A supporting course is a course in a field other than math that uses mathematics.

Since mathematics is used in so many fields, it is important for a math teacher to have some experience using math in another field.

The supporting course addresses the following portions of Standard V: Mathematical Processes and Standard VI: Mathematical Perspectives:

"The beginning teacher of mathematics is able to: …

(5.17s) apply mathematical methods to analyze practical situations; and

(5.18s) use mathematics to model and solve problems in other disciplines, such as art, music, science, social science, and business." (p. 20)

"The beginning teacher of mathematics knows and understands: …

(6.5k) how mathematics is used in a variety of careers and professions;.." (p. 21)

The following courses are currently approved as supporting courses:

ARE 323K, AST 307, 352K, 352L, 358, 367M, C E 321, 341, 352, CH 301, 303, CS 307, ECO 420K, 341K, 354K, EE 302, 366, 366L, E M 314, GEO 346C, 354, 476K, GOV 341M, GRG 360L, HDF 322, M E 320, 326, 366L, 279M (Modeling Under Uncertainty), 279M (Operations Research: Optimization), PGE 310, PHY 301, 303K, 303L, PSY 325K, 332, 334C, 345, SOC 369L, STA 376

For descriptions of these courses, click here.

It might be. If you know of a course that you think would qualify as a supporting course but is not on the list, contact the math faculty advisor for the BS-Teaching Option at mks@math.utexas.edu.

No. The purpose of the supporting course is to broaden your background beyond what you obtain in other required courses. You may also be taking course to meet area requirements that use mathematics.

First, try to choose a course which best fits your teaching plans and your interests. Here are some examples:

• Courses to consider if you plan to teach middle school. AST 307: Introductory Astronomy, AST 367M: Methods of Astronomy and HDF 322: Personal and Family Finance.
• Courses to consider if you plan to teach algebra. HDF 322: Personal and Family Finance, EE 366: Engineering Economics.
• Courses to consider if you plan to teach Math Models. ECO 354K: Introductory Game Theory, EE 366: Engineering Economics, GOV 341M: Decision Theory, HDF 322: Personal and Family Finance, ME 366L: Operations Research Models, ME 279M: Operations Research: Optimization, SOC 369L: Analytical Demography
• Courses to consider if you plan to teach calculus. ARE 323K: Project Management and Economics, AST 352L: Positional, Dynamical, and Kinematical Astronomy, ECO 420K: Microeconomic Theory, EM 314: Mechanics, GEO 346C: Environmental Hydrogeology, GEO 354: Environmental Hydrogeology, GEO 476K: Groundwater Hydrology, ME 320: Applied Thermodynamics, ME 326: Thermodynamics, PGE 310: Formulation and Solution of Geosystems Engineering Problems, PHY 301: Mechanics, PHY 303K: Engineering Physics I, PHY 303L: Engineering Physics II.
• Courses to consider if you plan to teach AP statistics. CE 321: Transportation Systems, CE 341: Introduction to Environmental Engineering, CE 352: Civil Engineering Measurements, ECO 341K: Civil Engineering Measurements, ECO 354K: Introductory Game Theory, EE 366L: Statistics for Manufacturing, GRG 360L: Spatial Analysis, ME 279M: Modeling Under Uncertainty, PSY 325K: Advanced Statistics, PSY 332: Behavioral Neuroscience, PSY 3334C: Evolution of Human Behavior, PSY 345: Individual Differences, STA 376: Statistics in Business Forecasting.

Second, find out what other students say about supporting courses they have taken. Click here for comments by students on these courses.

Third, be aware that some courses require prerequisites or have other restrictions on enrollments, and that not all courses are offered every semester.

Only three hours of supporting coursework is required, but additional hours chosen from this list can count as elective hours. In fact, they are good choices for electives.