
Complete two courses:
- MAT or STA 300/400 Level Options
At most one course unit of Independent Study, Guided Study, Independent
Research, or Internships may count as one of the “Options Courses”.
Mathematics Secondary Education Sequence (9 units)
- ELE 90: Core Skills for Educators
- SED 99: College Seminar
- SPE 103: Social & Legal Foundation Spec Education
- EFN 299: Schools, Communities & Culture
- SED 224: Adolescent Learning &Development
- MTT 380: Methods of Teaching Mathematics I
To move from pre-candidacy to candidacy in the secondary education program you must meet the following conditions:
a) All candidates must earn a B- in EFN 299, SED 224, and SPE 103. Math majors must achieve a C- in MTT 380.
b) Meet NJ Department of Education basic skills requirement which can be fulfilled by the SAT, ACT, and Praxis Core Academic Skills
- MTT 390: Methods of Teaching Math II
- SED 399: Pedagogy in Secondary Schools
- RAL 328: Reading in Secondary Education: Supporting Adolescent Literacies
To move forward to Clinical Practice II in the program students must:
a) Achieve a minimum of B- in all courses in Clinical Practice I.
b) Achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 (or obtain approval from Program Coordinator)
c) Have taken the Praxis II
d) Have completed STA 216, MAT 301, MAT 351, and MAT 305 and all but at most 3 of their math major requirements.
- MTT 490: Student Teaching Math
- SED 498: Collaborative Capstone for Professional Inquiry
To successfully complete the program and be recommended to the NJ Department of Education for certification, students must:
a) Earn a B- in SED 498 and B- in MTT 490
b) Pass the Praxis II
c) Maintain at least a GPA of 3.0
d) Pass New Jersey TPA
College Core Requirements for Mathematics Secondary Education Majors
Students must complete in their freshman year:
First Seminar (FYS)
FYW 102
First-year Community Engagement
Students must complete one course in each of the following areas:
Literary, Visual, or Performing Arts
Historical Perspectives
Students must complete a course or experience in each of the following areas.
These may be from among the courses listed above; they need not be separate course units.
First-year Community Engagement
Gender & Sexuality
Global Perspectives
Race & Ethnicity
Students must complete a language exam or a set of courses to exhibit mastery of a language at the 103-level or 102-level if starting a new language.**
*5-year programs have additional education requirements.
**5-year Mathematics Secondary Special Education major does not require language.
Program Documents for the Secondary Mathematics Major
- Mathematics Secondary Education Requirement Checklist
- The four-year Planner gives a suggested schedule plan for taking the courses in your major:
- Mathematics Secondary Education
- 5-Year Urban Mathematics Secondary Education:
- For students declaring the major in the current academic year:
- Past years: 2022-2023 Precalculus; Calculus; 2021-22 Precalculus; Calculus; 2020-21, 2019-20, 2018-19
- 5-Year Mathematics Secondary Special Education Program:
- Advisement Guide:
- Graduation and retention standards
- Learning Goals