What grades will I be able to teach?

It depends on your state and which Teachers College program you complete, so it is best to ask your Enrollment Counselor. Typically, teachers with an elementary education license can teach anywhere from kindergarten through 8th grade, and secondary teachers in math, English, or science can teach anywhere from 5th to 12th grades. K–12 special education licenses typically enable teachers to work with students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

How long is Demonstration (student) Teaching?

It depends on your state and your program, but for most Teachers College programs, Demonstration Teaching is typically about the length of one full traditional school semester. DT is a minimum of 12–16 weeks, but it can be longer in other programs.

How do I set up my Demonstration Teaching?

WGU has a team that works with you to connect you with schools in your area, and with host teachers that will support you through their Demonstration Teaching.

Can I use my own classroom for the Demonstration Teaching placement?

Your Enrollment Counselor can provide more details about your specific situation. While you can provide recommendations of a school you want to be placed in, generally, our Field Placement Office will be selecting and setting up the placement in the end.

Will this program lead to a teaching license in my state?

Your Enrollment Counselor has access to an up-to-date database that tracks requirements and eligibility for all WGU programs and all US states and territories, so a conversation with your Enrollment Counselor can quickly verify this for you based on where you live and your desired program.

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Teaching Degrees
Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) – B.S.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) Leads to teacher licensure.

Choose to play a key role in helping students develop skills they will use for the rest of their lives. Become a middle school math teacher! Help students develop skills they'll use their entire lives.

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In 2017, the National Council on Teacher Quality ranked WGU’s secondary teacher-prep programs in the top 1% of 2,481 universities nationwide. In 2014, they ranked our secondary math program #1!

Ranked in the top 1% among 2,481 programs nationwide by the National Council on Teacher Quality.

NCTQ National Council on Teacher Quality Top Ranked Teacher Prep Award

Your affordable, at-home path to certification as a middle school math teacher.

Balancing a checkbook. Calculating a restaurant tip. Keeping stats for your fantasy league sports team. Think about the knowledge you use every day that began as a lesson in middle school math class. Great math teachers have the knowledge, insights, and expertise of their subject matter to help young students confidently learn the basics of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Students will take 8 professional core courses that will prepare them to handle unique educational situations and become better teachers. These courses focus on a variety of important topics including social and emotional learning, and technology and diversity inclusion in the classroom. Plus, students will get to use augmented reality experiences to give them the opportunity to practice their work before entering the classroom. These 8 professional core courses are also coupled with preclinical experience to help ensure teachers are ready for their classroom.

WGU’s bachelor’s degree program in math is designed to help you become a highly qualified middle school math teacher ready to fill a vital position in middle schools across the country. And WGU's Teachers College is CAEP-accredited.

Note: The specific grade level you will be licensed to teach depends on your state.

Looking to specialize in high school math? Check out WGU's B.S. Mathematics Education (Secondary) degree program.

61% of graduates finish within

30 months

WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance as soon as you're ready. The result: You may finish faster.
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Tuition per 6-month term is

$3,475

Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. Finish faster, pay less!
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On average, students transfer

36 credits

Your associate’s degree or previous college may waive some courses through transfer. We review your transcripts for transfer credits.
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Tuition as of August 1, 2021.

Raise your hand if you're ready to teach math!

Middle school math teachers need specialized knowledge and training to help students understand how to solve numerical and analytical problems. The highly regarded online B.S. in Mathematics Education degree program from WGU's CAEP-accredited Teachers College will prepare you to become a middle school math teacher and help students from fifth grade through ninth grade develop valuable lifelong skills. (The specific grade levels you are licensed for will depend on your state.)

Learn about our grads' careers
Your online path to a bachelor's degree and your license to teach middle school math.

WGU's B.S. Mathematics Education is an affordable, online degree program that prepares you for secondary licensure to teach middle school math in any U.S. state. WGU is the nation’s largest provider of math and science teaching degrees.

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To ensure WGU graduates acquire the knowledge and teaching skills sought by today’s schools, our B.S. Mathematics Education was developed with significant input from experts and educational leaders who serve on our Education Program Council. Our bachelor’s in math education is nationally recognized by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).
Core Subject Areas

Lower-division courses may be cleared through transfer credit. Following are some examples:

Finite Mathematics

Introduction to Humanities

College Algebra

Survey of United States History

Integrated Physical Sciences

English Composition I

English Composition II

Introduction to Communication

More

See all courses
Key Subject Areas

Teaching, pedagogy, math, and other degree-specific courses include:

Introduction to Biology

Natural Science Lab

Trigonometry and Precalculus

College Geometry

Probability and Statistics I

Calculus I

Middle School Mathematics: Content Knowledge

Mathematics Learning and Teaching

Algebra for Secondary Mathematics Teaching

Mathematics History and Technology

Secondary Reading Instruction and Interventions

Secondary Disciplinary Literacy

More

See all courses
The WGU Difference

We reimagined the path to a degree. How it works for you:

It’s doable.
Efficient, flexible, individualized, and supportive, WGU puts you in the driver’s seat—allowing you to advance as quickly as you're able.

It’s surprisingly affordable.
Low, flat-rate tuition and the opportunity to speed up your program allow you to control the cost of your education.

It’s worth it.
Employers love WGU graduates. And grads report greater satisfaction, career advancement, and income growth after earning a WGU degree.

See how we do it
A supported, personalized experience.

WGU is different from other online universities—in the best possible ways! Take a look at what we mean:

Faculty Learning Assessment In-Classroom Experience Alumni Support

Faculty

SUPPORTING YOU: Faculty focused on students.

An entire team of faculty members has one goal in mind: your success. Your Program Mentor is your individually assigned faculty member, providing regular program guidance and instruction from the day you start, to the day you graduate. In addition, Course Instructors provide regular, subject-matter instruction and support, typically one-on-one, throughout each course you take.

Learning

YOUR ROADMAP: A personalized learning plan.

Your program is made up of a series of courses, each a personalized journey toward subject mastery. A preassessment provides insight into what you already know. You’ll then learn what you still need to learn, using online learning resources—available 24/7—along with one-on-one or cohort-based faculty instruction.

Assessment

PROVE IT: Show you know your stuff.

WGU measures learning, not time, so each course in your program culminates in an assessment—a test, paper, project, or presentation that allows you to prove what you know. As soon as you’re ready, you take the assessment. Take proctored exams from the comfort of your own home—via webcam, any time of day!

In-Classroom Experience

REAL-WORLD: Experience in a classroom.

Most of your program will be completed online but all teacher licensure programs—and many graduate-level programs for already-licensed teachers—also include the opportunity to observe and practice in a K–12 classroom setting. We’ll help you set everything up at a school near you.

Alumni Support

ALWAYS a Night Owl.

Continued support after you graduate includes many opportunities for professional development and enrichment, career support, and networking. WGU Night Owls may be independent learners, but they also become highly engaged in our active alumni community through apps, groups, and events.

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The accreditation you need, plus industry respect and recognition.

One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.

Accredited

The WGU Teachers College is the first competency-based online university to receive accreditation for its degree programs that lead to teacher licensure from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Additionally, the teacher licensure programs offered through the WGU Teachers College have been awarded full accreditation by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) through June 30, 2026.

Respected

“After graduating from WGU, and through all the rigor and quality of instruction that I received in the educational field, I was awarded Hawaii District Teacher of the Year in 2012.”
Amoreena Nestman
M.A. Teaching – Elementary Education

Recognized

The National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) in 2017 placed WGU’s Teachers College in the top 1% nationwide for the quality of its secondary teacher-preparation programs. This follows several other NCTQ recognitions, including the nation’s #1 best value for teacher education in 2015.

Accredited

Respected

Recognized

Our programs check all the boxes. If this degree is your goal, get started toward becoming a student today—programs start the first of each month.

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When we say affordable, we mean it.

$3,475

Tuition per 6-month term

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+$295

Resource and Program Fees

=

=$3,770

TOTAL PER TERM

+$65

One-time application fee

Apply FREE this week

Tuition rate effective August 1, 2021. $295 per-term fees include Resource Fee of $145 (covers all e-books and learning resources, saving you hundreds per term) and Program Fee of $150 (covers costs of supervised field experiences).
Control the cost of your program: Our tuition links cost to time.

By charging per term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees.
Flat-rate tuition of $3,770 per term links cost to time.

By charging per 6-month term rather than per credit hour—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or can learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees.

Adjust the time and see your costs change

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1 yr

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There's help if you need it.

Financial aid is available.

WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits.

View more about financial aid.

WGU students borrow less than half the national average.*

Our goal: You graduate with little or no debt.

The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2019 (among those who borrowed) was less than half the national average. WGU’s three-pronged approach to keeping your debt low and your return on investment quick: One, provide useful information and advice on responsible borrowing before enrollment. Two, keep tuition low while you're enrolled. And three, offer degree programs that lead to better-paying jobs after graduation.

Read about our Responsible Borrowing Initiative.

*WGU data: 2019 Annual Report. National data: The Institute for College Access & Success and Student Loan Hero.

Degree Cost Comparison

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WGU

Earn your B.S. Math Education degree for about half what you’d pay at another university.

Low tuition and the ability to accelerate your studies make WGU a more affordable option to earn your degree. Our B.S. Math Education program offers a rigorous curriculum with competitive post-graduation results, but at as little as half the cost—or even less—of most online or traditional schools.

*WGU average annual bachelor’s tuition rates are 57% the national average, compared to national rates reported by IPEDS. WGU average rate does not include rates for WGU B.S. Nursing Prelicensure program. Learn more about WGU's tuition and how it compares.

Transparent fees and no hidden costs.

The costs of attending college often include much more than tuition and fees. WGU is designed to be different, and that translates to cost savings everywhere from books to babysitting.

Other universities bury you in unexpected costs. Not WGU.

Click to explore the extra costs:

Tuition Books

Parking Gas

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nighttime classes

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Traditional
4 year school

This demonstration shows how various costs—including official fees and incidental costs of attending school—can add up in different learning environments. It's meant as an illustration only.

Scholarships make our already-low tuition even more affordable.

Many scholarship opportunities are available. Here are a few you may be eligible to apply for:

$4,000

Become a Teacher Scholarship

$2,500

K–12 Partner Scholarship

$2,000

Community College Partner Scholarship

The affordable, flexible programs offered at WGU put high-quality education within your reach. Start working toward your future.

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A nationally recognized curriculum designed to help you become a highly qualified math teacher.

Program consists of:
39 Courses
Total courses in program

An unofficial estimated 12 courses are fulfilled by your associate degree leaving 27 courses.
I have an associate degree What about transfer credits?

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to ensure your degree is proof you really know your stuff.

Every course focuses on a set of clearly defined competencies that you must prove you’ve learned—through tests, papers, projects, or other assessments. Demonstrating mastery is how you pass a course, so learning what it takes to be outstanding in your career is at the heart of WGU’s Bachelor of Science, Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) curriculum.

It’s all about real-world relevance, so every moment you spend studying is time well spent. That means what you’re learning in your degree program will be directly applicable when you’re employed as an middle school math teacher.

Courses fulfilled by your associate's degree.

This is an unofficial estimate of your transferable credits. You may receive more or less credits depending upon the specific courses taken to complete your degree and other credits you may have.

Below are the anticipated courses that will be fulfilled based on your indication that you have earned an associate's degree. During the enrollment process this information will be verified.

Finite Mathematics Introduction to Humanities College Algebra Survey of United States History Integrated Physical Sciences English Composition I English Composition II Introduction to Communication American Politics and the US Constitution Applied Probability and Statistics Introduction to Biology Natural Science Lab

Courses in this program.

This program comprises the following courses. Some may be waived through transfer from your previous college experience. The rest you will complete one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. You’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and learn the material. As soon as you’re ready, you’ll pass the assessment, complete the course, and move on. This means that you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost.

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General Education

Finite Mathematics

Finite Mathematics covers the knowledge and skills necessary to apply discrete mathematics and properties of number systems to model and solve real-life problems. Topics include sets and operations; prime and composite numbers; greatest common denominator (GCD) and least common multiple (LCM); order of operations; ordering numbers; mathematical systems including modular arithmetic, arithmetic and geometric sequences; ratio and proportion; subsets of real numbers; logic and truth tables; graphs; trees and networks; and permutation and combination. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Introduction to Humanities

This introductory humanities course allows candidates to practice essential writing, communication, and critical thinking skills necessary to engage in civic and professional interactions as mature, informed adults. Whether through studying literature, visual and performing arts, or philosophy, all humanities courses stress the need to form reasoned, analytical, and articulate responses to cultural and creative works. Studying a wide variety of creative works allows candidates to more effectively enter the global community with a broad and enlightened perspective.

College Algebra

This course provides further application and analysis of algebraic concepts and functions through mathematical modeling of real-world situations. Topics include: real numbers, algebraic expressions, equations and inequalities, graphs and functions, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and systems of linear equations.

Survey of United States History

This course presents a broad and thematic survey of U.S. history from European colonization to the mid-twentieth century. Students will explore how historical events and major themes in American history have affected a diverse population.

Integrated Physical Sciences

This course provides students with an overview of the basic principles and unifying ideas of the physical sciences: physics, chemistry, and earth sciences. Course materials focus on scientific reasoning and practical, everyday applications of physical science concepts to help students integrate conceptual knowledge with practical skills.

English Composition I

English Composition I introduces candidates to the types of writing and thinking that are valued in college and beyond. Candidates will practice writing in several genres with emphasis placed on writing and revising academic arguments. Instruction and exercises in grammar, mechanics, research documentation, and style are paired with each module so that writers can practice these skills as necessary. Composition I is a foundational course designed to help candidates prepare for success at the college level. There are no prerequisites for English Composition I.

English Composition II

English Composition II introduces candidates to the types of research and writing that are valued in college and beyond. Candidates will practice writing, with emphasis placed on research, writing, and revising an academic argument. Instruction and exercises in grammar, mechanics, research documentation, and style are paired with each module so that writers can practice these skills as necessary. Composition II is a foundational course designed to help candidates prepare for success at the college level. Composition I is the prerequisite for Composition II.

Introduction to Communication

This introductory communication course allows candidates to become familiar with the fundamental communication theories and practices necessary to engage in healthy professional and personal relationships. Candidates will survey human communication on multiple levels and critically apply the theoretical grounding of the course to interpersonal, intercultural, small group, and public presentational contexts. The course also encourages candidates to consider the influence of language, perception, culture, and media on their daily communicative interactions. In addition to theory, candidates will engage in the application of effective communication skills through systematically preparing and delivering an oral presentation. By practicing these fundamental skills in human communication, candidates become more competent communicators as they develop more flexible, useful, and discriminatory communicative practices in a variety of contexts. Note: There are references within this video to Taskstream. If Taskstream is not part of your student experience, please disregard, and locate your task(s) within your course.

American Politics and the US Constitution

American Politics and the U.S. Constitution examines the evolution of representative government in the United States and the changing interpretations of the civil rights and civil liberties protected by the Constitution. This course will give candidates an understanding of the powers of the branches of the federal government, the continual tensions inherent in a federal system, the shifting relationship between state and federal governments, and the interactions between elected officials and the ever-changing electorate. This course will focus on such topics as the role of a free press in a democracy, the impact of changing demographics on American politics, and the debates over and expansion of civil rights. Upon completion of the course, candidates should be able to explain the basic functions of the federal government, describe the forces that shape American policy and politics, and be better prepared to participate in America’s civic institutions. This course has no prerequisite.

Applied Probability and Statistics

Applied Probability and Statistics helps candidates develop competence in the fundamental concepts of basic statistics including introductory algebra and graphing; descriptive statistics; regression and correlation; and probability. Statistical data and probability are used in everyday life, science, business, information technology, and educational settings to make informed decisions about the validity of studies and the effect of data on decisions. This course discusses what constitutes sound research design and how to appropriately model phenomena using statistical data. Additionally, the content covers simple probability calculations based on events that occur in the business and IT industries. No prerequisites are required for this course.

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General Science Content

Introduction to Biology

This course is a foundational introduction to the biological sciences. The overarching theories of life from biological research are explored as well as the fundamental concepts and principles of the study of living organisms and their interaction with the environment. Key concepts include how living organisms use and produce energy; how life grows, develops, and reproduces; how life responds to the environment to maintain internal stability; and how life evolves and adapts to the environment.

Natural Science Lab

This course gives you an introduction to using the scientific method and engaging in scientific research to reach conclusions about the natural world. You will design and carry out an experiment to investigate a hypothesis by gathering quantitative data.

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Mathematics Content

Trigonometry and Precalculus

Trigonometry and Precalculus covers the knowledge and skills necessary to apply trigonometry, complex numbers, systems of equations, vectors and matrices, and sequences and series, and to use appropriate technology to model and solve real-life problems. Topics include degrees; radians and arcs; reference angles and right triangle trigonometry; applying, graphing and transforming trigonometric functions and their inverses; solving trigonometric equations; using and proving trigonometric identities; geometric, rectangular, and polar approaches to complex numbers; DeMoivre's Theorem; systems of linear equations and matrix-vector equations; systems of nonlinear equations; systems of inequalities; and arithmetic and geometric sequences and series. College Algebra is a prerequisite for this course.

College Geometry

College Geometry covers the knowledge and skills necessary to use dynamic technology to explore geometry, to use axiomatic reasoning to prove statements about geometry, and to apply geometric models to solve real-life problems. Topics include axiomatic systems, analytic proofs, coordinate geometry, plane and solid Euclidean geometry, non-Euclidean geometries, constructions, transformations, deductive reasoning, and dynamic technology. College Algebra as well as Trigonometry and Precalculus are prerequisites.

Probability and Statistics I

Probability and Statistics I covers the knowledge and skills necessary to apply basic probability, descriptive statistics, and statistical reasoning, and to use appropriate technology to model and solve real-life problems. It provides an introduction to the science of collecting, processing, analyzing, and interpreting data, including representations, constructions and interpretation of graphical displays (e.g., box plots, histograms, cumulative frequency plots, scatter plots). Topics include creating and interpreting numerical summaries and visual displays of data; regression lines and correlation; evaluating sampling methods and their effect on possible conclusions; designing observational studies, controlled experiments, and surveys; and determining probabilities using simulations, diagrams, and probability rules. Candidates should have completed a course in College Algebra before engaging in this course.

Calculus I

Calculus I is the study of rates of change in the slope of a curve and covers the knowledge and skills necessary to use differential calculus of one variable and technology to solve basic problems. Topics include graphing functions and finding their domains and ranges; limits, continuity, differentiability, visual, analytical, and conceptual approaches to the definition of the derivative; the power, chain, and sum rules applied to polynomial and exponential functions, position and velocity; and L'Hopital's Rule. Precalculus is a prerequisite for this course.

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Middle School Mathematics Content

Middle School Mathematics: Content Knowledge

Mathematics: Middle School Content Knowledge is designed to help candidates refine and integrate the mathematics content knowledge and skills necessary to become successful middle school mathematics teachers. A high level of mathematical reasoning skills and the ability to solve problems are necessary to complete this course. Prerequisites for this course are College Geometry, Probability and Statistics I, and Pre-Calculus.

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Mathematics Education

Mathematics Learning and Teaching

Mathematics Learning and Teaching will help students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to become prospective and practicing educators. Students will be able to use a variety of instructional strategies to effectively facilitate the learning of mathematics. This course focuses on selecting appropriate resources, using multiple strategies, and planning instruction, with methods based on research and problem solving. A deep understanding of the knowledge, skills, and disposition of mathematics pedagogy is necessary to become an effective secondary mathematics educator. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Algebra for Secondary Mathematics Teaching

Algebra for Secondary Mathematics Teaching explores important conceptual underpinnings, common student misconceptions and ways of thinking, appropriate use of technology, and instructional practices to support and assess the learning of algebra. Secondary teachers should have an understanding of the following: algebra as an extension of number, operation, and quantity; various ideas of equivalence pertaining to algebraic structures; patterns of change as covariation between quantities; connections between representations (tables, graphs, equations, geometric models, context); and the historical development of content and perspectives from diverse cultures. In particular, this course focuses on deeper understanding of rational numbers, ratios and proportions, meaning and use of variables, functions (e.g., exponential, logarithmic, polynomials, rational, quadratic), and inverses. Calculus I is a prerequisite for this course.

Mathematics History and Technology

In this course, you will learn about a variety of technological tools for doing mathematics, and develop a broad understanding of the historical development of mathematics. You will come to understand that mathematics is a very human subject that comes from the macro-level sweep of cultural and societal change, as well as the micro-level actions of individuals with personal, professional, and philosophical motivations. You will focus on the historical development of mathematics including contributions of significant figures and diverse cultures. Most importantly, you will learn to evaluate and apply technological tools and historical information to create an enriching student-centered mathematical learning environment.

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Pedagogy

Secondary Reading Instruction and Interventions

Secondary Reading Instruction and Interventions explores the comprehensive, student-centered response to intervention (RTI) model used to identify and address the needs of learners in middle school and high school who struggle with reading comprehension and/or information retention. Course content provides educators with effective strategies designed to scaffold instruction and help learners develop increased skill in the following areas: reading, vocabulary, text structures and genres, and logical reasoning related to the academic disciplines. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of the Introduction to Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment course OR Introduction to Instructional Planning and Presentation AND Instructional Planning and Presentation in Special Education.

Secondary Disciplinary Literacy

Secondary Disciplinary Literacy examines teaching strategies designed to help learners in middle and high school improve upon the literacy skills required to read, write, and think critically while engaging content in different academic disciplines. Themes include exploring how language structures, text features, vocabulary, and context influence reading comprehension across the curriculum. The course highlights strategies and tools designed to help teachers assess the reading comprehension and writing proficiency of learners and provides strategies to support students' reading and writing success in all curriculum areas. This course has no prerequisites.

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Education

Teaching in the Middle School

Teaching in the Middle School examines the guiding principles and best teaching practices for educating middle school students. The course explores the history of the middle school, the philosophy, theory, and rationale behind middle school organization; and the differences between elementary, middle, and secondary schools. The course also examines the unique needs of middle school students and teaching methods used to meet the needs of these learners. This course has no prerequisites.

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Pre-Clinical Experiences

Preclinical Experiences in Mathematics

Preclinical Experiences in Mathematics provides students the opportunity to observe and participate in a wide range of in-classroom teaching experiences in order to develop the skills and confidence necessary to be an effective teacher. Students will reflect on and document the 75 hours of in-classroom observation and experience in their performance assessments. Prior to entering the classroom for the observations, students will be required to meet several requirements including a cleared background check, passing scores on the state or WGU required basic skills exam and a completed resume.

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Demonstration Teaching

Supervised Demonstration Teaching in Mathematics, Observations 1 and 2

Supervised Demonstration Teaching in Mathematics involves a series of classroom performance observations by the host teacher and clinical supervisor that develop comprehensive performance data about the teacher candidate’s skills.

Supervised Demonstration Teaching in Mathematics, Observation 3 and Midterm

Supervised Demonstration Teaching in Mathematics involves a series of classroom performance observations by the host teacher and clinical supervisor that develop comprehensive performance data about the teacher candidate’s skills.

Supervised Demonstration Teaching in Mathematics, Observations 4 and 5

Supervised Demonstration Teaching in Mathematics involves a series of classroom performance observations by the host teacher and clinical supervisor that develop comprehensive performance data about the teacher candidate’s skills.

Supervised Demonstration Teaching in Mathematics, Observation 6 and Final

Supervised Demonstration Teaching in Mathematics involves a series of classroom performance observations by the host teacher and clinical supervisor that develop comprehensive performance data about the teacher candidate’s skills.

Cohort Seminar

Cohort Seminar provides mentoring and supports teacher candidates during their demonstration teaching period by providing weekly collaboration and instruction related to the demonstration teaching experience. It facilitates their demonstration of competence in becoming reflective practitioners, adhering to ethical standards, practicing inclusion in a diverse classroom, exploring community resources, building collegial and collaborative relationships with teachers, and considering leadership and supervisory skills.

Professional Portfolio

Professional Portfolio requires candidates to create an online teaching portfolio that demonstrates professional beliefs, growth, and effective teaching practices from the Demonstration Teaching experience. The portfolio includes reflective essays (educational beliefs, professional growth, and collaboration with stakeholders) and professional artifacts (resume and artifacts with commentary on academic language, systems of student support, education technology, and professional communication with families) developed and acquired during Demonstration Teaching.

Teacher Performance Assessment in Mathematics Education

The Teacher Performance Assessment is a culmination of the wide variety of skills learned during your time in the Teachers College at WGU. In order to be a competent and independent classroom teacher, you will showcase a collection of your content, planning, instructional, and reflective skills in this professional assessment.

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Professional Core

The School as a Community of Care

The School as a Community of Care is a key component of WGU's Professional Core and is a required course for all initial licensure candidates. This course prepares candidates to meet the social and emotional needs of learners, taking into account theories and philosophical perspectives on child and adolescent development and learning. Candidates learn to effectively collaborate with parents, families, caregivers, and other community stakeholders in each child's education, to build a strong foundation for academic and personal success. Emphasis is placed on family engagement as candidates gain knowledge of individual, cultural, and community assets that can be used to facilitate learner growth and development, as well as understand mental health and emotional differences among learners that may necessitate leveraging additional resources to support students' wellbeing. Issues of youth mental health, substance abuse, suicide awareness and prevention, and abuse within families will be addressed as will the importance of parent involvement. Candidates will engage in seven hours of preclinical experiences, which include visual observations of learning environments that involve parents and families in their children's' education while supporting the social and emotional learning (SEL) needs of learners and an interview with an educational professional to explore topics related to parent involvement, youth mental health issues, and professional responsibilities to ensure student wellbeing. Additionally, crosscutting themes of technology and diversity are interwoven for further development. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of the Educational Psychology and Development of Children and Adolescents course.

Introduction to Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

Introduction to Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment is a key component of WGU's Professional Core and is a required course for all initial licensure candidates. This course provides candidates with the knowledge and skills necessary to create engaging and standards-aligned lessons that meet the needs of all learners. Candidates will learn to analyze learner needs based on a variety of inputs, including their state P–12 standards, assessment results, and knowledge of learner differences. This course will help candidates design, deliver, and modify instruction in accordance to needs and educational requirements. Candidates will engage in three hours of preclinical experiences that include virtual classroom observations. They also will record a short teaching segment, allowing for authentic teaching experience. Crosscutting themes of technology and diversity are interwoven for continued development. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of the Managing Engaging Learning Environments course.

Educational Technology for Teaching and Learning

Educational Technology for Teaching and Learning is a key component of WGU's professional core and is a required course for all initial licensure candidates. This course prepares candidates to incorporate technology into their classroom practices in ways that improve teaching and learning. The ISTE standards will form the basis for their practice. The material will teach candidates to critically evaluate software and hardware options that may positively impact the classroom environment, while also increasing their awareness of ethical usage and considerations related to equity, access to technology, and appropriate use of technology by P–12 students. Assistive technologies to meet the needs of a diverse learner population also will be taught in this course. Candidates will engage in three hours of preclinical experience that include virtual observations of classroom practices incorporating technology to support educational goals. Crosscutting themes of technology and diversity are interwoven for further development. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of the Assessing Impact on Student Learning course.

Assessing Impact on Student Learning

Assessing Impact on Student Learning is a key component of WGU's Professional Core and is a required course for all initial licensure candidates. This course equips candidates to evaluate student learning and their own professional practice, ensuring candidates are prepared to ensure all learners' success. In this course, candidates learn multiple methods of assessment to ensure they are able to implement a balanced approach to assessment while monitoring their students’ progress. Assessments types such as formative, summative, standardized, and common assessments are addressed so candidates understand their purposes and can apply them within the context of a lesson to determine impact on learning. Data literacy skills are taught to ensure candidates interpret and analyze individual and classroom data and apply their knowledge in ways that support academic success. Candidates will engage in three hours of preclinical experiences that include virtual classroom observations. Cross-cutting themes of technology and diversity are interwoven for further development. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of the Introduction to Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment course.

Educational Psychology and Development of Children and Adolescents

Educational Psychology and Development of Children and Adolescents is a key component of WGU’s Professional Core and is a required course for all initial licensure candidates. This course prepares candidates to support classroom practices grounded in research-validated principles from the areas of educational psychology and child/adolescent development. Candidates will be introduced to learning theories that equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to support the diverse populations of students with whom they will interact. This course addresses theories of human development, spanning early childhood through adolescence, and candidates completing this course will be able to explain and analyze the guiding perspectives on linguistic, physical, cognitive, and social development. This course will also cover appropriate instructional and assessment strategies to support student learning and development. Candidates will engage in four hours of virtual classroom observations related to issues in educational psychology and learner development. Cross-cutting themes of technology and diversity are interwoven for further development. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of the Educational Foundations course.

Managing Engaging Learning Environments

Managing Engaging Learning Environments is a key component of WGU's Professional Core and is a required course for all initial licensure candidates. This course prepares candidates to establish and contribute to safe and productive learning environments that support the success of all learners by ensuring student engagement and motivation for learning. Candidates will learn strategies, such as incorporating consistent routines and expectations, to provide positive behavior supports, increase learner motivation, promote active learning and self-direction, and ensure a safe and productive classroom setting that fosters a sense of community through collaborative educational practices. The course will culminate in evidence-based, practical application of current strategies, theories, or philosophical perspectives related to motivating and engaging all students in a learning community. Candidates will engage in seven hours of preclinical experiences that include both virtual observations of classroom settings and time in a simulated classroom environment where theory can be put into practice. Cross-cutting themes of technology and diversity are interwoven for further development. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of the Fundamentals of Diverse Learners course.

Fundamentals of Diverse Learners

Fundamentals of Diverse Learners is a key component of WGU's Professional Core and is a required course for all initial licensure candidates. This course prepares candidates to consider and address the wide range of learning needs in the classrooms of today. This course teaches candidates to identify and support the needs of diverse populations of learners, including, for example, students with disabilities (INCLUDING DYSLEXIA), English language learners, and gifted and talented students. Practical strategies for differentiating instruction while creating a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environment are explored. This course helps candidates develop skills for partnering with parents and advocating for all students, particularly those impacted by provisions of IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Multitiered systems of supports are addressed to prepare candidates for their future classrooms as they seek to select appropriate instructional practices and interventions to best serve their students. Candidates will engage in four hours of preclinical experiences that includes a simulated teaching experience in which skills learned can be applied. Cross-cutting themes of technology and diversity are interwoven for further development. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of the School as a Community of Care course.

Educational Foundations

Educational Foundations is a key component of WGU's Professional Core and is a required course for all initial licensure candidates. The course provides candidates with early classroom experience where they observe multiple school settings at three different levels of schooling and interview an educator to learn how state standards and various legal and ethical issues affect classrooms today. The course also provides candidates with opportunities to gain foundational knowledge about what it means to be a teacher in the current educational context while exploring their future role within the larger landscape of historical and cultural influences. This course ensures candidates have a firm grasp on important issues affecting educators including state standards-based curriculum, legal and ethical requirements affecting educational opportunities, and professionalism, preparing them for subsequent coursework within the Professional Core and their content area major courses. Five preclinical hours are interwoven throughout this course, and cross-cutting themes of technology and diversity are introduced for further development throughout the candidate’s programs.
Plan to work hard: Program requirements and expectations.
The B.S. Mathematics Education program is a mostly online program that you will complete by studying and working independently with instruction and support from WGU faculty. You will be expected to complete at least 12 competency units each 6-month term. (One course is typically 3 or 4 units.)

The first person you speak with at WGU will be your Enrollment Counselor, who can explain requirements and expectations in more detail. You can also read more about each course in the Program Guide.

Request info from an Enrollment Counselor.
Download the Program Guide.

State-specific licensure requirements: Each state in the U.S. has specific testing requirements that must be met or completed in addition to completing your teaching degree program at WGU. Teacher licensure requirements vary depending on state laws and may include a number of factors, such as:

Completion of a bachelor’s degree program

Submission of transcripts

Completion and clearance of a background check

Passing of required entrance exams and basic skills tests

Learn more about your path to teacher licensure.
Special requirements for this program.

Preclinical Experiences. Participate in a wide range of in-classroom teaching experiences through at least 75 hours of in-classroom observation.

Demonstration Teaching. To help you prepare to work in classrooms, this program includes a student teaching component (we call it Demonstration Teaching, or DT). DT is a full-time, supervised, in-classroom experience of a minimum of 12–20 weeks during which you will be hosted by an experienced teacher and observed by a Clinical Supervisor. Your host teacher will evaluate your performance based on accepted professional standards. Learn more.

Professional Portfolio. Your portfolio will include your resume and Philosophy of Teaching Statement and serve as a way to showcase the skills you have acquired throughout your degree program and Demonstration Teaching.
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Quality you can trust: a mathematics degree created by experts on what it takes to be an excellent math teacher.

To ensure our teaching degrees are consistent with the expectations of today’s schools, we develop courses with input from councils composed of nationally recognized experts in education. Council members offer guidance on key competencies to be expected from successful WGU graduates.

See the current members of the WGU Education Program Council.
A different way to learn: Degree programs designed to fit your life—and all the demands on your time.

Professional responsibilities. Family obligations. Personal commitments. At WGU, we understand schedules are tight and often unpredictable for adult students. That’s why we offer a flexible, personalized approach to how education should be. No rigid class schedules. Just a solid, career-focused math teaching program that meshes with your current lifestyle. You'll be challenged. You'll work hard. But if you commit yourself and put in the hours needed, WGU makes it possible for you to earn a highly respected degree as a busy working adult.

Designed for busy adults.

At WGU, you’re not committed to attend class at a certain time, complete homework on a given schedule, or log “attendance” hours (with the exception of in-classroom demonstration teaching and pre-clinical experiences). You’ll earn your degree by proving what you’ve learned in class and what you already know from your work and life experience. How quickly you progress is largely up to you.

Once you’ve mastered your coursework, you’ll prove your competency through tests, papers, projects, or other assessments. You’ll build solid professional credentials specifically designed to help you prepare to become a highly qualified middle school or high school math teacher.

Competency-Based Education (CBE)

How it helps you

Efficient

Save time and money by focusing your efforts where they matter the most.

How much do you already know? Today’s adult students come from different professional backgrounds with varying levels of knowledge and experience. Competency-based education empowers you to take the most efficient path to complete your studies.

Flexible

Learn on your own terms.

What works best for you? No two students—or their schedules—are the same. Whether you’re at your best in the early morning or more energized when you get home from work, your study schedule can be personalized to accommodate your lifestyle and responsibilities. While you will be required to maintain a base level of consistent progress through your program, WGU is designed to empower you to maximize your personal schedule by allowing you to build a study plan that fits into your life—not one that requires you to rearrange it.

Results

Feel confident knowing you’re learning real-world skills.

Who will recognize your teaching credentials? Today's schools look for math teachers with the knowledge, skills, and experience to help students understand how to solve problems. WGU’s online B.S. Math Education degree program includes a student teaching component to prepare you for real-world classrooms.

Finish courses by proving what you know, when you’re ready.

With competency-based education at WGU, success is measured by actual learning, not class time. You advance by demonstrating that you've mastered the course subject matter—whether you learned it through your study at WGU or picked up that knowledge through years of work experience.

Your progress through a course is driven by you.

How quickly you learn

+

The time you devote to studying

+

How much previous knowledge you bring

Your experience pays at WGU.

Why start from square one when you could already be well on your way to a degree?

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Teaching middle school math is a smart career move.

A nationwide shortage of secondary math teachers has created high demand for educators with the knowledge and training to help young students develop lifelong problem-solving skills. WGU's B.S. in Mathematics Education is specifically designed to prepare you to teach middle school math. And WGU's Teachers College is CAEP-accredited.

Note: Your license will be for grade levels defined by your state.

Employment of all middle school teachers is projected to grow 4% from 2019 to 2029.

—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
WGU has alumni teaching across the country.

Graduates of WGU’s Teachers College have found meaningful, rewarding careers in classrooms at:
Inclusionary K–12 classrooms

Middle/junior high schools

High schools

Private and charter schools
Impressive class of graduates.

Graduates of the WGU Teachers College include recipients of many professional honors, including:
Gates Millennium Scholars

Intel Grant for Mathematics and Technology

Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Award

Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award

Association of Public Charter Schools Educator of the Year Award
Explore teaching careers.

Learn about teacher salaries, job outlook, and more.

More about careers
WGU is a university committed to producing successful grads.

The ultimate test of your degree's value is whether it helps you become an outstanding employee and advance your career. Our happy grads—and their happy employers—confirm that WGU is the path to that kind of degree.
Happy employers

Happy grads

They're Prepared.

Employers said that WGU graduates were prepared for their jobs.

They Perform.

Employers rated WGU graduates' job performance as very good or excellent.

They Wow.

Employers said their WGU graduates have exceeded their expectations.

They're Confident.

Graduates said the majority of their coursework was related to their jobs.

They're Working.

Graduates are working full-time.

They're Satisfied.

Graduates said their degrees were worth the cost of their education.

Source: 2018 Harris Poll survey of 300 employers; 2018 Harris Poll Online survey of 1,374 new college graduates nationwide compared with survey of 1,147 WGU graduates; Gallup-Purdue Index 2018
“Because of WGU, I’m going to be a math teacher. It’s opened so many doors!” Mike Johnson
B.A. Mathematics

Close the gap between you and your dreams.

Online degree programs start every month.

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Your teaching certification is attainable. The first step: Apply for admission today.

Next Possible Start

Start dates are the 1st of every month. Meet requirements by the 15th to start next month. Discuss steps and deadlines with your Enrollment Counselor.
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Get your questions answered and take the next step: Talk to an Enrollment Counselor.

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Your Enrollment Counselor is there to help you make an informed decision.
The first step toward change can be the hardest—we get it. Your "welcoming committee" at WGU is made up of Enrollment Counselors, Admissions Specialists, and Faculty Mentors. Your initial interactions at WGU will be guided by an Enrollment Counselor who specializes in the programs you're interested in.
Your Enrollment Counselor is ready with as much help as you may need:

Get your cost and admissions criteria questions answered.

Assess WGU's fit with your career goals.

Get started toward enrollment!

Contact an Enrollment Counselor.

WGU’s Teachers College provides a path for students to become licensed/certified teachers in each U.S. state and territory. In some cases, our program has already been approved for direct licensure/certification in your state. In other cases, you may apply for licensure/certification through reciprocity. Your Enrollment Counselor can give you specific information on your program of interest and how you may ultimately earn a license in your state. Please note that some programs do not have a corresponding license in certain states.
Admission requirements unique to this degree.

Students who are seeking initial teacher licensure in a bachelor’s, post-baccalaureate, or master’s program must also pass a state-specific basic skills test for the state in which they live as a prerequisite to Demonstration Teaching (student teaching). (Registering and paying for the test is the student’s responsibility.) This requirement can be met either prior to admission or before beginning the Foundations of Teaching subject area once you are in your WGU program.

WGU’s teacher licensure programs also include Demonstration Teaching (student teaching). You must be at least 18 years of age before you may begin the application process or participate in Preclinical Experiences and Demonstration Teaching. You must also submit to a criminal background check prior to entering the classroom for this component of your program.

View general admission requirements

Making an informed admission decision.

WGU seeks to admit individuals who have the capacity and determination to complete a rigorous WGU degree program … and graduate. The admission process is designed to help you and the university reach an informed decision about your likelihood of success.

At WGU we want you to graduate, not just enroll. Consequently, not every applicant is admitted because not every individual has the capacity and determination to complete a rigorous WGU degree program.

Common questions on initial teaching licensure:

What grades will I be able to teach?

It depends on your state and which Teachers College program you complete, so it is best to ask your Enrollment Counselor. Typically, teachers with an elementary education license can teach anywhere from kindergarten through 8th grade, and secondary teachers in math, English, or science can teach anywhere from 5th to 12th grades. K–12 special education licenses typically enable teachers to work with students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

How long is Demonstration (student) Teaching?

It depends on your state and your program, but for most Teachers College programs, Demonstration Teaching is typically about the length of one full traditional school semester. DT is a minimum of 12–16 weeks, but it can be longer in other programs.

How do I set up my Demonstration Teaching?

WGU has a team that works with you to connect you with schools in your area, and with host teachers that will support you through your Demonstration Teaching.

Can I use my own classroom for the Demonstration Teaching placement?

Your Enrollment Counselor can provide more details about your specific situation. While you can provide recommendations of a school you want to be placed in, generally, our Field Placement Office will be selecting and setting up the placement in the end.

Will this program lead to a teaching license in my state?

Your Enrollment Counselor has access to an up-to-date database that tracks requirements and eligibility for all WGU programs and all US states and territories, so a conversation with your Enrollment Counselor can quickly verify this for you based on where you live and your desired program.

Programs begin the 1st of any month.

New students can begin their first term at the beginning of any month. So you can start when you’re ready, rather than rushing (or waiting) for fall or spring enrollment. There's no need to wait!

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WGU is school on your terms.

School can fit into your life—start working toward your better future now.

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