Master of Arts in Mathematics Education

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.

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 fifteen approved semester hours in graduate level mathematics courses

Usually selected from:

MATH 5100 - Applied Matrix Algebra Credits: 3 hrs.
MATH 5300 - Linear Algebra Credits: 3 hrs.
MATH 5800 - Number Theory Credits: 3 hrs.
MATH 6110 - Mathematical Applications Credits: 3 hrs.
MATH 6120 - Data Analysis Credits: 3 hrs.
MATH 6150 - Intermediate Analysis Credits: 3 hrs.
MATH 6160 - Survey of Algebra Credits: 3 hrs.
MATH 6170 - Discrete Dynamical Systems Credits: 3 hrs.
MATH 6490 - Studies in Geometry Credits: 3 hrs.

2. Complete twelve semester hours of approved mathematics education courses selected from:

MATH 6520 - Studies in Teaching Middle School Mathematics Credits: 3 hrs.
MATH 6530 - Studies in Teaching Secondary School Mathematics Credits: 3 hrs.
MATH 6540 - Secondary School Mathematics Curriculum Studies Credits: 3 hrs.
MATH 6550 - Issues and Trends in Secondary School Mathematics Credits: 3 hrs.
MATH 6950 - Seminar in Mathematics Education Credits: 1-4 hrs.

3. Complete an approved three-semester-hour

6000-level elective, selected from mathematics, mathematics education, or professional education.