Mathematics Education

The Mathematics Education Bachelor’s of Arts (B.A.) is specially designed to prepare students for a career in K-12 mathematics education. It shares a rigorous approach to advanced mathematics, but requires coursework that is particularly relevant to the K-12 classroom: number theory, classical geometry, and the history of mathematics. In addition, the math education major requires experience in supervised teaching. Many math education majors also participate in CalTeach, to enhance their experience and directly connect with local schools.

In California, students seeking a single-subject credential for secondary teaching in mathematics are required to take the CSET (formerly The National Teachers Examination), a series of examinations that must be passed in order to enter a teaching-credential program. Students who are interested in teaching in high schools can obtain a waiver of the CSET Examinations by completing the mathematics education major, plus three additional specified courses. The Mathematics Department Undergraduate Adviser, the Mathematics Department’s website , and the Education Department advising office have more information about the additional required course.

Within the mathematics department, there are four major options: the Mathematics B.S. , the Mathematics Education B.A. and the Mathematics B.A. degree with concentrations in: pure mathematics and computational mathematics.

• B.A. in Mathematics Education
• The  California Teach program  ( CalTeach ) at UCSC offers K-12 internships, coursework, academic and career advising, teacher professional development and mentoring, and other support for prospective and novice teachers.
• STEM Diversity programs , including UC LEADS and CAMP , offer research opportunities, academic enrichment, and mentoring for students from under-represented groups.

Students interested in studying mathematics are strongly encouraged to take algebra, geometry, and trigonometry before entering the university. Students needing mathematics courses for their intended major are encouraged to take the math placement exam as early as possible. Math major students are strongly encouraged to start taking Math courses in their first quarter at UCSC. Delaying the start of Math major courses can affect a student's ability to complete the major on time. 

The Mathematics Department's website provides information on qualifying for the major.

Transfer Applicants: Admission into the major is based on the student’s academic college record. Effective with admission to the 2020-21 academic year, transfer students seeking to major in mathematics must complete equivalents to the following foundation courses prior to transfer:

• Mathematics 19A, Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics 
• Mathematics 19B, Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics
• Mathematics 21, Linear Algebra
• Mathematics 23A, Vector Calculus
• Additionally STAT 5 is recommended prior to transfer. Prospective students are encouraged to prioritize recommended major preparation.

For a complete list of lower-division courses visit the Math Department website. Additional articulated lower-division courses can be found at:  www.assist.org.

Students in the mathematics education track prepare for a career in K–12 mathematics education; students acquire in-depth knowledge of subjects covered at an introductory level in the classroom, including number theory, classical geometry, and the history of mathematics, and gain experience in teaching mathematics.

This major prepares students to enter into Teaching Credential and/or Master's in Education programs.

Math majors can make degree progress while studying abroad. The Math Undergraduate Vice Chair can help students select programs that match their mathematical interests and preparation, and identify courses that can satisfy major requirements. The UC Education Abroad Program (EAP) offers students an opportunity to study abroad in 40 countries with over 300 program options.

Professors of Mathematics Robert Boltje (2002), and Anthony Tromba (2002), Teaching Professor Frank Bauerle (2000 and 2014), and mathematics lecturerNandini Bhattacharya (2012) have all received Excellence in Teaching Awards.Nandini Bhattacharya received Excellence in Diversity awards in 2013 and 2005.Professor Bruce Cooperstein received the Outstanding Faculty Award from the Physical and Biological Sciences Division in 2003. Professor of Education Judit Moschkovich (2019) won the Distinguished Scholar Award (SIG-RME) from theAmerican Educational Research Association.

Mathematics Department

Mathematics Education BA

Mathematics Undergraduate Advising Office:
McHenry Library, Rm 4147

University of California, Santa Cruz
1156 High Street
Santa Cruz, California 95064
(831) 459-2969

mathadvising@ucsc.edu