A math and science education composite major is a specialized academic program that combines the study of mathematics and various branches of science, including biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics. This interdisciplinary approach is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of both mathematics and the sciences, enabling them to bridge the gap between these two often closely related fields as they move into a career in education.
Students in these programs develop strong problem-solving skills, as both mathematics and the sciences require analytical thinking and quantitative reasoning. Graduates gain a broad knowledge of the natural world and how mathematical concepts can be applied to various scientific phenomena. This can be particularly useful for research, data analysis, or interdisciplinary fields. The combination of math and science knowledge can be valuable in fields like biostatistics, bioinformatics, or environmental modeling.
Mathematics & Science Education Major Course Requirements
Required Core
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3 CSC 150 Computer Science I
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4 MATH 123 Calculus I
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4 MATH 125 Calculus II
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4 MATH 225 Calculus III
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3 MATH 281 Introduction to Statistics
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3 MATH 361 Modern Geometry
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3 MATH 351 Foundations of Mathematics
Take one course from the following:
Take one course from the following:
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3 MATH 315 Linear Algebra
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3 MATH 316 Discrete Mathematics
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3 MATH 321 Differential Equations
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3 MATH 411 Theory of Numbers
- 3 MATH 416 Combinatorics
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3 MATH 481 Probability and Statistics
Methods
Choose one area of science:
Biology - 24 semester hours
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4 BIOL 151 General Biology I & 151L Lab
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4 BIOL 153 General Biology II 153L Lab
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4 BIOL 311 Principles of Ecology & 311L Lab
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4 BIOL 325 Physiology & 325L Lab
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4 BIOL 331 Microbiology & 331L Lab
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4 BIOL 371 Genetics & 371L Lab
Chemistry - 20 semester hours
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4 CHEM 112 General Chemistry I & 112L Lab
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4 CHEM 114 General Chemistry II & 114L Lab
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4 CHEM 326 Organic Chemistry I & 326L Lab
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4 CHEM 328 Organic Chemistry II & 328L Lab
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4 CHEM 332 Analytical Chemistry & 332L Lab
Earth Science - 20 semester hours
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4 GEOL 201 Physical Geology & 201L Lab
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4 GEOL 203 Historical Geology & 203L Lab
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3 GEOL 321 Conservation of Natural Resources
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3 PHYS 185 Introduction to Astronomy & 185L Lab
Take two courses from the following:
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GEOL 340 Mineralogy/Petrology
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GEOL 350 Environmental Geology
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GEOL 370 Hydrogeology
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SCI 388 Global Positioning & Geographical Information Systems
Physics - 19 semester hours
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3 PHYS 185 Introduction to Astronomy & 185L Lab
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5 PHYS 211 University Physics I & 211L Lab
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5 PHYS 213 University Physics II & 213L Lab
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3 PHYS 331 Introduction to Modern Physics
Take one of the following:
Pre-Professional Teaching Core - 18 semester hours
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1 EDFN 295 Practicum: Pre-Admission
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2 EDFN 338 Foundations of American Education
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3 EPSY 302 Educational Psychology
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3 EPSY 428 Child & Adolescent Development
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3 INED 411 South Dakota Indian Studies
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3 PSYC 101 General Psychology (gen ed)
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3 SPED 100 Intro to Person with Exceptionalities
Professional Secondary Ed Teaching Core - 26 semester hours
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3 EDFN 365 Computer-Based Technology & Learning
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1 EDFN 375 Methods of Technology Integration
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1 SEED 440 Classroom Management
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2 MLED 480 Middle Level Methods
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3 SEED 408 Planning, Managing @ Assessing the 7-12 Diverse Classroom
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3 SEED 450 Reading and Content Literacy
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1 SEED 495 Practicum
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3 EDFN 475 Human Relations
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1-16 SEED 488 7-12 Student Teaching
Gen Ed Requirements - 30 semester hours
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3 ENGL 101 Composition I
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3 ENGL 201 Composition II
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3 MATH Gen Ed - Mathematics satisfied by major
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3 CMST Gen Ed - Speech
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6* Gen Ed - Social Science
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6* Gen Ed - Arts & Humanities
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6-8 Gen Ed - Natural Science & Lab satisfied by major
A minor is NOT required with this major, but electives are required to total 120 hours. Students are encouraged to pursue a minor.
**Course requirements may vary by academic year. To view the requirements for your academic year, please visit Registration & Records for status sheets.**
Status Sheets
