Education: Mathematics Education, Grades 4-12 BS
Prepare for a rewarding career teaching mathematics in grades 4 through 12 with the Mathematics Teacher Education Program.
Program Type
Major
Program Format
On Campus
Why Mathematics Education?
- World-class, cutting-edge, research-based teacher education curriculum taught by expert and experienced mathematics educators.
- Preparation to teach in Wisconsin and beyond with a focus on Common Core mathematics and high-cognitive-demand tasks that engage all learners.
- Quality field experience supervisors and exceptional cooperating teachers.
- You can earn certification in as few as three semesters (summer, fall, spring) with flexible and convenient evening and summer course offerings with cohorts of students and instructors.
- Rigorous preparation for future employment in a variety of settings working with a diverse group of students.
- Perfect for a diverse array of teacher candidates. We welcome undergraduates and transfer students, career-changers already holding a bachelor’s degree, and master’s degree candidates seeking a license to teach.

Math education degree students have the opportunity to experience hands-on classroom-based fieldwork and student teaching with middle and high schools for a full school year. After satisfactorily completing the program requirements, you will meet the Wisconsin teacher certification requirements for grades 4 through 12.
For post-baccalaureates and contracted but unlicensed teachers: If you have a science, mathematics or engineering degree and wish to obtain a science or mathematics teaching license, or if you are unlicensed and teaching on-the-job, you can join our certification program from any location within Wisconsin and complete the certification program within one year, while working full time. Our highly acclaimed program, MACSTEP 2.0, is now using videoconferencing technology, so future mathematics and science teachers can participate in real-time classes from home, or their school, using a camera on their computer and a reliable Wi-Fi connection in order to Zoom into class.
You will be interacting with a cohort of certification students and the instructors, while working through modules and assignments in order to complete course credits and fieldwork experiences. You can complete fieldwork and student teaching close to where you live, or at your on-the-job school while functioning as an unlicensed contracted teacher.
This Program Is Designed For
- Undergraduates who are completing a degree at UWM or another institution.
- Post-baccalaureates (who already have a degree in science, mathematics or engineering) who want to become certified to teach through videoconferencing technology, attending on-campus courses or a combination of both.
- Post-baccalaureates who want certification, but also wish to complete many of their credits for a master’s degree, and finish the M.S. shortly after beginning their first teaching job.
- Post-baccalaureate from anywhere in Wisconsin or northern Illinois.
- Veterans, active military, Guards and Reserve — this program complements the Department of Defense Troops to Teachers.
- Teachers on an emergency or substitute license, teaching at a public or private school, who wish to obtain a science or mathematics teaching license.
Program Requirements
Post-Baccalaureate Program
Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree can earn their teaching certification by successfully completing our post-baccalaureate teaching certification program. It’s possible that coursework completed as part of your bachelor’s degree could be applied towards our math education degree program.
Graduate Program
Can complete certification and most of a master’s degree in three semesters. Please contact Dr. Ray Scolavino for more information. See C&I master’s degree program.
UWM Admission
Undergraduate Admission | To be considered for admission to UWM, you must meet all UWM admissions requirements and complete the Universities of Wisconsin Application. |
Post-Baccalaureate Certification | The School of Education post-baccalaureate certification programs lead to teaching certification and licensure. This pathway is for someone who already has an undergraduate degree and aspires to become a classroom teacher. |
Graduate Admission | To be considered for admission to the School of Education Curriculum and Instruction, MS or Exceptional Education, MS program you must meet all UWM Graduate School admission requirements. Individuals interested in earning teacher certification with their master’s degree will select a certification area of interest. |
The Universities of Wisconsin Application is required even if you have applied or attended UWM previously as an undergraduate, graduate, or University Special student.
In completing the Universities of Wisconsin application, attend to the following:
- It is important that you answer the initial questions in a specific way to ensure that your application is coded correctly.
- When asked, “Are you applying for a degree or a few courses?” you must select “Degree.”
- When asked, “Are you looking to earn a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree?” you must select “Bachelor’s Degree.”
- Select UW-Milwaukee as the campus to which you are applying.
- When you arrive at the “Choose your major/program” page, select “Education & Training” followed by your specific area.
- Select your desired semester/start term and continue with the remainder of the application.
- Important Note: For the essay portion of the application, include the statement “I am applying to pursue a teaching certification” along with your current WI teaching license information or if you’re seeking initial WI teaching licensure, as well as subject areas of interest.
- Required: Official transcripts from all institutions where undergraduate and graduate credit has been earned, except UWM. Transcripts should be sent directly from your institution(s) to UWM.
School of Education: Advancement to Professional Sequence Process (Advance to Major)
All applicants to the Mathematics Teacher Education Program must meet the following requirements to advance to the professional program sequence.
- 2.5 cumulative grade point average
- 2.75 grade point average in all mathematics content courses
- Additional undergraduate requirements for admission, see your academic advisor
- Applications must be received by May 1
- Undergraduate degree in mathematics or equivalent
- 2.5 cumulative grade point average
- 2.75 grade point average in all mathematics content courses
- Applications must be received by May 1
Complete the Intent to Advance to Professional Sequence Form
Advancement to the professional program sequence is based on a review of all application materials by the program admission committee and is contingent upon availability of space.
Undergraduate Students
If you wish to begin your MACSTEP Mathematics Professional Sequence in the Summer 2025 semester, please complete the Intent to Advance to Professional Sequence Form linked above by May 1.
Graduate Program
Can complete certification and most of a master’s degree in three semesters. Please contact Dr. Ray Scolavino for more information about the Graduate Program requirements. See C&I master’s degree program.
Faculty
- Distinguished Lecturer, Teaching and Learning
- Program Director, Science Education, Grades 4-12
- Program Director, Mathematics Education, Grades 4-12
- ni3@uwm.edu
- 414-460-0746
- Enderis Hall 386