Mathematics Degree (B.A.) with Teacher of Mathematics Licensure (8-12)

Math student Carly Hayes wearing black shirt smiling.

Lead the Way in Education: Become a High School Math Teacher

If you’re passionate about mathematics and driven to teach, Westfield State University’s B.A. in Mathematics with Teacher of Mathematics Licensure (8–12) offers the ideal combination of deep mathematical learning and real-world teaching experience. This program is designed for students who want to become licensed high school math teachers in Massachusetts, blending a strong foundation in theory and problem-solving with targeted education coursework.

You’ll complete a full mathematics major—including courses such as Calculus, Linear Algebra, Abstract Algebra, Number Theory, and Mathematical Statistics—alongside field-based education classes focused on adolescent development, special education, and teaching strategies. A hands-on practicum in a local school and licensure preparation ensure you’re classroom-ready by graduation.

With national accreditation and approval from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, our program prepares you to become a confident, qualified, and impactful math educator.

Program Highlights

  • Gain real-world experience through a practicum in local schools
  • Complete teacher prep courses designed for classroom success
  • Benefit from personalized advising to guide your academic journey
  • Engage in collaborative learning with faculty and peers

Ready to Teach and Inspire?

Apply today to begin your path to becoming a licensed math educator and make a difference in the classroom.

Where Math Expertise Meets Effective Teaching

  • Math tutor assisting a student during a one-on-one study session.

    A Balanced Approach to Math and Teaching

    At Westfield State University, we believe in blending mathematical theory with hands-on teaching practice. The program provides a solid foundation in key mathematical concepts while also emphasizing the development of effective teaching strategies. You’ll gain a deep understanding of student development, special education, and inclusive teaching practices, ensuring you're well-prepared to meet the diverse needs of your future students.

  • A Westfield State student teacher

    Clear Path to Massachusetts Teacher Certification

    Our program is specifically designed to meet all Massachusetts teacher licensure requirements. With a structured approach to licensure preparation, including mentoring and support throughout your journey, you’ll be well-prepared to take the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) and become a certified math educator in the state.

  • Education student smiling in a classroom during student teaching.

    Practical Experience in the Classroom

    This program offers extensive hands-on teaching experience through its practicum and field placements, allowing you to apply your skills in real-world classroom settings. By working directly with students and educators, you’ll develop the confidence and expertise necessary to teach effectively and adapt to different learning environments.

Program Details

Math Learning Outcomes
  • Students have the ability to explore and understand advanced mathematical knowledge.
  • Students effectively communicate mathematical ideas.
  • Students use the language of mathematical proof correctly and appropriately.
  • Students understand the interconnectedness of mathematics.
  • Students understand applications and real-world uses of mathematics.
Education Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, the candidate will have the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to: 

  • Describe/explain the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of his or her discipline(s) and create learning experiences that make the aspects of any subject matter meaningful for students.
  • Describe and discuss how children learn and develop and provide learning opportunities or environments that support their intellectual, social, and personal development. 
  • Describe/explain how students differ in their approaches to learning and create instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners.
  • Use a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students' development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills.
  • Create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation. 
  • Use a variety of instructional media to foster student learning and collaboration.
  • Plan instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, students, the community, and curriculum goals. 
  • Use formal and informal assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous intellectual, social, and physical development of the learner.
  • Be a reflective practitioner who continually evaluates the effects of their choices and actions on others (students, parents, and other professionals in the learning community) and who actively seeks out opportunities to grow professionally. 
  • Foster relationships with school colleagues, parents, and agencies in the larger community to support students' learning and well-being.

My professors’ style of teaching, and the mathematics department as whole, have definitely prepared me for how I want to teach mathematics as a future teacher. The collaboration and inquiry-based learning that they do has really shown me the importance of students’ problem-solving skills.

Carly Hayes ’24

What Can You Do With a Mathematics, Teacher of Mathematics Licensure (8–12), B.A.?

With a B.A. in Mathematics, Teacher of Mathematics Licensure (8–12), you’re primarily prepared to become a licensed high school math teacher (grades 8–12) in Massachusetts. However, the degree also opens doors to several other paths, including:

  • High School Mathematics Teacher
  • Math Intervention Specialist or Tutor
  • Curriculum Developer
  • School Administration
  • Instructional Coach
Student solving equations on a chalkboard in a math classroom.

Ready to learn more?

Course Requirements

Licensure for Teacher of Mathematics (8-12)

Westfield State University is nationally accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) at the initial and advanced levels. 

The Westfield State University program for licensure for teachers of Mathematics has been recognized by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Westfield State University's teacher education programs are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

Student progress toward meeting Advanced Standing in Teacher Education is monitored at the end of the sophomore year (57 credits). All students must meet the requirements for Advanced Standing to achieve teacher candidacy. Please see the section on Licensure for Teacher Education .

In order to be eligible for student teaching, a student must have completed all required course and field work, have an overall GPA of 2.8 (including transfer work), and have a passing grade in the appropriate Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (i.e., Communication and Literacy and subject matter tests).

Undergraduate Mathematics Majors Who Wish to be Certified to Teach Mathematics at the High School Level Must:

Requirements for Mathematics Majors

Requirements - 54 Credits

Note:

No more than 6 credits of MATH 0399 and no more than 3 credits of MATH 0360 may be used to satisfy the math major.

Professional Sequence: Secondary (Grades 8-12)

The Professional Sequence for Secondary Education must be completed by students intending to teach an academic subject area in the secondary school. Students must complete an academic major in the subject area in which the licensure is sought.

Professional Sequence Core

Professional Sequence Courses

Practicum

Pedagogical Coursework

An overall 2.8 GPA plus a 3.0 GPA in the pedagogical sequence specific to your licensure program prior to practicum is required. Consult with the department on which courses are classified as part of the pedagogy requirements.

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a general education or common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in General Education: WISE or Common Core.

Get Big School Features With Small School Advantages

We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a gorgeous campus—and we have small classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support. 

You'll join fellow motivated students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and civic responsibility.

  • Small Classes taught by full-time, tenure track faculty with a doctorate

  • Vast Opportunities to tutor both on and off campus 

  • Undergraduate research opportunities

Not Your Standard Classroom Experience

Our energetic and dedicated faculty are passionate about providing creative classroom instruction and active learning. You’ll master complex mathematical concepts through alternative educational experiences like portfolio creation, cooperative learning, guided discovery and problem solving, interdisciplinary perspectives, innovative faculty-developed coursework, community service, and more.

Math professor working with a small group of three students who are working on a math assignment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to submit SAT/ACT scores or an essay when I apply?

Westfield State University does not require an application essay, SAT and/or ACT scores, or letters of recommendation (except for special program admissions).     

All first-year applicants are reviewed for admission based on their high school record. First-year applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements established by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) in order to qualify for admission to a state university.   

Learn more about the application process and admissions here.

How much does Westfield State University cost?

Westfield State University offers a comprehensive university experience at an affordable cost—with many options for financial aid. Visit our Cost and Aid page to learn more. 

What scholarships are available?

S-STEM scholarship is available to Incoming full-time first-year​​​​ Westfield State University students pursuing bachelor’s degrees in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, and Mathematics, with low-income status defined as Pell Grant eligible by the Financial Aid Office and an average GPA equal to or higher than 2.8, are eligible to apply.

Learn more

STEM-ACT is a program that provides scholarship support for Westfield State University STEM (Biology, Chemistry, General Science, or Mathematics) secondary education students that are passionate about social justice and advancing STEM education. Students are encouraged to apply in their sophomore year to be admitted to the program for their junior and senior years. 

Learn more

Will I receive academic support?

We’re invested in your success. Whether you need a little help adjusting to college, study strategies, tutoring, or disability services, the team at the Academic Achievement Department is ready to help. Our mission is to provide you with the tools to explore academic opportunities as well as to plot strategies for continued growth. Learn more about our student support services here.

Additionally, the Math Tutoring Center is available to anyone taking a math course at WSU.

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Mathematics Degree (B.A.) with Teacher of Mathematics Licensure (8-12)