Biology - Major in Biology Program

Students seeking secondary education certification in mathematics must complete: a major in mathematics including the following:
MAS 322 Abstract Algebra

Introduction to algebraic structures including groups, rings and fields. Prerequisites: MAS 202 and MAS 222. 3 credits.

MAS 325 Geometry

Axiomatic development of absolute, Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometries. Prerequisites: MAS 202 and MAS 222. 3 credits.

CDS 142 Programming I

This course introduces the fundamentals of computer programming using the Java programming language. Control structures, types and the type system, and the design of methods and classes will be considered. 3 credits.

One course from:
MAS 270 Intermediate Statistics

A more advanced version of MAS 170 intended for students with some calculus background. Fulfills requirement: Quantitative Reasoning. Prerequisite: MAS 111 or MAS 161. A student may not receive credit for both MAS 170 and MAS 270. 3 credits.

MAS 372 Statistical Modeling

Study of various modeling techniques including regression, decision trees, unsupervised learning, and time series methods with implementation in the computer language R. The course also provides an introduction to generalized linear models and generalized additive models. MAS 372 covers the material on SOA exam SRM - Statistics for Risk Modeling. Prerequisite: MAS 371. 3 credits.

Required education courses:
SED 115 Introduction to Teaching and Learning

This course is designed to provide an introduction to secondary education majors about how people learn and how to successfully use that information in the classroom. It will cover the characteristics of secondary schools and students and the management of teaching and learning resources. 2 hours a week of fieldwork is required. 3 credits.

SED 366 Teaching of Mathematics in the Secondary Schools

This course will offer comprehensive preparation for teaching mathematics in secondary schools through discussing, reading, writing, and completing projects. Students enrolled in this course will explore and utilize materials, techniques and methods of instruction for a variety of populations; synthesize, reconfigure and connect what they have learned within the areas of mathematical literacy, writing, and education; evaluate student work by creating their own rubrics to assess learning in units and assignments for all students including those with disabilities; use technology effectively as an instructional tool; establish and practice appropriate classroom management strategies for all students including those with disabilities; design lessons/units of study that meaningfully integrate different and varied aspects of mathematics; explore and utilize materials, techniques and methods of classroom instruction for a variety of populations. 4 hours a week of fieldwork is required. Prerequisites: Mathematics major or permission. 3 credits.

SED 421 Content Area Literacy

This course will guide preservice students to develop competencies in teaching literacy strategies in their content area subject(s) in middle and high school. Emphasis will be placed on teaching activities, specialized skills, technology skills and study strategies for learning substantive content. 4 hours a week of fieldwork is required. Prerequisite: SED 115. 3 credits.

SED 431 Practicum and Methods II

This course is designed to provide preservice secondary education students with the skills to develop an integrated approach to teaching and learning. Students will create lesson and unit plans and develop integrated curricula. 4 hours a week of fieldwork is required. Prerequisites: SED 115, 421; secondary teacher certification candidate; junior or senior status; permission of the instructor; must be taken the semester prior to SED 440. 3 credits.

SED 440 Student Teaching

Students spend an entire semester in an area school under the supervision of a cooperating teacher. Fulfills requirement: Immersive Experience. Prerequisites: A cumulative grade point average at or above the minimum GPA specified by PDE for the secondary 7-12 certificate, SED 431 and the appropriate teaching of course for the content certification, completion of all Chapter 354 and Act 49-2 course requirements. 12 credits.

SED 450 Curriculum and Instruction for the Young Adolescent

Learn about teaching and working with young adolescents aged 10-15. You will explore the social, emotional, physical and intellectual development of young adolescents, through different media, a school visitation, possible conference attendance, discussions, and research. Fulfills requirement: Critical Thinking through Writing. Prerequisite: Take SED 115, SPE 250 and 255. 3 credits.