MAJOR IN MATH & SCIENCE EDUCATION

The Math and Science Education major at Black Hills State University equips students to meet the tremendous demand for math and science teachers. The program provides a composite teaching major in science and math. Students prepare to teach math and select a science teaching field from biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics.

A high percentage of BHSU graduates in Math and Science Education are hired immediately after graduation, since they are well prepared to teach in two fields greatly needed throughout the nation. They are also prepared to enter graduate schools in education, research, science, or law.

Why BHSU?

• Experience small class sizes and hands-on instruction provided by knowledgeable and caring faculty
• Participate in research opportunities with faculty actively engaged in meaningful research and grant projects
• Enhance your math experience by becoming a tutor
• Join student organizations that sponsor special presentations, outreach activities, and trips to regional conferences

Math and Science Education Major Course Requirements

Required Core

• 3 CSC 150 Computer Science I
• 4 MATH 123 Calculus I
• 4 MATH 125 Calculus II
• 4 MATH 225 Calculus III
• 3 MATH 281 Introduction to Statistics
• 3 MATH 361 Modern Geometry
• 3 MATH 351 Foundations of Mathematics
• Take one course from the following:
• 3 MATH 413 Abstract Algebra I
• 3 MATH 425 Real Analysis I

Take one course from the following:

• 3 MATH 315 Linear Algebra
• 3 MATH 316 Discrete Mathematics
• 3 MATH 321 Differential Equations
• 3 MATH 411 Theory of Numbers
• 3 MATH 413 Abstract Algebra I
• 3 MATH 416 Combinatorics
• 3 MATH 423 Advanced Calculus I
• 3 MATH 481 Probability and Statistics

Methods

• 2 SEED 413 7-12 Science Methods
• 3 SEED 418 7-12 Math Methods

Choose one area of science:

Biology - 24 semester hours

• 4 BIOL 151 General Biology I & 151L Lab
• 4 BIOL 153 General Biology II 153L Lab
• 4 BIOL 311 Principles of Ecology & 311L Lab
• 4 BIOL 325 Physiology & 325L Lab
• 4 BIOL 331 Microbiology & 331L Lab
• 4 BIOL 371 Genetics & 371L Lab

Chemistry - 20 semester hours

• 4 CHEM 112 General Chemistry I & 112L Lab
• 4 CHEM 114 General Chemistry II & 114L Lab
• 4 CHEM 326 Organic Chemistry I & 326L Lab
• 4 CHEM 328 Organic Chemistry II & 328L Lab
• 4 CHEM 332 Analytical Chemistry & 332L Lab

Earth Science - 20 semester hours

• 4 GEOL 201 Physical Geology & 201L Lab
• 4 GEOL 203 Historical Geology & 203L Lab
• 3 GEOL 321 Conservation of Natural Resources
• 3 PHYS 185 Introduction to Astronomy & 185L Lab
• Take two courses from the following:
• GEOL 340 Mineralogy/Petrology
• GEOL 350 Environmental Geology
• GEOL 370 Hydrogeology
• SCI 388 Global Positioning & Geographical Information Systems

Physics - 19 semester hours

• 3 PHYS 185 Introduction to Astronomy & 185L Lab
• 5 PHYS 211 University Physics I & 211L Lab
• 5 PHYS 213 University Physics II & 213L Lab
• 3 PHYS 331 Introduction to Modern Physics
• Take one of the following:
• 3 PHYS 451 Classical Mechanics
• 3 PHYS 471 Quantum Mechanics

Pre-Professional Teaching Core - 18 semester hours

• EDFN 295 Practicum: Pre-Admission
• EDFN 338 Foundations of American Education
• EPSY 302 Educational Psychology
• EPSY 428 Child & Adolescent Development
• INED 411 South Dakota Indian Studies
• PSYC 101 General Psychology (gen ed)
• SPED 100 Intro to Person with Exceptionalities

Professional Secondary Ed Teaching Core - 26 semester hours

• EDFN 365 Computer Based Technology & Learning
• EDFN 375 Methods of Technology Integration
• EDFN 440 Classroom Management
• MLED 480 Middle Level Methods
• SEED 408 Planning, Managing @ Assessing the 7-12 Diverse Classroom
• SEED 450 Reading and Content Literacy
• SEED 495 Practicum
• EDFN 475 Human Relations
• SEED 488 7-12 Student Teaching

Gen Ed Requirements - 30 semester hours

• 3 ENGL 101 Composition I
• 3 ENGL 201 Composition II
• 3 MATH Gen Ed - Mathematics satisfied by major
• 3 SPCM Speech 101, 215, or 222
• 6* Gen Ed - Social Science
• 6* Gen Ed - Arts & Humanities
• 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.

* Global Requirement: depending on your selection, this requirement will satisfy 3 hours of either Social Science or Arts & Humanities requirements. Take 1 course from AIS/HIST 257, ANTH 210, ARTH 211/212/251, ENGL 211/212, GEOG 210, HIST 121/122/153, HUM 100, MCOM 151, POLS 141/250

*Current students, please refer to the DegreeWorks Dashboard in MyBHSU to confirm your major requirements.

How can I take part? Get involved in math and science at BHSU.

Internships and field experiences are an important part of our program and are coordinated by the faculty.  Students spend a minimum of 45 hours in the classrooms during their sophomore year, 100 hours during their junior year, and end their program with a 16 week student teaching experience.  Some students may qualify for Project Select.
 
You can join student organizations like the student chapter of the National Teachers of Science and take advantage of the large math and science teacher’s library held at the Center for the Advancement of Mathematics and Science Education (CAMSE) at BHSU.