What Are the Math Requirements for an Elementary Education Major?

Math requirements for an elementary education major slightly varies depending on the college you choose to enroll in.

Math requirements may also vary depending on your program choices.

Many elementary education majors offer concentration options that may require you to complete more math courses.

Learn more about the math requirements for an elementary education major from enrollment to graduation in the information below.

Elementary Education Major Math Requirements

Find out about college math courses required to earn a bachelor's degree in elementary education below.

Math Requirements for Enrollment

There are not any special or additional math requirements beyond what you need to complete high school to enroll in a college for an elementary education major.

High school math requirements may differ depending on the state you live in. In most cases, you must complete about two to four years of math studies.

High school math classes may include:

• Algebra
• Geometry
• Precalculus
• Trigonometry

Other high school math courses include integrated mathematics, probability and statistics, and calculus.

General Education Math Requirements

You must complete one or more courses in basic math to satisfy the general education requirements of an elementary education major.

Basic math requirements may include courses such as the following:

• College algebra concepts
• Intermediate algebra
• Statistics methods and applications

Other examples of general education math courses include:

• Mathematics for Elementary Educators
• Elements of Mathematics
• Introduction to Analysis

The general education math courses are different for each college but the primary goal to build your critical thinking skills and prepare you for core math requirements is the same.

Major Core Math Requirements

The core math requirements for an elementary education major are also different depending on the college you choose to enroll in.

Most colleges require that you earn at least six or more credits in specific mathematics courses to satisfy the major core math requirements.

Core math courses may include the following:

• College algebra
• Elementary geometry
• Quantitative reasoning
• Mathematics for elementary teachers
• Mathematics methods and content

Mathematics K through 6, instruction and assessment, and methods and strategies for teaching mathematics are other examples of core math courses you may take for an elementary education major.

Core courses in mathematics prepare you to use analytic and critical thinking skills and teach elementary school math.

Math Requirements for Graduation

To graduate and earn your degree, you must earn a certain grade point average as specified by your college's program.

For many online college programs, you must earn a 3.0 overall grade point average of your degree requirements to graduate and qualify for earning your teacher certification.

You may be able to earn a grade C in math courses depending on your college.

Maintain good academic behaviors such as studying, resting, and meeting deadlines to earn the best grade possible.

Other Elementary Education Major Math Requirements

Find out about other possible elementary education major math requirements below.

Concentrations or Specializations

You may have additional math requirements for your elementary education major if you choose to focus your degree in mathematics.

Some colleges such as Drexel University and Liberty University offer concentrations or specializations like middle-grade mathematics or middle-level mathematics and English for grades 4 through 8.

If you are interested in becoming an elementary school teacher or middle school math teacher, you may benefit from enhancing your degree with a concentration option.

Additional math courses may include:

• Elementary functions and coordinate geometry
• Introduction to probability and statistics
• Middle years mathematics methods, 4 through 8

Electives

Degree requirements for an elementary education major typically consist of 120 credit hours or more of required courses, but you may complete additional math electives to also enhance your degree.

If you have a strong interest in math, add math or math-related courses that will prepare you for your graduate degree or teaching at another grade level.

Examples of additional math courses may include:

• Mathematics content and curricular knowledge
• Mathematics instruction for special education
• Teaching methods, remedial mathematics

Are Math Requirements for Elementary Education Majors Hard?

Math requirements for an elementary education major are not as rigorous as math requirements for a mathematics or physics major, but they will challenge you to prepare you for teaching children.

If you are comfortable with and understand basic math, you may not think that the math requirements for an elementary education major are so hard.

Start Your Elementary Education Major Math Requirements Today

Enroll in an accredited institution today to start completing your general education and core math requirements for an elementary education major and prepare for teacher certification to teach elementary or middle school math.