<p>Does anyone have any experience with AU’s Math or Education departments? I know that they are known for many other outstanding majors, but my D is considering a career in either the math or teaching fields or both (for now). She loves AU for all that it offers and has made it her first choice over several more techie schools. Any insight into those departments is appreciated. :-)</p>
<p>American is a great school for public service and international service fields. </p>
<p>The math department... well i'm just gonna say if u have lots of money to spend for a private tuition then go ahead, but i'm sure it's the same you can get for going to an instate school. i'm really not sure, tho i'm in IR and the school is great for that... maybe an economics major that's dealing with math, that would be a great major here, but if she just wants to major in math and be a teacher, i wouldn't waste the money.</p>
<p>Hi, I'm AU staff. I've worked with the staff in the education dept and they are great-- the staff is really involved and the students I've met seem to like the program. Employment prospects for ed grads are very strong in the local communities and grads have been certified in over 40 states. (upon graduation, you'll be certifiable in DC-- to teach that is, and it's not difficult to transfer to other states). </p>
<p>I'm not as familiar with the math department, I believe it's solid. Perhaps you can contact the head of the dept. if you have any questions. Faculty is listed on the departments' webpages. Mycrazyhazeleyes is right that econ is very strong here.</p>
<p>AU is very different than a techie school-- it is a good choice if she likes a liberal arts education (which I love). If she loves being surrounded by those who are very technical and engineers, this might not be the school for her. </p>
<p>A double major in math and secondary ed is a very doable thing here... and a different experience from a big state school -- its a matter of preferences and priorities-- comparing apples and oranges. Good luck to your D in her decision making process.</p>
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Mycrazyhazeleyes is right that econ is very strong here.
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<p>What basis does this have? Our econ department practices something called "heterodox" approach to economics. There are only a handful of departments in the country that even acknowledge this approach to economics. In addition I do not even think our department cracks the top 50 in the undergraduate NRC rankings for economics. We also have a leading professor here who is a card carrying member of the socialist party of America. The outside perception of our department, especially graduate school perception, is not that great. </p>
<p>Economics these days is based all around Mathematical models and if you expect to be employed utilizing your economics degree you better take a lot of math courses. I actually think the math department at this school isn't bad, but I don't know if the school itself is a supportive environment for math majors. </p>
<p>Positives:
- Personalized Attention(especially since very few students are willing to take higher level math here)
- Still offer the courses necessary for an education major
- tutoring opportunities - a lot of students need help with math at this school(good way to make some money)</p>
<p>Negatives:
- Student body completely apathetic about math
- Course offerings not as frequent at higher levels due to low enrollment</p>
<p>In fact the main reason why im considering leaving is the economics department.</p>