Overview

Science and technology are the foundations of our future. The Department of Computer and Information Sciences (CIS) is focused on the understanding of fundamental scientific principles and the application of these principles to solving complex problems, using computing technology.

The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science with Teaching is part of Temple's innovative "TUteach" teacher-training program. The BS in Mathematics and Computer Science with Teaching provides broad training in mathematics and computer science and prepares students for a career in secondary school teaching or an entry level position in a mathematics field or computer science. The education courses in this major include supervised teaching in school district classrooms and emphasize inquiry-based approaches to learning. Students in the BS in Mathematics and Computer Science with Teaching degree program become eligible for a Pennsylvania teacher certification when they complete all the requirements for the degree that include theoretical and practical courses in education specifically designed for science and mathematics majors. In order to be recommended for Pennsylvania teacher certification, students must graduate with:

  1. a BS with Teaching degree and
  2. meet GPA and testing requirements of the state of Pennsylvania.

Students will be scheduled once each semester to meet with the TUteach advisor to ensure that students have knowledge of academic programming, internships opportunities and testing options that include test preparation. The state of Pennsylvania has specific candidacy requirements. The TUteach advisor will also help the students complete and submit the candidacy documents. All students joining the program in their freshman year must complete the PAPA examination or acquire the PAPA waiver within their first 72 credits. Transfer students, from within Temple and those from other institutions, will build a tailored program with the academic and testing benchmarks structured for efficient degree completion with the TUteach advisor. Students are encouraged to complete the appropriate PRAXIS II examination prior to student teaching. Students are encouraged to take internship courses to expand their teaching portfolio or select elective courses that will extend their knowledge of science and teaching practice.

Campus Location: Main

Program Code: ST-MCTC-BS

Distinction in Major

To graduate with distinction in this major, a student must satisfy the following criteria:

​Undergraduate Contact Information

Susan Varnum, Program Director and Professor of Chemistry
Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs and Science Education​
College of Science and Technology​
Gladfelter Hall, Room 629
215-204-6390 or 215-204-4073
susan.varnum@temple.edu

Kathleen McKinley, Master Teacher/Faculty Advisor (Mathematics Education) and Instructor of Practice
College of Science and Technology
Gladfelter Hall, Room 631
215-204-9252
kathleen.mc.kinley@temple.edu

Kenneth Ruff, TUteach Faculty Advisor, Academic Programs Director, and Assistant Professor of Practice
College of Science and Technology
Gladfelter Hall, Room 656
215-204-3628
kruff@temple.edu

Brian Rider, Mathematics Department Chair
Wachman Hall, Room 638
215-204-7841
mathematics@temple.edu

Maria Lorenz, Mathematics Department Vice Chair
Wachman Hall, Room 610
215-204-7852
mathadvising@temple.edu

Boris Datskovsky, Mathematics Department Director of Undergraduate Studies
Wachman Hall, Room 632
215-204-7847
mathadvising@temple.edu

Jamie Payton, Computer and Information Sciences Department Chair
Science, Education and Research Center, Room 304
215-204-8450

Gene Kwatny, Computer and Information Sciences Department Vice Chair
Science, Education and Research Center, Room 304
215-204-8450

Andrew Rosen, Faculty Advisor
Science, Education and Research Center, Room 349
215-204-3193
andrew.rosen@temple.edu

Learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science with Teaching.

These requirements are for students who matriculated in academic year 2023-2024. Students who matriculated prior to fall 2023 should refer to the Archives to view the requirements for their Bulletin year.

Bachelor of Science Requirements

Summary of Requirements for the Degree

  1. University Requirements (124 total s.h.)
    • Students must complete all University requirements including those listed below.
    • All undergraduate students must complete at least two writing-intensive courses for a total of at least six credits at Temple as part of their major. The specific writing-intensive course options for this major are:
      Introduction to Modern Algebra
      Senior Problem Solving
      Differentiated Literacy Instruction in the Disciplines (grades 7-12)
    • Students must complete the General Education (GenEd) requirements.
      • See the General Education section of the Undergraduate Bulletin for the GenEd curriculum.
      • Students who complete TUteach majors receive a waiver for 1 Human Behavior (GB), 2 Science & Technology (GS) and 1 Quantitative Literacy (GQ) GenEd courses.
    • Students must satisfy general Temple University residency requirements.
  2. College Requirements
    • A minimum of 90 total credits within the College of Science & Technology (CST), the College of Liberal Arts (CLA), and/or the College of Engineering (ENG).
      • A minimum of 45 of these credits must be upper-level (courses numbered 2000 and above).
    • Complete a one-credit first-year or transfer seminar.
      • SCTC 1001 CST First Year Seminar for every entering first-year CST student.
      • SCTC 2001 CST Transfer Seminar for every entering transfer CST student.
  3. Major Requirements for Bachelor of Science (97-99 s.h.)1
    At least 10 courses required for the major must be completed at Temple. At least 6 Math, 2 Computer Science, and 3 Education courses must be completed at Temple. Though not required, students are strongly encouraged to increase training and field work experience by enrolling in SCTC 1385, SCTC 2385, or SCTC 2389. Students will also benefit from directed laboratory projects offered through SCTC 3185. These courses are offered every semester.
    Computer & Information Science
    CIS 1068Program Design and Abstraction4
    or CIS 1968 Honors Program Design and Abstraction
    CIS 1166Mathematical Concepts in Computing I4
    or CIS 1966 Honors Mathematical Concepts in Computing I
    CIS 2107Computer Systems and Low-Level Programming4
    CIS 2168Data Structures4
    Mathematics
    MATH 1041Calculus I4
    or MATH 1941 Honors Calculus I
    MATH 1042Calculus II4
    or MATH 1942 Honors Calculus II
    MATH 2021Functions and Modeling (S)3
    MATH 2043Calculus III4
    or MATH 2943 Honors Calculus III
    MATH 2061Euclidean Geometry (S)3
    MATH 2101Linear Algebra3-4
    or MATH 2103 Linear Algebra with Computer Lab
    MATH 2111Basic Concepts of Math3
    MATH 3096Introduction to Modern Algebra3
    MATH 3137Real & Complex Analysis I (F)3
    MATH 3138Real & Complex Analysis II (S)3
    MATH 4096Senior Problem Solving3
    Mathematics or Computer & Information Science
    MATH 3003Theory of Numbers3-4
    or CIS 2166 Mathematical Concepts in Computing II
    Physics
    PHYS 1061Elementary Classical Physics I4
    or PHYS 1961 Honors Elementary Classical Physics I
    or PHYS 2021 General Physics I
    or PHYS 2921 Honors General Physics I
    PHYS 1062Elementary Classical Physics II4
    or PHYS 1962 Honors Elementary Classical Physics II
    or PHYS 2022 General Physics II
    or PHYS 2922 Honors General Physics II
    College of Science & Technology
    SCTC 1013Elements of Data Science for the Physical and Life Sciences3
    SCTC 1389Step 1 and 2: Inquiry-Based Lesson Design in Science and Mathematics Modified for English Learners2
    SCTC 3001History of Science3
    SCTC 3312Coding STEM Lessons 21
    Education
    EDUC 2179Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science3
    EDUC 4388TUteach Apprentice Teaching4
    EDUC 4802TUteach Apprentice Teaching Seminar3
    MGSE 2189Classroom Interactions (S)3
    or SCTC 3485 Science and Mathematics in the Classroom
    MGSE 3796Differentiated Literacy Instruction in the Disciplines (grades 7-12)3
    MGSE 4189Project-Based Instruction (F)3
    or SCTC 4485 Integrating STEM Practice in Diverse Teaching Environments
    SPED 2231Introduction to Special Education3
    Research Methods
    BIOL/CHEM/EES/PHYS 3091Research Methods3
    Total Credit Hours97-99
    (F) - Fall only course
    (S) - Spring only course
    1

    The certification requirements need to meet Pennsylvania Department of Education standards and are subject to change. All students are strongly recommended to check with the TUteach Advisor in the College of Science and Technology to affirm the requirements that pertain to their specific major. In addition, students should check the Undergraduate Bulletin web site for the most current information about these programs, or the TUteach web site. It is also recommended that all students meet with an advisor before enrolling in classes specific to these majors and leading to certification as a teacher. This is to assure that a candidate's intended program of study will be compatible with the new requirements.

    2

    All students are required to take a minimum of one credit.

Suggested Academic Plan

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science with Teaching

Suggested Plan for New Students Starting in the 2023-2024 Academic Year

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallCredit Hours
CIS 1068
Program Design and Abstraction
or Honors Program Design and Abstraction
4
MATH 1041
Calculus I
or Honors Calculus I
4
Select one of the following: 4
Elementary Classical Physics I
Honors Elementary Classical Physics I
General Physics I
Honors General Physics I
SCTC 1001 CST First Year Seminar 1
SCTC 1389 Step 1 and 2: Inquiry-Based Lesson Design in Science and Mathematics Modified for English Learners 2
 Credit Hours15
Spring
CIS 1166
Mathematical Concepts in Computing I
or Honors Mathematical Concepts in Computing I
4
MATH 1042
Calculus II
or Honors Calculus II
4
Select one of the following: 4
Elementary Classical Physics II
Honors Elementary Classical Physics II
General Physics II
Honors General Physics II
SCTC 1013 Elements of Data Science for the Physical and Life Sciences 3
 Credit Hours15
Year 2
Fall
CIS 2168 Data Structures 4
MATH 2043
Calculus III
or Honors Calculus III
4
MATH 2101
Linear Algebra
or Linear Algebra with Computer Lab
3-4
EDUC 2179 Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science 3
Elective 3-2
 Credit Hours17
Spring
CIS 2107 Computer Systems and Low-Level Programming 4
MATH 2021 Functions and Modeling (S) 3
MATH 2111 Basic Concepts of Math 3
SPED 2231 Introduction to Special Education 3
ENG 0802
Analytical Reading and Writing
or Analytical Reading and Writing: ESL
or Honors Writing About Literature
4
 Credit Hours17
Year 3
Fall
MATH 3096 Introduction to Modern Algebra 3
MATH 3137 Real & Complex Analysis I (F) 3
SCTC 3001 History of Science 3
MGSE 3796 Differentiated Literacy Instruction in the Disciplines (grades 7-12) 3
IH 0851
Intellectual Heritage I: The Good Life
or Honors Intellectual Heritage I: The Good Life
3
GenEd Breadth Course 3
 Credit Hours18
Spring
MATH 2061 Euclidean Geometry (S) 3
MATH 3138 Real & Complex Analysis II (S) 3
Select one of the following: 3
Classroom Interactions (S)
Science and Mathematics in the Classroom
Select one of the following: 3
Research Methods (S)
Research Methods (S)
Research Methods (S)
Research Methods (S)
IH 0852
Intellectual Heritage II: The Common Good
or Honors Intellectual Heritage II: The Common Good
3
 Credit Hours15
Year 4
Fall
Select one of the following: 3-4
Theory of Numbers
Mathematical Concepts in Computing II
MATH 4096 Senior Problem Solving 3
SCTC 3312 Coding STEM Lessons 1 1
Select one of the following: 3
Project-Based Instruction (F)
Integrating STEM Practice in Diverse Teaching Environments
GenEd Breadth Course 3
GenEd Breadth Course 4-3
 Credit Hours17
Spring
EDUC 4388 TUteach Apprentice Teaching 4
EDUC 4802 TUteach Apprentice Teaching Seminar 3
GenEd Breadth Course 3
 Credit Hours10
 Total Credit Hours124
(F) - Fall only course
(S) - Spring only course
1

All students are required to take a minimum of one credit.