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Mathematics Education

MS Overview

Degree Requirements
Our program emphasizes course interactions with faculty, both in and out of the classroom, that (1) allows students to explore new mathematical understanding in both personal and social contexts; (2) immerses students deeply in exploration, inquiry, analysis, and exposition; and (3) familiarizes students with the ever-expanding body of research literature on learning and teaching mathematics and with prevailing research methodologies.

Admission and Entry

  • Semesters of entry and application deadlines: summer or fall is March 1, (U.S. and international).
  • Required entrance examinations: GRE general test. Every international applicant whose native language is not English is required to submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores.
  • Academic prerequisite: BS in mathematics education or equivalent academic credentials (as determined by the Department of Mathematics Education).
  • Certification prerequisite: Recognized state teacher certification. (Note: Work required to meet the certification requirement may not be counted as part of a graduate program.)
  • Advisement: The graduate coordinator is an entering student’s academic sponsor (preliminary advisor). Entering students should contact their academic sponsor as soon as they arrive on campus.

Requirements for Degree—Thesis Program

  • Credit hours (30): minimum of 24 credit hours of approved course work plus 6 thesis hours (Mthed 699R). Note: Credit for undergraduate prerequisite courses, independent study courses, or certification courses is not allowed.
  • Required courses: Mthed 590, 591; 3 credit hours of 611R; 9 credit hours of approved 500- or 600-level mathematics education course work.
  • Electives: 6 credits of approved graduate level coursework (no more than 3 credits of reading course 695R).
  • Comprehensive examination: pass a written comprehensive examination. Full-time students take the exam in May following their first year; part-time students take the exam in May following their second year.
  • Thesis: write a thesis based on an approved research project. Note: A formal thesis proposal is required.
  • Oral defense of thesis.
  • Minor (optional): any approved minor.

Requirements for Degree—Nonthesis Program

  • Credit hours (30): minimum of 27 approved course work hours plus 3 project hours (Mthed 698R). Note: Credit for undergraduate prerequisite courses, independent study, or certification courses is not allowed.
  • Required courses: Mthed 590, 591; 3 credit hours of 611R; 12 credit hours of approved 500- or 600-level mathematics education courses.
  • Electives: 6 credits of approved graduate level coursework (no more than 3 credits of reading course 695R).
  • Comprehensive examination: pass a written comprehensive examination. Full-time students take the exam in May following their first year; part-time students take the exam in May following their second year.
  • Project paper: write a paper based on an approved project. Note: A formal project proposal is required.
  • Presentation: prepare and deliver a 45-minute presentation of the project paper.
  • Minor (optional): any approved minor.