M.S. in Mathematics - Mathematics Education Option (MSMME)
The MSMME program emphasizes the teaching and learning of secondary mathematics and offers a combination of courses addressing key topics in mathematics content and pedagogy. The MSMME curriculum incorporates problem-based and active learning and aligns with the NCTM Principles and Standards for School Mathematics as well as the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. The 30-credit-hour program includes four required core content courses, two required pedagogy courses from a choice of four, and a variety of elective courses. Completing the program typically requires taking a series of online courses over two academic years and attending at least one (required) summer session in Montana. Embedded in the required coursework are classroom-based research projects that address specific challenges in teaching, investigate new instructional strategies, or allow teachers to design, teach, and assess lessons in a specific content area.
Admission
Preference will be given to applicants who have:
- An earned B.S. or B.A. degree from a mathematics or mathematics teaching program
- Licensure in at least one state to teach secondary mathematics
- A current position in secondary teaching
- Two or more years of teaching experience
- An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
Consideration will be given to other applicants as space allows:
- Secondary teachers with a significant mathematics background but not holding secondary mathematics licensure (e.g., private school teachers)
- Licensed secondary mathematics teachers not currently teaching but who intend to teach secondary mathematics in the near future
- Mathematics teachers at other levels with appropriate background and experience (reviewed on a case-by-case basis)
Special Notes:
- GRE scores are NOT required for admission to the MSMME program.
- The MSMME is approved under the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP), which allows teachers from Western states to pay in-state resident tuition. The participating states are Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming (http://www.montana.edu/gradschool/costs.html).
- MSMME qualifies for reduced out-of-state tuition rates as an online program at MSU (http://www.montana.edu/online/cost/).
Program Requirements
1. Core Content Courses (4 required): | ||
M 518 | Statistics For Teaching | 3 |
M 524 | Linear Algebra for Teaching | 3 |
M 525 | Analysis for Teaching | 3 |
Choose either M517 or M527: | ||
M 517 | Advanced Mathematical Modeling for Teaching | 3 |
M 527 | Geometry for Teaching | 3 |
2. Pedagogy Courses (2 required): | ||
Required: | ||
Access and Equity in Mathematics Teaching | ||
Choose at least 1 of 3: | 6 | |
Mathematics Learning Theory for Teaching | ||
Curriculum Design | ||
Assessment Models and Issues | ||
3. Elective Courses (4 required): | ||
Elective courses are offered on a rotating schedule or on demand. The pedagogy courses listed above also serve as electives. | 12 | |
Language of Mathematics for Teaching | ||
Assessment of Mathematics for Teaching | ||
Number Structure for Teaching | ||
Discrete Mathematics for Teaching | ||
History of Mathematics for Teaching | ||
Technology and Mathematics for Teaching | ||
Conducting Action Research in Mathematics Education | ||
Total Credits | 30 |
MSMME Program Portfolio
Graduates of the MSMME program must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the standards that guide their profession and how these standards undergird their own professional growth. In addition, they are expected to continuously reflect on their learning; to recognize personal gains in content knowledge and pedagogical skills; and to engage in classroom research experiences. To meet these capstone requirements, teachers build a program portfolio throughout their course of study and present a summative reflection upon completion of coursework. This portfolio, which must be publicly presented and discussed with committee members, represents the capstone event of the program and replaces a comprehensive examination.