Experiential education enables students to try out potential careers before graduation. There are several ways for Mathematics majors to satisfy the University’s Experiential Education Requirement.
Students who are double Mathematics and Education majors generally satisfy it through student teaching (ED 416 for those planning to teach at the elementary level or ED 435 for those planning to teach at the secondary level).
Generally, all other mathematics majors satisfy it by taking MA 419, Introduction to Mathematical Modeling.
For those who have transferred from elsewhere and are trying to finish their degree in less than four years, or for other reasons are unable to fit MA 419 into their schedule, the university offers several other options: cooperative education (MA 388/488; also called “co-ops”), internships, service learning, and study abroad. Internships are often possible in the summer, but must be planned well in advance. Many insurance firms offer internships for students interested in becoming actuaries; students are particularly likely to obtain such internships if they have passed the first actuarial examination (which covers calculus, linear algebra, and probability and statistics). Other nearby companies also have usually offered some internships – Fort Monmouth, Lucent, for example – but these are very competitive.
Some mathematics majors also have minor in other subjects. If a course they took for the requirement of the minor is an ExEd course, they satisfy the ExEd requirement. Contact Dr. Betty Liu, Career Advisor and Planner (CAP) of the Mathematics Department, for more information.
MA 419 – Introduction to Mathematical Modeling
(3 credits)
Mathematical modeling is a process in which a real-world situation is studied, simplified and abstracted to the point that mathematical tools can be applied to gain understanding; the results are then evaluated by reconsidering the original problem. This course introduces students to the process, first via a text and mini-projects, then in teams investigating problems from local industries or organizations. This course is a mathematics Writing Intensive course and satisfies the Experiential Education requirement. Limited to Juniors and Seniors. Prerequisites: MA120, MA211, MA221, and MA319, with grades of C- or higher.
This course was first offered in Spring 2000 and has been offered every spring semester since spring 2002. Students worked on the projects from various local agencies, organizations, and government programs, such as the Brielle school system, New Jersey Department of Labor, NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife, the Endangered and Nongame Species Program, and the Rockport Pheasant Farm, the Monmouth Coastal Watersheds Management Partnership. At the conclusion of this course, students have developed skills in modeling simplified real-world problems and in applying a variety of numerical methods and computer techniques to solve the mathematical models. Through several mini-projects and the final project, students also had more experiences in collaborative work.
ED 416 – Student Teaching in Elementary School
(9 credits)
Full-time public school assignment under the daily supervision of a cooperating teacher. In addition, the supervisor from Monmouth University observes, evaluates, and confers with the student teacher a minimum of six times. Campus seminar required. Applications for student teaching must be submitted by the end of the first semester of the junior year (or completion of 80 credits). Prerequisites: having taken, but necessarily passed the appropriate National Teacher Examinations, Senior standing, approval of the department, and a minimum GPA of 2.50. Successful completion of this course fulfills the experiential education requirement.
ED 435 – Student Teaching in the Secondary School
(9 credits)
Full-time public school assignment under the daily supervision of a cooperating teacher. In addition, the supervisor from Monmouth University observes, evaluates, and confers with the student a minimum of six times. Campus seminar required. Applications for student teaching must be submitted by the end of the first semester of the junior year (or completion of 80 credits). Prerequisites: having taken, but necessarily passed the appropriate National Teacher Examinations, Senior standing, approval of the department, and a minimum GPA of 2.50.
MA 388, MA 488 – Cooperative Education: Mathematics
(1 – 3 credits)
This course affords the student an opportunity to apply mathematical theory to practical work-related experiences. It includes both academic and experiential components. For a 3 credit-hour course, the experiential piece involves 10 hours per week of work experience. The academic aspect includes a reflective journal and a written report. Students are limited to 9 credits of cooperative education. No cooperative education courses fulfill mathematics course requirements, but are instead considered as free electives.
Study Abroad
Monmouth has programs in London, Madrid, Florence, and Sydney. They enable you to take the same number of credits and many of the same courses that you would take at Monmouth, for the same tuition and board costs. Read more about Study Abroad.
Service Learning
Students apply what they learn in the classroom to a related field as community service. Talk to Dr. Betty Liu for more information on service learning.
Information and Forms for ExEd