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Graduate Catalog | 2015-2016 
    
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Graduate Catalog | 2015-2016 Previous Edition

Mathematics Education, M.A.

The Master of Arts in Mathematics Education degree program is designed primarily for secondary mathematics school teachers interested in professional growth and graduate certification 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 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.

In addition to the M.A. in Mathematics Education program, the department offers a Mathematics Education specialization to students enrolled in the Ph.D. program in Curriculum and Instruction in the College of Education.  For details, please see the Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction .

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 who is pursuing the degree in order to teach Mathematics at the Community College level may be admitted on the condition that he/she has completed the required undergraduate coursework in Mathematics.
  3. A satisfactory score is required on the Aptitude Portion of the Graduate Record Examination.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Arts in Mathematics Education degree requires successful completion of a minimum of 33 hours of graduate credit 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.

Mathematics Courses (18 credit hours)

18 credit hours of graduate-level Mathematics courses selected in consultation with the program Coordinator are required, with at least 9 credit hours of courses at the 6000-level. A recommended plan of study includes:

Education Courses (15 credit hours)

15 hours of graduate-level courses covering mathematics education learning theory, research, and contemporary topics in secondary mathematics teaching are required.

Portfolio

Students are required to produce a Basic Portfolio consisting of documents and artifacts that provides evidence of the student’s professional growth during the program.

Comprehensive Exam

Upon successful completion of all coursework, each candidate for the degree 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 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 will advise and assist the student in planning his/her Comprehensive Portfolio or Final Research Report.