The mathematics/statistics education (composite) major is designed to prepare teachers of mathematics at the middle and high school levels. USU is one of the only universities in the nation where students can be certified to teach both mathematics and statistics in one degree program, which makes them more marketable and competitive for teaching positions. USUs program has also served as a model for other universities that wish to create similar programs.
USUs math education program is recognized as the largest and the best in the state, with 100% of its graduates receiving teaching positions in school districts upon graduation. Students in the program learn much higher math than they will ever teach in middle school or high school, making them experts in their subject area. They also take methods courses where they learn how to teach the material to students and have early experience in actual classrooms, making them more familiar and comfortable with these settings before they begin their student teaching.
Education Component:
In order to obtain a secondary teaching license for grades 6-12, students must complete the 35-credit Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP), which includes one semester of student teaching in a public school. This program is administered by USUs School of Teacher Education and Leadership (TEAL) within the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services. Student must apply to the School of TEAL the semester before taking STEP courses. This is usually the fall of their junior year. Students learn subject content through the Mathematics and Statistics Department, and spend the last year or two studying education techniques through the STEP program.
Students in the mathematics/statistics education (composite) program do not need to have a minor because the program provides students with knowledge in several subject areas, therefore, expanding their career options.