Masters in Mathematics Education

The Master of Science degree with specialization in mathematics education requires that the student demonstrate knowledge in certain core areas.

Departmental Requirements for M.S. in Mathematics Education

Core course requirements: All candidates for the M.S. degree with specialization in mathematics education must earn a grade of A or B in a prescribed 18 hours from the following list of core courses.

Basic areas:

Twelve hours total from the following courses, with three hours from Algebra/Number Theory and six hours from Mathematics Education:

• Analysis: Intermediate Analysis (MATH 5083) or Advanced Calculus I (MATH 5043)
• Algebra/Number Theory: Three hours from any of Abstract Algebra l (MATH 5003), Abstract Algebra ll (MATH 5013), Advanced Linear Algebra (MATH 5023), Number Theory (MATH 5713*), Groups and Representations (MATH 5803*)
• Mathematics Education: Six hours Advanced Perspectives on Secondary and Collegiate Mathematics (MATH 5893) and Introduction to Mathematics Education Research (MATH 5913)

Topical areas:

Six hours total from the following courses, with three hours from two of the topical areas listed below:

• Analysis and Differential Equations: Advanced Calculus I (MATH 5043) *If not selected under Analysis above*, Advanced Calculus II (MATH 5053), Intermediate Differential Equations (MATH 5203*), Introduction to Partial Differential Equations (MATH 5263*), Introduction to Numerical Analysis (MATH 5513*)
• Algebra and Discrete Mathematics: Abstract Algebra II (MATH 5013) *If not selected under Algebra/Number Theory above*, Introduction to Optimization (MATH 5503*), Combinatorics (MATH 5673*), Introduction to Cryptography (MATH 5753*), or three hours from a course listed above under Algebra/Number Theory which was not used to meet the requirement.
• Geometry: Geometry (MATH 5403*), Geometry and Algorithms in Three-Dimensional Modeling (MATH 5423*), Differential Geometry of Curves and Surfaces (MATH 5443*)
• Statistics: As background for teaching, both a computational statistics course (5013-5043 and 5543) and a probability course (5123 or 5253) are preferred. Statistics for Experimenters I (STAT 5013), Statistics for Experimenters II (STAT 5023), Sample Survey Designs (STAT 5043), Probability Theory (STAT 5123), Mathematical Statistics I (STAT 5253*), Applied Regression Analysis (STAT 5543*)

Elective Courses: The student should select 9-12 hours of elective courses in consultation with their advisor. The core course (18 hours), elective courses (9-12 hours), and the report (3 hours) or these (6 hours, see below) will comprise the 33 hours required for the degree. Note that courses labelled with an asterisk (*) are cross-listed with non-Honors undergraduate courses whose prerequisites are at the junior level or below. The courses taken on the MS degree program must include at least 21 hours without the (*) indicated, with at least 20 hours from the mathematical sciences. No more than six hours outside the mathematical sciences will count towards the MS degree. All courses on the MS degree program must constitute a coherent whole and must be approved by the student's advisory committee.

Note on prerequisites: It is assumed that students will have already completed the equivalent of the Calculus sequence, a basic course in Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, and a preliminary course in mathematics proof such as Introduction to Abstract Algebra (MATH 3613). Completion of Introduction to Analysis (MATH 4023/5073) is preferred.

Courses taken in graduate school: The courses taken in graduate school must total at least 33 hours. The courses taken on the M.S. degree program must include at least 21 hours of non-cross-listed courses, of which 20 hours must be from the mathematical sciences (mathematics, statistics, or computer science). No more than six hours outside the mathematical sciences will count towards the M.S. degree. All the courses on the M.S. degree program must constitute a coherent whole and must be approved by the student's advisory committee.

Report or thesis

Each student must complete either a Masters' Report (3 hours of MATH 5000) or a Masters' Thesis (6 hours of MATH 5000). A written document and a public presentation based on this individually directed project is required.

Teaching experience: Any student in this program who is also a Teaching Assistant in the Department of Mathematics is encouraged to work with the Associate Head in designing a broad spectrum of teaching assignments.

Other requirements: The university catalog contains detailed procedures and requirements applicable to all Master's degrees.