M.S. in Mathematics with Concentration in Mathematics Education

The Master of Science degree concentration in Mathematics Education 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 teachers.

By the end of his/her first semester in the program, each student will select a member of the Mathematics Education faculty who will serve as his/her 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:

  1. Twenty-seven hours of undergraduate coursework in Mathematics beyond the freshman level, or evidence of equivalent academic preparation.
  2. Possession of a North Carolina “A” teacher’s license or the equivalent from another state. An applicant may be admitted on the condition that he/she satisfies the Class “A” requirements early in his/her course of study. Work applied to the Class “A” deficiency may not be applied toward the degree.
  3. Two years of full-time experience teaching mathematics in a secondary school or other acceptable teaching experience.
  4. A satisfactory score is required on the general Graduate Record Examination.

Concentration Requirements

Candidates for the Master of Science degree concentration in Mathematics Education must complete a minimum of 33 semester hours of graduate credit or the equivalent. Of these, 18 hours must be in courses numbered 6000 or above. Programs of study beyond these 33 hours may be required to remove deficiencies in undergraduate programs or to develop areas of need, interest, or desired experience.

Core Content Requirements (21 hours)

21 hours of graduate-level mathematics courses selected in consultation with the Graduate Advisor, covering Real Analysis, Mathematical Foundations and Algebra, Geometry, Probability and Statistics, and the History of Mathematics.

  • MATH 5109 – History of Mathematical Thought (3)
  • MATH 6101 – Real Analysis for Secondary Mathematics Teachers I (3)
  • MATH 6102 – Real Analysis for Secondary Mathematics Teachers II (3)
  • MATH 6108/STAT 6108 – Probability and Statistics for Secondary Mathematics Teachers (3)
  • MATH 6118 – Non-Euclidean Geometry (3)

Mathematical Foundations and Algebra Courses

Select two of the following:

  • MATH 5161 – Number Theory (3)
  • MATH 6106 – Modern Algebra for Secondary Mathematics Teachers (3)
  • MATH 6107 – Linear Algebra for Secondary Mathematics Teachers (3)

Mathematics Education Requirements (9 hours)

9 hours of 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 Secondary School Mathematics (3)

Professional Education Requirements (3 hours)

3 hours of graduate-level professional education coursework:

  • MDSK 6260 Principles of 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 MS degree with concentration in Mathematics Education must pass a comprehensive final exam consisting of two parts. The student must pass an oral exam on the mathematics content courses. The second part of the exam involves the student presenting documentation that demonstrates his/her 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 will advise and assist the student in planning his/her Comprehensive Portfolio or Final Research Report.