OVERVIEW
The Online Math Degree You Need to Make a Difference for Students
High school math teachers play a critical role in helping students learn key concepts and develop a love for mathematics. WGU's Bachelor of Science in Secondary Mathematics Education will make sure you're prepared to enter the classroom as a credentialed expert in math. WGU is proud to support the growth and purpose of STEM by helping over 8,700 students graduate with STEM teaching degrees.* But this online math degree program is about more than just credentials—it's focused on training you so you will be ready to work with unique students, utilizing different learning techniques and strategies.
Raise your hand if you're ready to have a positive impact on students, as you teach them both positive numbers and share a positive attitude! This online math degree will prepare you in the best possible ways for a future you can count on! Looking to specialize in middle school math? Check out WGU's B.S. Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) degree program.
*WGU Internal Data
63% of students finish within
40 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 this teaching bachelor's degree faster.
*WGU Internal Data
Tuition per six-month term is
$3,825
Do the math and you'll see that you're in control of the cost of your teaching degree. We charge tuition per-term instead of per-credit. Finish faster, pay less!
On average, students transfer
32 credits
Your associate’s degree or previous college may waive some courses through transfer. We review your transcripts for transfer credits, helping you accelerate this bachelor's degree in education.
COURSES
Secondary Mathematics Education Courses
A nationally recognized curriculum designed to help you become a highly qualified math teacher.
Program consists of 44 courses
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
WGU's B.S. Mathematics Education program is an affordable, online degree program that prepares you for secondary licensure to teach middle school or high school math anywhere in the United States. WGU is the nation’s largest provider of math and science teaching degrees.*
To ensure WGU graduates acquire the knowledge and teaching skills sought by today’s schools, our B.S. Mathematics Education program 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).
Students will take eight professional core courses that will prepare them to handle unique educational situations and become better teachers. These education courses focus on a variety of important topics including social and emotional learning, and technology and diversity inclusion in the classroom.
*Source: NCES data
Plus, students will get to use augmented reality experiences to give them the opportunity to practice their work before entering the classroom. These eight professional core courses are also coupled with preclinical experience to help ensure teachers are ready for their classroom.
Some of the courses in this program 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. This means that you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost.
Washington students, please note that you will be required to complete one additional course that is not listed below: Survey of Pacific Northwest History for Educators. View the Washington program guide.
44 Courses
Program consists of 44 courses
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
Professional Portfolio
Special requirements for this program
You will complete a professional portfolio, which 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.
“Quality education, flexible schedule, and amazing student support and culture.”
—Victor
B.S. Mathematics Education (Secondary)
WGU vs. Traditional Universities
Compare the Difference
Traditional Universities
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options
As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years
TRANSFER CREDITS
Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses
A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation
Traditional Universities
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
TUITION STRUCTURE
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
SUPPORT
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
EXAMS
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
SCHEDULE
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options
TIME TO FINISH
As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years
TRANSFER CREDITS
Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses
TRANSFER CREDITS
A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation
Why WGU?
You Aren't On Your Own
WGU has Program Mentors who work with you from the day you start, all the way through graduation. They help you set up your Demonstration Teaching, learn about teaching certification in your state, and more. You're not alone when you choose an online education degree at WGU.
On Your Schedule
Students choose WGU for their online teaching degree program because of its flexibility. Whether you already have a full-time job, have responsibilities as a parent, or just have a busy schedule, WGU can work for you.
Licensure In Any State
WGU's online secondary math education degree prepares you for a teaching license in any state in the United States. It's valuable to learn the other requirements in your state to know the full process for gaining licensure.
Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™
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.
COST & TIME
An Affordable Secondary Math Education Degree Program
By charging per six-month 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. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.
A College Degree Is Within Reach
There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:
The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.
Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits.
Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.
*WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
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.
“Because of WGU, I’m going to be a math teacher. It’s opened so many doors!”
—Mike J.
B.A. Math Education
CAREER OUTLOOK
Make a Smart Career Move with an Online Secondary Math Education Degree
A serious shortage of math teachers nationwide means math teachers are in very high demand. To be a math teacher, you need specialized knowledge and training to make a difference in the classroom. WGU's B.S. Mathematics Education can prepare you to fill a critically important role in K–12 education. And WGU's Teachers College is AAQEP and CAEP accredited. Earn your WGU degree to become a math teacher and help students develop skills they will use for the rest of their lives!
This math degree prepares you to do more than teach math—it ensures you're ready to work with students as they learn to solve complex problems, sharpen their critical thinking, and get ready for the challenges of college. This highly reputable online math degree is CAEP and AAQEP accredited, ensuring you will garner respect from administrators and peers. Pursue your passion with this online math degree that prepares you to teach middle school or high school students. Note: The specific grade level you will be licensed to teach depends on your state.
Return on Your Investment
On average, WGU graduates see an increase in income post-graduation
Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source: 2022 Harris Poll Survey of 1,542 WGU graduates.
Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.
5%
Employment of all high school teachers is projected to grow 5% from 2021 to 2031 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
WGU Has Alumni Teaching in Schools Across the Country
Graduates of WGU's online Teachers College have found meaningful, rewarding teaching 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
ADMISSIONS
Secondary Mathematics Education Bachelor's Admission Requirements
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.
An Enrollment Counselor can help you best determine whether you have the sufficient background for entry into your program of choice.
Get Your Enrollment Checklist
Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.
Get Your Questions Answered
Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.
Transfer Credits
MORE DETAILS
Becoming a Licensed Teacher
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
Preclinical Experiences
As part of this program, you'll 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.
More About the B.S. in Secondary Mathematics Education
- More About Teacher Licensure
- Transfers
Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?