Mathematics, Secondary Education

Associate of Arts (DTA) Degree

Students interested in teaching middle and/or high school mathematics should pursue the Associate of Arts (DTA) degree. Students may complete at Tacoma Community College (TCC) the first two years of a Bachelors’ Degree leading to Secondary Education Mathematics Certification. This TCC program is designed for students who plan to transfer to major in mathematics with an emphasis on education at four-year colleges or universities. Upon successful completion of this program, students may be able to transfer to the University of Washington Tacoma as juniors. The field of teacher education is undergoing changes and will continue to change in the near future. Teacher education candidates should keep in close contact with the transfer university so that they may be aware of changes. Most universities require a fifth year or Master’s degree for secondary mathematics teacher certification.

Contact Us

Sellie DeMarco, Faculty Advisor

Location Bldg. F2-6

SDeMarco@tacomacc.edu

253-566-5045

 Email

Program Planning

Preparation
Degree Requirements
Transfer Outcomes

While in high school, students should pursue all the available courses in mathematics.

Students should meet with an advisor as soon as they are admitted to TCC. Many courses have prerequisites, are offered only once or twice a year, and are sequential.  Careful selection of classes each quarter is necessary to complete the program without delay.

Although members of the math department make every effort to consult with various colleges and universities regarding requirements, students are encouraged to consult catalogs, websites and advisors at their chosen transfer university. During their first year at TCC, students should consult the transfer advisor and the Education Program advisor at the University of Washington Tacoma (UWT) or other transfer university. There may be additional admissions requirements, such as foreign language courses. While this Associate of Arts (DTA) degree does not guarantee admission, completion of the program is a criterion for acceptance by many colleges and universities. Additional transfer requirements may exist at specific universities.

  • Some students may need to take additional prerequisite courses.
  • Students are required to pass the Washington Educator Skills Test Basic (WEST-B) before admissions to most teacher preparation programs. More information including test dates, registration, costs and study guides can be found at http://www.west.nesinc.com/
  • Grade point average requirements for application into teacher education programs vary from 2.50 to 3.0, students should check with the transfer university.
First Year
Fall Winter Spring

MATH& 151

ENGL& 101

EDUC& 205

PE Activity

MATH& 152

CMST 110

CS 142

PE Activity

MATH& 153 

PSYC& 100

EDUC 220

PE Activity
Second Year
Fall Winter Spring

 

MATH& 254

Natural Sciences
Distribution

CMST& 220

 

ENGL& 102

Natural Sciences
Distribution

PSYC& 200

 

Humanities Distribution
(not CMST)

College-Level Elective

ANTH& 206
Note: Humanities and Natural Science Distribution courses must be chosen from the Approved Distribution Course List. Natural Sciences Distribution courses must be selected from at least two disciplines with no more than 10 credits in any one discipline, must include at least 10 credits from the courses listed as Biological, Earth, and Physical Sciences, and must include at least one laboratory course. PE activity credits cannot be used as electives.

 

Current information about teacher education can be found at www.teachwashington.org