Master's in Math for Secondary Teachers

Applicants for the MSST should have an undergraduate degree in mathematics and should be certified to teach secondary school mathematics. Exceptions may be granted in specific cases; for example, if you do not currently have a teaching certificate, but you will qualify for a secondary mathematics teaching certificate by the time the degree is awarded.

By the end of the program of study, the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of an area of mathematics (e.g., algebra, analysis, geometry) and a mathematics-related area that has implications for teaching (e.g., mathematics curriculum, learning theory, history of mathematics, philosophy of mathematics), and the connections between the two.
2. Demonstrate an ability to apply the knowledge from learning outcome #1 to the classroom.

MSST candidates follow an individualized course of study prepared in cooperation with the student's adviser and approved by the MSSC Graduate Committee, following one of the two options.

• Plan A
  24 semester hours of course work
  thesis (for 6 credits)
• Plan B
  30 semester hours of course work
  10-20 page essay

Under Plan A, a thesis and 24 semester hours are required. The thesis must be an original contribution to the discipline for which six hours of credit are normally given. Plan B requires a 10-20 page essay that demonstrates the candidate's ability to analyze and synthesize a particular area of research or professional practice, and 30 semester hours of course work. Students will automatically enter under Plan B and will need to consult with their adviser and the Graduate Committee if they wish to transfer to Plan A. Provided approval is obtained from the Graduate Committee your program may incorporate a limited number of courses from other departments, including psychology, education or science courses.

The MSST program requires successful completion of MSSC 5300 and either MSSC 6953 or 6954. No foreign language is required.

The MSSC Department is committed to serving teachers and provides a generous number of mathematics courses in the late afternoon or evening as well as some summer courses to accommodate teachers' work schedules.

Required Mathematics Education Courses

The Teaching of Mathematics- 3 credits

Seminar in Mathematics Curriculum and Material 1- 3 credits

Elective Courses Approved within MSSC

Plan A and Plan B master's students may select additional approved elective courses from within or outside the MSSC department. For a complete list of approved elective courses outside of the department, consult with the MSST program director Dr. Marta T. Magiera.

All courses are 3 credits. Additional electives within and outside the department as approved by the program director.