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:
- a BS with Teaching degree and
- 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:
- achieve a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA;
- achieve a minimum 3.50 major GPA;
- achieve a minimum 3.50 in the Mathematics and Computer Science with Teaching content courses required for the major;
- successfully complete MATH 3141, MATH 3142 and MATH 4051 instead of MATH 3137 and MATH 3138;
- successfully complete MATH 3098 instead of MATH 3096;
- achieve a minimum 3.50 GPA in the following courses:
- achieve a minimum 3.90 GPA in the following courses:
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 2024-2025. Students who matriculated prior to fall 2024 should refer to the Archives to view the requirements for their Bulletin year.
Bachelor of Science Requirements
Summary of Requirements for the Degree
- 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:
Course List Code Title Credit Hours 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.Course List Code Title Credit Hours Computer & Information Science CIS 1068 Program Design and Abstraction 4 or CIS 1968 Honors Program Design and Abstraction CIS 1166 Mathematical Concepts in Computing I 4 or CIS 1966 Honors Mathematical Concepts in Computing I CIS 2107 Computer Systems and Low-Level Programming 4 CIS 2168 Data Structures 4 Mathematics MATH 1041 Calculus I 4 or MATH 1941 Honors Calculus I MATH 1042 Calculus II 4 or MATH 1942 Honors Calculus II MATH 2021 Functions and Modeling (S) 3 MATH 2043 Calculus III 4 or MATH 2943 Honors Calculus III MATH 2061 Euclidean Geometry (S) 3 MATH 2101 Linear Algebra 3-4 or MATH 2103 Linear Algebra with Computer Lab MATH 2111 Basic Concepts of Math 3 MATH 3096 Introduction to Modern Algebra 3 MATH 3137 Real & Complex Analysis I (F) 3 MATH 3138 Real & Complex Analysis II (S) 3 MATH 4096 Senior Problem Solving 3 Mathematics or Computer & Information Science MATH 3003 Theory of Numbers 3-4 or CIS 2166 Mathematical Concepts in Computing II Physics PHYS 1061 Elementary Classical Physics I 4 or PHYS 1961 Honors Elementary Classical Physics I or PHYS 2021 General Physics I or PHYS 2921 Honors General Physics I PHYS 1062 Elementary Classical Physics II 4 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 1013 Elements of Data Science for the Physical and Life Sciences 3 SCTC 1389 Step 1 and 2: Inquiry-Based Lesson Design in Science and Mathematics Modified for English Learners 2 SCTC 3001 History of Science 3 SCTC 3312 Coding STEM Lessons 2 1 Education EDUC 2179 Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science 3 EDUC 4388 TUteach Apprentice Teaching 4 EDUC 4802 TUteach Apprentice Teaching Seminar 3 MGSE 2189 Classroom Interactions (S) 3 or SCTC 3485 Science and Mathematics in the Classroom MGSE 3796 Differentiated Literacy Instruction in the Disciplines (grades 7-12) 3 MGSE 4189 Project-Based Instruction (F) 3 or SCTC 4485 Integrating STEM Practice in Diverse Teaching Environments SPED 2231 Introduction to Special Education 3 Research Methods BIOL/CHEM/EES/PHYS 3091 Research Methods 3 Total Credit Hours 97-99 Course List Code Title Credit Hours (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 2024-2025 Academic Year
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| CIS 1068 or CIS 1968 | Program Design and Abstraction or Honors Program Design and Abstraction | 4 |
| MATH 1041 or MATH 1941 | 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 Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| CIS 1166 or CIS 1966 | Mathematical Concepts in Computing I or Honors Mathematical Concepts in Computing I | 4 |
| MATH 1042 or MATH 1942 | 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 Hours | 15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| CIS 2168 | Data Structures | 4 |
| MATH 2043 or MATH 2943 | Calculus III or Honors Calculus III | 4 |
| MATH 2101 or MATH 2103 | Linear Algebra or Linear Algebra with Computer Lab | 3-4 |
| EDUC 2179 | Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science | 3 |
| Elective | 3-2 | |
| Credit Hours | 17 | |
| 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 [GW] or Analytical Reading and Writing: ESL [GW] or Honors Analytical Reading and Writing [GW] | 4 |
| Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| MATH 3096 | Introduction to Modern Algebra [WI] | 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) [WI] | 3 |
| IH 0851 or IH 0951 | Intellectual Heritage I: The Good Life [GY] or Honors Intellectual Heritage I: The Good Life [GY] | 3 |
| GenEd Breadth Course | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 18 | |
| 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 or IH 0952 | Intellectual Heritage II: The Common Good [GZ] or Honors Intellectual Heritage II: The Common Good [GZ] | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Theory of Numbers | ||
| Mathematical Concepts in Computing II | ||
| MATH 4096 | Senior Problem Solving [WI] | 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 Hours | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| EDUC 4388 | TUteach Apprentice Teaching | 4 |
| EDUC 4802 | TUteach Apprentice Teaching Seminar | 3 |
| GenEd Breadth Course | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 10 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 124 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| (F) - Fall only course | ||
| (S) - Spring only course | ||
- 1
All students are required to take a minimum of one credit.