Mathematics Education (MS)

Program Mission

The Master of Science degree in Mathematics Education program aims to fill the need to provide advanced preparation for certified mathematics teachers. Changes in societal demands brought about by advances in mathematics and technology, as well as sociocultural changes in the high school clientele, make the continual re-tooling of mathematics teachers an absolute necessity. Through a curriculum that combines rigorous mathematics content knowledge with advanced research-based pedagogy, the program seeks to produce a highly competent cadre of mathematics teachers who have the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to foster a high level of achievement in mathematics in high school students. This program will produce teachers who have a sound knowledge of the discipline, are skilled in facilitating learning, and have the competence to assess students' needs in mathematics and to modify their own instructional practices to meet those needs.

Objectives

Upon completion of these programs certified teachers will have acquired the competence to:

• Draw on insights from cognitive psychology, the nature and philosophy of mathematics, and a sound level of subject matter knowledge in order to design learning experiences that result in the meaningful acquisition of mathematics concepts by high school students
• Use technology to enhance student learning in mathematics
• Create classroom learning environments that are stimulating and intellectually/emotionally safe for diverse student populations of both genders
• Model an enthusiastic engagement with mathematics and motivate students to excellence in these subjects
• Reflect on their own practices and seek to be responsive to changing student needs in a demanding society

Special Admission Criteria

To be eligible for admission to the program, applicants must have completed a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics. Applicants must also be certified in the teaching of mathematics at the middle and/or high school level.