Master of Arts in Mathematics for Teachers

Purpose

The Master of Arts in Mathematics for Teachers degree program is designed primarily for middle school and secondary school teachers who have an initial license and need a master’s degree for final professional licensure, who want Professional Development Points, or who are interested in continuing their study of mathematics. Mathematics majors who have graduated from college but who have not completed the requirements necessary for initial licensure, current teachers who do not have an initial license, and professionals who have decided on a career change may also be interested in the program (in order to become qualified teachers, in addition to establishing Mathematics competencies, these students, on their own, must take certification tests, fulfill state requirements, and complete a practicum). The program is designed to be inspiring, engaging, and challenging.

The broad challenge of mathematics education at all levels is to actively engage students in mathematical thinking. Mathematics education must have immediacy and relevance to attain this goal. Excellent teaching of mathematics occurs when the teacher has a broad-based, in-depth understanding of content coupled with an understanding of how pedagogy and technology can significantly enhance learning environments. This program is structured so that the scholar-teachers will be active participants in a learning process committed to content, pedagogy, and technology.
 

Program Objectives

The program provides instruction and support for scholar-teachers in achieving the following objectives. It is our purpose that our students:

1) Learn mathematical habits of mind

a.  Correctly apply inductive and deductive reasoning skills.

b.  Demonstrate correct use of formal mathematical language and ability to compose a mathematical proof.

c.  Demonstrate the ability to successfully apply mathematical computations and algorithms.

d.  Understand the connections between different branches of mathematics, as well as between mathematics and other disciplines.

2) Demonstrate fluency in mathematical communication/link content knowledge to classroom experience.

a.   Write about mathematics correctly and in a clear manner.

b.   Develop proficiency in introducing advanced mathematical concepts to the classroom.

3) Use technology relevant to mathematics.

 a.  Use relevant and current technology to aid the understanding of new mathematical concepts and to solve difficult problems.

 b.  Interpret and communicate correctly the results from the technology.

Structure

The program is a part-time online graduate program with courses offered synchronously during the fall 11-week term, the spring 15-week semester, and summer 8- or 12-week session. One or two mathematics courses are typically offered each term or semester, running two days a week, in the late afternoon or early evening, at hours convenient for the expected teacher audience. Free online tools, like shared whiteboards and mathematical web apps, are provided to allow for an interactive online class experience in real time. Both online and in-person office hours are held and accessible Zoom links provided for online classroom spaces for students to congregate and study during non-class hours.

The courses will be sequenced to run every three years, so that it would be possible to complete all degree requirements in about 2 1/2 years. The degree requires the completion of 10 courses. The program also allows students to commit to a longer period of stay to complete the degree and allows students to enroll in courses without an interest in obtaining the degree if they so desire. Upon admission into the program, the student will be assigned a faculty advisor who will work closely with the student in identifying a curriculum that best suits the objectives and needs of the student.

Requirements

The program requires 10 courses (30 credit hours), at least five of which must be core mathematics courses and at most five of which can be non-core mathematics courses. Students will be required to have an overall GPA of 3.00 or higher to become a degree candidate.

Total Credit Hours: 30