Master of Arts in Mathematics Education (MEDM)

Advisor: See Mathematics Office,
Room 3319, Everett Tower

This program deepens and extends secondary school mathematics teachers’ understanding of mathematics and its learning and teaching. Through a focus on both theory and practice, this program enables teachers to strengthen their classroom effectiveness, to assume leadership roles in curriculum and instruction, and, if so desired, continue with doctoral study in mathematics education.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements of the Graduate College, admission to this curriculum requires a bachelor’s degree with at least a secondary teaching minor in mathematics, equivalent to that offered at Western, and fifteen hours of undergraduate work in professional education or its equivalent. In addition, the student will prepare a written statement indicating (1) their preparation for the program and (2) their professional goals and purpose for seeking a graduate degree.

Program Requirements

In meeting these program requirements an effort is made to select courses that deal with concepts and skills related to central themes in secondary school mathematics programs. These themes are given substance in courses that deal with topics enabling students to review and build on their previous course work, to explore new areas, to develop thorough understandings of concepts that are initiated in secondary school mathematics courses, and to achieve a high level of mastery of skills associated with these concepts.

1. Complete at least 12 credit hours of approved graduate mathematics courses usually selected from:

MATH 5100 - Applied Matrix Algebra Credits: 3 hours
OR
MATH 5300 - Linear Algebra Credits: 3 hours
OR
MATH 5310 - Linear Algebra with Applications Credits: 3 hours
MATH 5700 - Advanced Calculus I Credits: 4 hours
MATH 5800 - Number Theory Credits: 3 hours
MATH 6150 - Intermediate Analysis Credits: 3 hours
MATH 6160 - Survey of Algebra Credits: 3 hours
MATH 6170 - Survey of Discrete Mathematics Credits: 3 hours
MATH 6300 - Abstract Algebra I Credits: 4 hours
MATH 6490 - Studies in Geometry Credits: 3 hours
STAT 6120 - Data Analysis Credits: 3 hours

2. Complete at least 12 semester hours of approved mathematics education courses selected from:

MATH 6530 - Studies in Teaching Secondary School Mathematics Credits: 3 hours
MATH 6540 - Secondary School Mathematics Curriculum Studies Credits: 3 hours
MATH 6550 - Issues and Trends in Secondary School Mathematics Credits: 3 hours
MATH 6950 - Seminar in Mathematics Education Credits: 1 to 3 hours

3. Complete the required 30 credit hours by taking approved 6000-level courses, selected from mathematics, mathematics education, or professional education.