Mathematics Education Concentration
The Master of Science in Mathematics with Concentration in Mathematics Education degree program is designed primarily for secondary school mathematics teachers interested in professional growth in mathematics teaching. Emphasis in this program is given to developing depth and breadth in mathematics teaching and learning, appropriate to the role of the secondary school teacher.
By the end of their first semester in the program, each student will select a member of the Mathematics Education faculty to serve as their Graduate Advisor throughout the program. Approval of the program of each student and provision of advice regarding progress toward the degree are the responsibility of the Graduate Advisor.
Additional Admission Requirements
In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School, the following are required for graduate study in Mathematics Education:
- Twenty-seven hours of undergraduate coursework in Mathematics beyond the freshman level, or evidence of equivalent academic preparation.
- Possession of a North Carolina “A” teacher’s license or the equivalent from another state is preferred.
- Two years of full-time experience teaching mathematics in a secondary school or other acceptable teaching experience.
Concentration Requirements
Candidates for the M.S. in Mathematics with Concentration in Mathematics Education degree must complete a minimum of 33 credit hours of graduate coursework or the equivalent. Of these, 18 credit hours must be in courses numbered 6000 or above. Programs of study beyond these 33 credit hours may be required to remove deficiencies in undergraduate programs or to develop areas of need, interest, or desired experience.
Core Courses (15 credit hours)
- MATH 5109 – History of Mathematical Thought (3)
- MATH 6101 – Foundations of Mathematics (3)
- MATH 6102 – Real Analysis for Mathematics Teachers (3)
- MATH 6118 – Non-Euclidean Geometry (3)
- MATH 6108 – Probability and Statistics for Mathematics Teachers (3)
- or STAT 6108 – Probability and Statistics for Mathematics Teachers (3)
Mathematical Foundations and Algebra Courses (6 credit hours)
Select two of the following:
- MATH 5161 – Number Theory (3)
- MATH 6106 – Modern Algebra for Mathematics Teachers (3)
- MATH 6107 – Linear Algebra for Mathematics Teachers (3)
Mathematics Education Courses (9 credit hours)
Students take graduate-level courses covering mathematics education learning theory, research, and contemporary topics in secondary mathematics teaching.
- MAED 6122 – Theoretical Foundations of Learning Mathematics (3)
- MAED 6123 – Research in Mathematics Education (3)
- MAED 6124 – Issues in the Teaching of Mathematics (3)
Professional Education Course (3 credit hours)
- MDSK 6260 – Teacher Leadership (3)
Basic Portfolio
Each student must complete a Basic Portfolio consisting of documents and artifacts that provides evidence of the student’s professional growth during the program.
Substitutions to satisfy any of the Concentration Requirements must be approved by the Graduate Advisor and the Mathematics Education Coordinator.
Comprehensive Examination
Upon successful completion of all coursework, each candidate for the M.S. in Mathematics with Concentration in Mathematics Education degree is required to demonstrate that they have met the program goals in an oral presentation consisting of two parts. In the first part, the student answers questions from the faculty that focus on the mathematics content courses. The second part of the exam involves the student presenting documentation that demonstrates their professional growth as teachers and educational researchers. The student has the option of presenting either a research-based project or a comprehensive portfolio. The Graduate Advisor advises and assists the student in planning their Comprehensive Portfolio or Final Research Report.