Dual Major: Mathematics (B.S.) and Special Education (B.S.)

Combine courses in mathematics, secondary education, and special education to prepare for a career teaching mathematics in grades 7 -12 or in working with student/adults with special needs.

Get all the benefits of our nationally recognized secondary education program with an integrated special education program.

ESU offers a dual major combining a B.S. in Mathematics (Special Education concentration) and a B.S. in Special Education, preparing students for Level 1 Licensure certification to teach both subjects in middle school and high school (grades 7-12).

View Courses and Requirements

Why ESU?

Students who complete this dual degree program can be certified to teach both math and special education. There is a high demand for math teachers with special education skills.
The only PASSHE school whose secondary education program includes a full mathematics degree.
Integrated special education coursework.
Students receive comprehensive advising from the Mathematics, Special Education and Secondary Education departments.
Courses dedicated to the mathematics major, including MATH 351 Modern Geometry and MATH 431 Teaching Math Using Technology
Extensive field experience starting in the freshman year.

What You'll Learn

Problem-solving and logical thinking, like any math major.
Education skills, like writing lesson plans and classroom management.
Technical writing and presenting.

Recognize students with learning disabilities and techniques to help these students learn.
Adjust teaching methods to special needs students.
Provide the best education to all students.

Career Opportunities

Students who complete the dual major in Mathematics Secondary Education and Special Education can pursue careers in Math Secondary Education, like High School Math Teacher, in Special Education, like Transition Coordinator, or in a combination of the two, like High School Math Special Education Teacher.

Hands-on Learning

lenart spheres — Students in the Modern Geometry class use Lenart Spheres to explore spherical geometry.

Like all math majors, dual majors in math/secondary education and special education participate in a service-learning project in MATH 425 Introduction to Mathematical Modeling.

A recent class worked together to illustrate the state of childcare in Monroe County for the United Way of Monroe County. The students used data provided by the United Way to generate maps showing the locations of childcare centers and major employers in Monroe County. They used US Census data to determine whether childcare in Monroe County was affordable. The United Way representatives were very happy with the student's report.

Student teaching is the ultimate hands-on learning. Dual majors in math/secondary education and special education student teach in a mathematics classroom and in a special education classroom.

Career Development at ESU

We'll help you launch your career. Support services are available through the ESU Career Development Center. The center offers a variety of intership opportunities, career planning, and employment services to all ESU students and alumni.