Hey guys,
I’d like to transfer from a Cali CC to UCLA, UCSD, or UCI. I’m not sure which major to pick- pure mathematics, or statistics. I am also considering teaching not only in secondary education, but also college.
Thanks 
For high school, I don’t really think it matters—so long as your major involves math up until at least calculus 2, which all math programs obviously will have, as well as other math-intensive programs. The highest level of math you’ll ever be able to teach in high school is AP calculus BC, which I believe is equivalent to or has some calculus 2 in it.
Any major in science, mathematics, or engineering will suffice. In the state of California, where I presume you’ll want to teach, it won’t matter what your major is, as long as you enroll in a credentialed teacher education program and pass the test to be come a teacher.
For teaching college-level math, you’ll need at least a master’s degree in math/physics/engineering/any math-intensive major, and if you want a realistic chance at tenure(Which will still be slim, given the job market), you’ll want to earn a Ph. D.
How do you know all that @cayton? :-B
@lindyk8
I considered becoming a teacher once upon a time.
UCSC offers B.A in Mathematics with concentration in Mathematics Education.
UCLA offers B.S in Mathematics of Teaching, they also offer it as minor I guess if you want to do another undergrad program and still teach math, not sure though. Might want to check their math dept.
UCSD offers B.A in Mathematics/Secondary Education.
These are geared towards someone who want to get into field. But it’s not necessary that you should only do these majors.
Of course I think it matters because in the long run you will get to be department chair and such base on your ability. My oldest daughter was taught math by a crappy teacher, the kid barely learned anything because this person has political science degree. She barely understand math enough to teach. For example there are many ways to solve a problem but she only knew one way. There were many complaints about her teaching ability. I went and complained to the principal but he wouldn’t switch class for my kid. So for kid #2 I decided to switch high school and she had a fantastic math teachers. The department chair went to UCSD for math, no surprise there because UCSD has a very strong math program. All students love this teacher, no wonder he is a department chair.
FWIW, the best math teachers I had were all math majors (at least one minored in physics).
Go to http://www.ca.gov/Education/Teachers/BecomingATeacher.html and there is a link “How to Get Your Teaching Credentials” If you want to teach in HS you want a single-subject credential. If you want to teach in college you need a PhD; technically you could teach at a CC with a Masters but there is a PhD glut so they can hire PhD’s
For high school teaching, many math departments offer a track or electives within the math major specifically to prepare students for that. Teaching credential would also be needed.
For college teaching, major in math to prepare for PhD study.
While high school math only goes up to calculus 2, it should be helpful to have more in depth knowledge like real analysis, as well as good proof skills for teaching geometry properly.
Any eng major, do consult work on the side, make bank. All my professors have side jobs.