MSST-MS: Mathematics for Secondary School Teachers Master of Science
Program Description
The Master of Science program in mathematics for secondary school teachers (MSST) offered by the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences is designed for students who want to deepen their knowledge of mathematics beyond the bachelor's level. The program offers training in mathematics, focusing on a blend of advanced mathematical and statistical knowledge and allows students flexibility in the selection of a wide range of topics. While the program is intended for students who hold secondary school license to teach mathematics in grades 9-12 it is open to all students who are interested in learning higher-level mathematics and are not teachers.
The MSST program is intended for students who have a sufficient mathematical background at the undergraduate level and want to hone strong analytic skills in multiple areas of mathematics. The program meets the needs of recent graduates seeking a master's degree in mathematics, mid-career mathematics teachers who are seeking a graduate program in mathematics for career advancement or for a career change, and non-teachers who seek to utilize their mathematical knowledge in industries outside of education. MSST candidates follow an individualized course of study prepared in cooperation with the student's adviser and approved by the MSCS Graduate Committee. The MSSC Department is committed to serving teachers. The program provides a generous number of mathematics courses in the late afternoon or evening as well as some summer courses to accommodate teachers' work schedules. Students may select courses from a list of approved courses offered by the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences and other units on campus. The program does not prepare for a doctoral-level study in pure mathematics.
Degree requirements
All master's students in the MSST program complete a 30-credit plan of study prepared in cooperation with an adviser and approved by the Graduate Committee of the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences. Students are admitted to the non-thesis program (Plan B). A formal request to pursue a thesis program (Plan A) must be approved by the department's Graduate Committee and the Graduate School.
All Plan A students must complete a minimum of 24 credit hours of course work, which includes six credits of required mathematics education courses. In addition, students must complete six credit hours of MSSC 6999 (Master's Thesis) and submit a thesis that must be an original contribution to the student's field. Public defense is required.
Plan A: (Thesis)
- Mathematics Electives 18 credits
- Mathematics Education 6 credits
Subtotal 24 credits
- MSSC 6999 6 credits
Total 30 credits
All plan B students must complete a minimum of 30 credits hours of course work, which includes six credits of mathematics education courses. In addition, students must complete a non-credit essay that reflects the student's ability to synthesize source materials related to a particular area of research or professional practice. A public oral presentation of the essay is required.
Plan B: (Essay)
- Mathematics Electives 24 credits
- Mathematics Education 6 credits
Total 30 credits
- List of required mathematics education courses
| MSSC 5020 |
The Teaching of Mathematics |
3 credits |
| MSSC 6953 |
Seminar in Mathematics Curriculum and Material 1 |
3 credits |
- List of elective courses approved within MSSC
| MSSC 5030 |
Concepts in Geometry and Calculus from an Advanced Standpoint |
3 credits |
| MSSC 5040 |
Concepts in High School Algebra and Number Theory from an Advanced Standpoint |
3 credits |
| MSSC 5120 |
Abstract Algebra 1 |
3 credits |
| MSSC 5121 |
Abstract Algebra 2 |
3 credits |
| MSSC 5200 |
Intermediate Analysis |
3 credits |
| MSSC 5210 |
Complex Variables |
3 credits |
| MSSC 5310 |
History of Mathematical Ideas |
3 credits |
| MSSC 5320 |
Theory of Numbers |
3 credits |
| MSSC 5420 |
Foundations of Geometry |
3 credits |
| MSSC 5540 |
Numerical Analysis |
3 credits |
| MSSC 5630 |
Mathematical Modeling and Analysis |
3 credits |
| MSSC 5650 |
Theory of Optimization |
3 credits |
| MSSC 5670 |
Applied Combinatorial Mathematics |
3 credits |
| MSSC 5700 |
Theory of Probability |
3 credits |
| MSSC 5710 |
Mathematical Statistics |
3 credits |
| MSSC 5720 |
Statistical Methods |
3 credits |
| MSSC 5740 |
Biostatistical Methods and Models |
3 credits |
| MSSC 5760 |
Time Series Analysis |
3 credits |
| MSSC 5780 |
Regression Analysis |
3 credits |
| MSSC 6010 |
Computational Probability |
3 credits |
| MSSC 6020 |
Statistical Simulation |
3 credits |
| MSSC 6030 |
Applied Mathematical Analysis |
3 credits |
| MSSC 6040 |
Applied Linear Algebra |
3 credits |
| MSSC 6240 |
Design and Analysis of Scientific Experiments |
3 credits |
| MSSC 6250 |
Statistical Machine Learning |
3 credits |
| Additional electives within and outside the department as approved by the program director |
Students who graduate from the MSST program will demonstrate the habits of mind that support lifelong learning by:
- Connecting their 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).
- Clearly articulating connections between the two areas, both orally and in writing.
- Applying their knowledge of an area of mathematics to classroom/professional practice.
The MSST program aspires to build a community of learners and scholars benefiting from shared experiences both inside and outside the classroom where learning is accepted and nurtured between peers and between students and faculty members.
What jobs do students get after graduation?
Students who have graduated from this program work as mathematics teachers at the K-12 or post-secondary levels, mathematics curriculum specialists, or district mathematics coaches. Some students continue on for Ph.D. in mathematics education.
apply to the msst program
Financial Aid
For a comprehensive listing of merit-based aid (e.g. Milwaukee-Area Teachers Scholarships) please visit https://bulletin.marquette.edu/grad/financialaid/.
Private scholarships may also be available. U.S. citizens and permanent residents may be eligible to apply for need-based federal aid (loans) to help fund their educational expenses as well.
Program Resources
For additional information such as program admission, learning outcomes, and course of Study, please visit the MSST page on the graduate school website.
Student Success Stories
Do you have a success to share with us? We'd love to hear from you. Please fill out this form and tell us about your new job, presentation, publication, or any other award or honor you've recently received. We will post your story here, on the Graduate School website and on the Marquette University Facebook and Twitter pages.
Contact Us
For more information about the MSST program, please contact Dr. Marta T. Magiera.
